What do I need to enter Albania, passport or ID card? (EU/Schengen)

Albania is one of the countries that has been trying to attract tourists relatively recently. Its location next to tourist powers such as Greece or Croatia, makes more and more people visit this Balkan country. However, many people have a dilemma before traveling, what documents are needed to enter Albania – passport or ID card? After all, this country is neither in the European Union nor in the Schengen area. We will explain everything in a moment.

Is a passport needed for Albania?

Since 2009, citizens of European Union member states can enter Albania on the basis of a valid ID card or passport. The only requirement is that both documents must be valid for at least three months from the date of departure from Albania.

Do ​​you need a passport for Albania?
Do ​​you need a passport for Albania?

When do you need a passport in Albania?

If you stay in this country for up to 90 days (within 180 days of entry), you don’t need any visa either. Extension of stay above these 3 months can be arranged at the Immigration Office, but on the basis of a passport. The reasons for extending your stay in Albania may be setting up your own business in this country, marriage with an Albanian citizen or simply legal work.

The second case when you will need a passport is when you want to use the medical services covered by insurance. It’s about more serious surgery and hospital stay. In the case of ordinary cuts and emergency help, e.g. in resorts, it is completely free and all you need is your ID card. Similarly, in the case of private visits, if you do not care about the reimbursement of expenses incurred, then all you need is your ID card.

The third case in which you need a passport in Albania is when you are going to travel to or through Kosovo. Then the passport is a mandatory document, without which you will not enter this country.

Albania passport or ID card
Albania passport or ID card

Other documents needed to travel to Albania

Additional medical insurance is not mandatory in Albania, however recommended. Especially if you want to use the help of private healthcare, which has nothing to hide is at a much higher level than the public. It will also be useful for medical transport back to your country. You just have to remember that when dealing with the insurer, private health centers in Albania will ask you for a passport.

Regarding drivers, Albania recognizes the driving license issued in EU and EEA countries and requires civil liability insurance. Green cards issued by EU insurers are respected here, but it is also advisable to take out private road assistance insurance when traveling in Albania. If you are driving a vehicle that does not belong to you, you will also need a notary authorization from the owner, translated into English.

It is also worth knowing that at the border they should not demand any “border fees” from us. This also applies to coaches, buses and lorries. You do not need to have a certain amount of money for a given day in Albania, nor have you bought return tickets. It is just as if someone was trying to pull you on a fee invented on the spot.

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