A visa is a document of approval you need to enter or stay in a foreign country. It is issued by the government of the country you wish to visit. So, if you are looking forward to traveling to Albania, known for its great tourist spots, let us talk about how you can get your visa on time.
Types of visas issued by Albania
When you plan to go abroad, the first thing you need is to get your visa issued. There are various types of visas, depending on your purpose of visit and the duration of your stay. The Albanian consulate issues two types of visas:
Short Term Visa
This type of visa is issued if you plan to stay in the country for a limited time, which in this case is up to 90 days. The grounds on which you can apply for this visa include anything that does not require a prolonged stay. For instance, it could be tourism, medical reasons, or business-related visits.
Long Term Visa
This is the type of visa you need to apply for if you plan on a long visit to the country. That includes family visits or staying as a student or worker in the country. This visa will allow you to remain in the country for up to 12 months, but it is mandatory that you have a residential permit in Albania.
Cost of Albanian Visa
When a country issues you a visa, they charge a certain amount for it which is often referred to as the visa processing fee or simply the visa fee. This amount varies according to the country that issues the visa as well as the country from which you are applying for it. Short-term and long-term visas have different rates.
According to the revised visa payment structure for Albania, a visitor has to pay the same amount as a visa fee as residents of Albania have to pay a visa fee for that particular country.
Documents required while applying for Albania visa
Before a visa is issued, the consulate will collect certain documents from you for verification purposes. You need to submit them before you pay the visa fee. The documents that you need for an Albanian visa are:
- The first thing that should be submitted is the application form that the consulate issues. It should be filled with all the details to your best knowledge.
- Passport-sized pictures with blank and colored backgrounds.
- You need to share the details of your flight bookings. The documents should state the dates of departure and arrival as well as the details of the flight itself.
- You need to show the bank statements from the last six months to provide assurance that you have enough funds to stay in the country.
- A legitimate passport must be submitted in good condition for the visa to be issued.
- You must provide the details of your health insurance, which should cover a minimum amount of €30,000. This provides assurance that you can cover your medical needs while in Albania.
- You need to provide the documents carrying the details of your accommodation in the country. It can be a rented house or the accommodations provided by the people who invited you.
- You need to produce authorized proof of the reason you are visiting the country. It can be for tourism or for other reasons.
- Lastly, you also need an invitation letter from someone who is a current resident of the country, preferably friends or family members.
There are countries whose residents do not require a visa to enter or stay in Albania, but even they must carry a few essential documents like:
- A legitimate passport
- Flight details of both arrival and return
- Proof of reason and nature of the visit
Living Costs in Albania
The living cost in any country would depend on the lifestyle you choose to adopt. After you have finished your studies, you can continue to live in Albania as a working resident as the living costs there are quite reasonable. As of 2022, a single person can live comfortably in Albania for $600 per month including rent. And with a well-paying job, you can even support a family of your own. A family of 4 can live here at $1500 per month.
Job Opportunities in Albania
Often listed among the poorest European nations, Albania has a failing economy which results in significantly fewer job opportunities. However, if you wish to work in Albania, you can apply either in the government sector or the private sector once you finish your degree education. But as a foreign national you would need to apply for a work permit from the government.
Conclusion
Albania is a great country to visit for you and your family as tourists. The moderate living costs make it a lucrative destination for students, but the poor economy does not attract many people to live as residents there.