Albania and the Schengen Zone: What You Need to Know
If you are planning to visit Albania, you might be wondering if it is part of the Schengen Zone, a group of 26 European countries that have abolished border checks and allow free movement of people and goods. The answer is no, Albania is not part of the Schengen Zone, but that does not mean that you cannot easily travel here and enjoy its many attractions.
You don’t need a VISA to visit Albania if one of the following applies to you:
- Foreign citizens who have a valid, multiple-entry Schengen visa, which has been previously used in one of the Schengen states, or foreign citizens who have a valid permit of stay in one of the Schengen states.
- Foreign citizens who have a valid, multiple-entry US or UK visa, which has been previously used in the respective country of issuance, or have valid permit of stay in the US or UK.
- Foreign citizens who enter and stay without visa in the Schengen area.
For more information you can check the official website for visa application.
What is the Schengen Zone?
The Schengen Zone is a cooperation agreement between 26 European countries that allows their citizens and visitors to travel freely within the area without passport checks or visas. It covers most of the European Union (EU) countries, except for Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania, as well as four non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
The Schengen Zone also has a common visa policy, which means that visitors from outside the area need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter any of the Schengen countries. A Schengen visa is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period and allows multiple entries and exits within the Schengen Zone.
Why is Albania not part of the Schengen Zone?
Albania is not part of the Schengen Zone because it is not a member of the EU, and it has not yet met the criteria to join the Schengen agreement. Albania is a candidate country for EU membership since 2014, and it has been working on aligning its laws and policies with the EU standards. However, the EU accession process is long and complex, and it requires the approval of all EU member states. Albania is also not part of the Schengen Zone because it still has some challenges to overcome.
Albania shares borders with four other countries: Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, and it has to ensure that its border controls are effective and efficient. However, Albanians does not need a Visa to enter in the Schengen countries since the liberalisation of movement in December 2010.
Even though Albania is not part of the Schengen Zone, you can still visit it and the Schengen Zone on the same trip, depending on your nationality and visa requirements.
Here are some scenarios to consider:
– If you are a citizen of a Schengen country, you can travel to Albania with your national ID card or passport, without a visa. You can also travel to any other Schengen country with the same documents, without any border checks.
– Citizens from visa-exempt countries like the USA, Canada, and Japan can enter Albania and the Schengen Zone with just a passport, adhering to the 90-day limit within 180 days for the latter.
– If you are a citizen of a non-Schengen country that requires a visa for the Schengen Zone, it is better to check the official website if you need a visa or not.
Tips on how to make the most of your stay in Albania
Albania is a beautiful country with a rich culture, history, and nature. It offers a variety of attractions and activities for all kinds of travelers, from ancient ruins and castles, to stunning beaches and mountains, to delicious food and friendly people.
Here are some tips on how to make the most of your stay in Albania:
– Explore the capital city of Tirana, where you can see the colorful buildings, the Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, and the Bunk’Art Museum.
– Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Berat, Gjirokastra, and Butrint, where you can admire the Ottoman architecture, the stone houses, the medieval fortresses, and the ancient ruins.
– Enjoy the sun and the sea at the Albanian Riviera, where you can find some of the best beaches in Europe, such as Ksamil, Himara, Dhermi, Saranda, and Vlora.
– Experience the adventure and the nature at the Albanian Alps, where you can hike, bike, raft, kayak, or camp in the stunning landscapes of Valbona, Theth, Koman, and Shkodra.
– Taste the local cuisine and the wine, which are influenced by the Mediterranean, Balkan, and Ottoman flavors. Try some of the typical dishes, such as byrek, tavë kosi, fërgesë, and baklava, and some of the local wines, such as shesh, kallmet, and merlot.
Conclusion
Albania, while not in the Schengen Zone, is easily accessible and full of attractions. This guide covers visiting Albania and the Schengen Area together, explaining Albania’s status and offering tips for a memorable stay.
