Albania entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bulgarian passport holders can enter Albania without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up with your passport and you're good to go.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from Albania | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity after the day you leave Albania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended for visa-free entry | Immigration officers at Tirana International Airport may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a bank statement or enough cash to cover your stay. The official minimum is around €50 per day, but officers almost never check it for short visits. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Albania, not from when you leave. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you go.
Visa-free for 90 days
Bulgarian passport holders can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. No application needed — just show up with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at passport control
At Tirana International Airport (TIA) or any land border crossing, join the queue for non-Albanian passports. Have your passport and any supporting documents ready.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your validity and may ask how long you're staying and where you're staying. Answer clearly.
3
Receive entry stamp
If everything is in order, you'll get an entry stamp in your passport. That stamp shows the date you entered and the maximum stay allowed (90 days). Keep it safe.
Download Albania Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€40 (approx. $44 USD)
For those who need a visa or want a formal record. Apply at Albanian embassy in Sofia.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity. Useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (Type D)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
retirement visa
Albanian Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
€100–€200 (approx. $110–$220 USD) per year
For retirees over 60 with sufficient pension or income. Requires proof of funds (€1,000+/month) and health insurance. Allows long-term stay without work.
digital nomad visa
Albanian Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
~€250 (approx. $275 USD) application fee
For remote workers with income from abroad. Requires proof of employment, income (€2,000+/month), and health insurance. Not yet fully implemented; check official sources.
work visa
Albanian Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Albania. Requires employer to obtain work permit. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Albanian Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) per year
For enrolled students at Albanian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayApplied if you exceed the 90-day stay limit; no official cap but fines can accumulate. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days; apply at Albanian embassy or consulate. | €40 (approx. $44 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within a year; each stay up to 90 days. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Albania
No transit visa needed
Bulgaria passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Albania. You can stay airside for up to 24 hours without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsTirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA)
Health & vaccines for Albania
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; use insect repellent and consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in rural areas; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Circulates in winter; vaccination recommended for vulnerable individuals.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tirana
Regional Directorate of Border and Migration
Rruga e Kavajës, Nr. 1, Tirana
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Durrës
Durrës Immigration Office
Rruga e Durrësit, Nr. 10, Durrës
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for tourists in coastal areas. Expect longer waits in summer.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalTirana
LanguageAlbanian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to one year.
Money
CurrencyAlbanian lek (ALL)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 81.95 ALL
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not considered safe to drink; stick to bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Bulgarian passport holders can enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Just show your valid passport at the border.
Up to 90 days within a 180-day rolling window. The count starts from your first entry. If you overstay, you may face fines or a ban.
No, the visa-free period is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a residence permit or a long-stay visa before your 90 days are up.
You'll likely be denied entry. The rule is strict: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Albania. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes, any proof of onward travel works — a bus ticket, ferry booking, or flight out of Albania. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
No, it's not required by law. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Albania can be high. A basic policy covering medical evacuation and hospital stays is cheap peace of mind.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business visits, and short stays. If you plan to work, you need a work visa or permit arranged before you arrive.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.