Albania entry requirements for Zambia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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

Zambian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Albania in 2026. You apply online before traveling, and approval usually takes a few days. Once approved, you can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for an Albanian eVisa at the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to the border.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover your entire stay
Your Zambian 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 6 months — check with your carrier.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure
Immigration officers at Tirana International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave Albania within your visa validity.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Border officers may request a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Keep a printed booking confirmation or an email from your host handy.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay — roughly €50–€100 per day. A recent bank statement or a credit card with sufficient limit works.Recommended
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Zambian passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport or border. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. Don't risk showing up without one.
Albania is visa-friendly for Zambians
The eVisa process is straightforward and quick. Most travellers get approved without issues. Just make sure your passport is valid and your documents are in order.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Albanian eVisa website and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload a digital passport photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 1-3 business days, but can be longer during peak season. Check your email (including spam) for the approval. Print a copy or save the PDF on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in Albania
At Tirana International Airport (TIA), head to the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, eVisa approval, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport and you're in.
4
Show documents if asked
Immigration officers may ask to see your return ticket and accommodation proof. Stay calm and hand them over. They rarely ask for travel insurance, but have it handy just in case.
Download Albania Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Download PDF

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)

Standard eVisa for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€60 (~$66 USD)

Good for frequent travelers.

Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)

For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.

work visa
Albanian Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Albania. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Albanian Student Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$110 USD) application fee
For enrollment in an Albanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Albanian Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$220 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution (e.g., €100,000+). Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Albania eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Zambia passport holders applying online.€30 (~$33 USD)
Albania eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within visa validity.€60 (~$66 USD)
Overstay fine per dayApplicable if you exceed the allowed stay.€10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €500 (~$550 USD)
Stay extension (if applicable)Possible only for certain visa types; check with immigration.€50 (~$55 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%

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

Zambia passport holders transiting through Albania do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to enter Albania (e.g., to change airports or stay overnight), you must obtain an eVisa.

Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid Schengen, US, UK, or multiple-entry visa for Albania may transit without visa.
Transit hubsTirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA)

Health & vaccines for Albania

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Zambia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk

Rare but present in rural/forested areas; consider vaccination if hiking.

Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common in rural areas; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Air pollutionModerate risk

Urban areas, especially Tirana, can have poor air quality in winter.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is very low, mainly in rural areas near the Greek border. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended.

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 residency permits.

Durrës
Durrës Immigration Office
Rruga e Portit, Durrës
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30

Handles extensions for those in coastal areas.

Practical information for ZM 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 = 82.04 ALL
updated May 31
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
Police129
Medical127
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Most applications are processed within 1-3 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. During summer or holidays, it can take longer.
The standard eVisa fee for Zambian passport holders is around €30-€50, depending on the type. Check the official website for the exact amount — it can change.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before your 90-day stay ends. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need the eVisa.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport is damaged. You can reapply with corrected info. There's no formal appeal process.
Yes, the same eVisa works at all land border crossings. Just show your approval at the checkpoint. Keep your documents ready.
It's not officially required, but immigration may ask if you look like you might work illegally. Having a credit card or a few hundred euros in cash is a good idea.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.