Albania is a country full of amazing contrastsand landscapes. Only here artfully intertwines the national flavor and excellent conditions for a good rest. Today, within the framework of crossing the state border, there is a simplified scheme, which means that virtually every citizen of the CIS countries can get an entry permit to Albania. Do Russians, Ukrainians or Belarusians need a visa to Albania? It should take a closer look at the peculiarities of crossing the state border.
Tours to Albania
This country is becoming increasingly popular.tourist destination. And all because it is here that you can enjoy air baths on the Adriatic coast, in the area of midday, dive into the waters of the Ionian Sea, and in the late afternoon visit the local Maldives.
Отсюда несложно добраться до греческого Корфу.Only 300 kilometers separated from the Italian Bari. No wonder the inhabitants of Italy unanimously believe that the best dishes of Italian cuisine are served in Albania. Nevertheless, the local cuisine is famous for its culinary delights - the area is generous with gifts.
In addition, in the territory of Albania isa huge number of Ayurvedic resorts, which means that tourists can not only enjoy a good rest, but also improve their own health. For this reason, tours to Albania are especially popular during the tourist season, which, in turn, leads to a simplified scheme for crossing the Albanian border.
So do I need a visa to Albania to visit the state? It should be noted that each year a special procedure is established for crossing the Albanian border.
Entrance to the territory of Albania for tourist purposes
Albania annually abolishes visa regime forRussia, Ukraine and Belarus during the tourist season. This means that citizens of the above countries can freely go on a trip to this amazing country. For example, in 2016, from May 15 to November 15, a simplified scheme for crossing the Albanian border operated. This year, the tourist season began a little later - from June 1. In this case, the question “Do I need a visa to Albania?” Is solved by itself.
Beyond the tourist season will haveto issue an entry permit. To do this, you need to contact the Embassy of Albania, where the potential recipient of the visa will have to pay a consular fee, the amount of which ranges from 50 to 100 euros, depending on the type of visa.
Peculiarities of crossing the Albanian border with visas of other countries
You will not need a visa to Albania for those whoare holders of multiple Schengen visas of category C and D, as well as those who have a residence permit issued by one of the countries that are members of the Schengen Agreement. In addition, holders of a residence permit issued in the United States or the United Kingdom may also not think about whether a visa is required for Albania. These persons may be in the state as tourists, but not more than three months.
Important aspect:at the time of crossing the Albanian border, these types of visas must be used at least once for their intended purpose (entry into the territory of the United States, United Kingdom or any other country that is a party to the Schengen Agreement).
Visa free season for tourists from all over the world
As already mentioned, Albania in recent yearshospitably opens its doors to citizens of other countries. And this is not only Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. So, a visa to Albania is not needed for Russians in the summer. But with the onset of October will have to think about Schengen. This rule has been in effect since 2009 - in summer, a simplified scheme for crossing the Albanian border operates. Albania abolished visas for Russians, residents of Belarus and Ukraine during the hot tourist season. It should be noted that the duration of the “free” period is shifted annually. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the visa-free period fully covers the summer period of the tourist season and partly “velvet”.
On the territory of Albania a citizen of Russia has the rightstay 90 days without a visa. Only after this period will have to apply to the embassy or visa center of Albania for obtaining official permission. Owners of the following privileges can do without a permit document:
- Schengen visa category C.
- National visa (category D).
- Residence permit in the Schengen area.
- Residence permit in the United States or the UK.
You should pay attention to the fact thatAlbanian airports are famous for their own worldview. So, in the absence of a local visa, the traveler may simply not be allowed on board the aircraft.
Features of the crossing of the Albanian border
To avoid an incident before landing,in advance to worry about a special permit, which can be obtained on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania. By the way, there are also detailed rules for crossing the state border.
In the summertime in order to get onthe territory of Albania, it is enough to present a passport, which expires at least 6 months. A stamp will be placed there on the spot, which guarantees a free stay in Albania for 90 days.
For traveling with a child is necessaryinternational passport of the baby and his birth certificate. You also have to worry about the permission of one of the parents, if the trip is planned only with the mother or father.
So autumn has come: it's time to think about Schengen
Multivisa is the best option forthose who wish to travel freely throughout European countries. The same document allows you to cross the Albanian border without unnecessary bureaucracy. The cost of a visa to Albania depends on many factors. An independent solution of the issue may save a few euros, but no one will guarantee that you will get a visa the first time.
Interesting fact:Albania currently does not belong to the Schengen zone, but it is possible to enter the country through a multivisa. Here is such a paradox. It is advisable to obtain permits in the country in which most of the trips are planned. There is one caveat: recently, the rules for crossing European borders have become somewhat tougher. Spontaneous document checks are often arranged at ports and airports to identify travelers violating the visa regime.
Documents for a visa to Albania
To issue a permits to the Embassy of Albania, you must submit the appropriate package of documents:
- International passport.
- A copy of the first page of the passport (personal data of the applicant), as well as a copy of those pages where there are marks on the crossing of state borders (if any).
- Application form of the visa applicant, filled out in block letters in Russian.
- Color photo format 3x4 cm.
- Confirmation of the purpose of the trip (need to provide confirmation of the room booked at the hotel).
- An invitation from a resident of Albania (necessary if it is a question of traveling for a personal purpose).
- The official document confirming the employment of the applicant.
- Proof of solvency of the applicant.
- Medical insurance.
- Tickets for the plane or water transport.
The cost of a short-term visa to Albania varies from 50 to 100 euros. It all depends on who is engaged in the design of permits.
Visa deadlines
You can apply for a visa to Albania on your own, butIt is better to do this if you have experience in obtaining permits. In all other respects, it is better to rely on more experienced specialists who do not require a lot of money for their work. In addition, representatives of travel agencies will certainly be able to prepare a complete package of documents, not forgetting even the most insignificant piece of paper. As soon as all references, extracts and statements are collected, the documents are transmitted to the embassy of Albania. By the way, the residents of Belarus will have to go to Moscow in order to get a visa to Albania. This is another reason that speaks about the advantage of attracting a mediator.
Как правило, рассмотрение документов происходит 7 working days excluding Russian and Albanian holidays. The cost of registration depends on the category of the requested visa. For example, a single entry visa will cost around 50 €, a double entry visa will cost 70 €. Multiple entry visa to Albania will cost 100 €.
Multiple Schengen, American orIrish visa avoids the need for an Albanian permit document. Thinking about how to get a visa to Albania, you should pay attention to the fact that a multiple entry visa opens up wider prospects. Therefore, for avid travelers, this will be the most optimal option that will allow you to enjoy a good rest in Albania.