Albania entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Albania in 2026. Apply online before you travel; approval usually takes 1–3 business days. Once approved, you can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Albania. Apply online at the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal before departure. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, and you'll receive the approved visa by email — print a copy to carry with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your South African passport must be valid for at least the full duration of your stay in Albania. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Albanian law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Border officers at Tirana International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Without one, you risk being denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying — have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host ready. A simple printout or the booking app on your phone works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement or a credit card with a reasonable limit — around €50–100 per day is a safe benchmark. Most travellers aren't asked, but it's better to have it. | Recommended |
eVisa is the only option for tourism
South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Albania. You must have the eVisa approved before you fly. No exceptions.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Albanian border control counts 6 months from your entry date, not your departure. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be refused entry. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Albanian eVisa website (e-visa.al). Fill in your personal details, passport info, travel dates, and upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around €30-50 depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — usually 1-3 business days.
2
Receive and save your eVisa
You'll get an email with the approved eVisa as a PDF. Download it, print a copy, and save it to your phone. Keep it accessible — you'll show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you leave, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Put them in a folder or save screenshots on your phone.
4
Arrive at Tirana International Airport (or other border)
At passport control, hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport and let you through. The whole process usually takes 5-10 minutes.
Download Albania Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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€30 (~$33 USD)
Apply at Albanian embassy/consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
Requires justification for multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (~$165 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification.
work visa
Work Permit (Type D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€150 (~$165 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Albania. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract.
student visa
Student Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable annually
€150 (~$165 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at Albanian universities. Requires proof of enrollment and funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$220 USD) application fee
For retirees over 60 with sufficient pension or savings. Requires proof of income and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for South African passport holders. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplicable if you overstay your visa-free or visa period. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €500 (approx. $550 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension may be possible for certain visa types; check with immigration. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
South African passport holders transiting through Albania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsTirana International Airport Nënë Tereza
Health & vaccines for Albania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk in forested areas.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common from undercooked food or untreated water.
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 Elbasanit, Tirana
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Durrës
Durrës Immigration Office
Rruga e Durrësit, Durrës
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for coastal visitors.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 82.55 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
Usually 1-3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. There's an expedited option for an extra fee (around €50) that can process in 24 hours.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you're staying airside and not passing through passport control, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the airport, you need the eVisa.
You'll be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa with the new passport.
Yes, the eVisa allows multiple entries within its validity period (usually 90 days from issue). Each stay can't exceed 90 days total.
Your passport, printed eVisa, return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer may ask for proof of funds — have a bank statement or credit card ready just in case.
No, it's not required for the application or entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical care in Albania can be expensive for tourists.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.