Albania Entry & Visa Guide for Saudi Arabia Citizens (2026)

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For citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), traveling from the Arabian Peninsula to the Balkan Peninsula has become a trending summer escape, thanks to the recent introduction of direct low-cost flights. The most critical piece of information for Saudi travelers is their status: Saudi citizens typically enjoy Visa-Free entry to Albania for tourism, but this is often Seasonal.

While the Albanian government frequently grants visa-free access to Saudi nationals (usually from April to December), travelers visiting during the winter months (January–March) might need a visa unless the waiver becomes permanent.

Whether you are departing from King Khalid International (RUH) in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz (JED) in Jeddah, or King Fahd (DMM) in Dammam—often on direct flights with Flynas or Wizz Air—Albanian border police will rigorously verify your documents.

This guide is specifically tailored for Saudi travelers. It addresses the specific realities of 2026: the Seasonal Visa Waiver, the strength of the Saudi Riyal (SAR), and the best direct flight routes.

For a broader understanding of general entry rules, please consult our main Visa Application Guide.

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Is a Visa Mandatory for Saudi Nationals?

It Depends on the Season.

• The Seasonal Waiver (Summer/Autumn): Historically, Albania lifts visa requirements for Saudi citizens during the tourist season (typically April 1st to December 31st). During this period, you can enter Visa-Free with just your passport.

• The Off-Season (Winter): If you travel between January and March, and the waiver has not been made permanent for 2026, you MUST apply for a C-Type e-Visa unless you hold a valid US/UK/Schengen visa.

Important: Always check the specific waiver dates for 2026 on the official Ministry website before booking winter travel. If the waiver is active, you do not need to apply for anything online.

The "Golden Exemption" (Year-Round)

Regardless of the season, you are EXEMPT from the Albanian e-Visa (and can enter Visa-Free year-round) if you hold a valid visa for certain Western jurisdictions:

1. US Visa: A valid, multiple-entry US Visa (B1/B2) that has been previously used to enter the US.

2. Schengen Visa: A valid, multiple-entry Schengen Visa that has been previously used to enter the Schengen area.

3. UK Visa: A valid, multiple-entry UK Visa that has been previously used.

• Summary: If you have a used US/Schengen visa in your passport, you never need an Albanian visa, even in winter.

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Border Entry Requirements (The "Hidden Visa")

Even if you enter Visa-Free (Seasonal), border police treat non-EU arrivals strictly. You must present:

1. Passport Validity

Your passport (Jawaz Safar) must be valid for at least 3 months (preferably 6) beyond your intended departure date from Albania.

2. Financial Proof (SAR Strength)

• The Requirement: Proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

• Banking: Have your Al Rajhi, SNB, Riyad Bank, or Alinma mobile app ready to show your balance if asked.

• Currency: The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is pegged to the USD and is widely recognized as strong proof of solvency.

• Cards: Carry a physical Mada card (with Visa/Mastercard logo) or a Credit Card. While Mada works at many ATMs, a Credit Card is safer for hotel deposits.

3. Proof of Accommodation

• Tourist: A confirmed Hotel Booking (Booking.com/Agoda) for your entire stay.

• Strictness: Border police may call the hotel to verify. Do not use "dummy" bookings.

4. Return Ticket

• A confirmed flight ticket back to Riyadh/Jeddah or to a third country.

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Application Process (If Visa Required / Off-Season)

If you travel in the winter (Jan-March) without a US/Schengen visa, you must apply for the e-Visa online:

✅ Translation Requirements (Arabic to English)Official documents in KSA are issued in Arabic. Albania requires English.

• Banking: Download your Bank Statement in English directly from your Al Rajhi/SNB App. No translation needed if the PDF is generated in English.

• Government Docs: Documents like Family Registry (Kart al-Aila) or Police Clearance (from Absher/Amen) must be translated if the original is Arabic-only.

• Absher: Most documents from Absher can be generated in English or have a bilingual option. Use this to save on translation costs.

✅ Payment Methods (Mada/STC Pay)

• Mada Cards: Your Mada card (Visa/Mastercard co-branded) works on the Albanian e-Visa portal. Crucial: Ensure "Online/Internet Purchasing" is enabled in your banking app settings.

• STC Pay / Urpay: You can use the virtual Visa cards from your STC Pay or Urpay wallet.

• Currency: The fee is in Euros (€). Your bank will handle the SAR to EUR conversion automatically.

The government fees for 2026 are:

• Tourist Visa: €60

• Business Visa: €100

Processing Time :

• Standard Timeline: 9-15 Business Days.

• Express Timeline: 24 Business Hours. ( 3 Business Day )

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Transit & Flight Routes

Saudi Arabia has the best connectivity to Albania in the Middle East.

Strategic Routes:

• Direct Flights (Summer):
  Flynas: Often operates direct seasonal flights from Riyadh (RUH) and Jeddah (JED) to Tirana (TIA).
  Wizz Air: operates direct low-cost flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, and sometimes Dammam to Tirana. This is the cheapest option.

• Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines/Pegasus): A popular year-round route. Saudi citizens currently enjoy Electronic Visa (E-Visa) or Visa-on-Arrival status for Turkey (verify 2026 rules). Transit is seamless.

• Via Dubai (Flydubai): Connects well from all Saudi airports.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I enter Albania with my Saudi National ID?

No. The Saudi National ID (Batakat al-Hawiya) is for GCC travel only. You strictly need a valid Passport to enter Albania.

Can I spend Saudi Riyals (SAR) in Albania?

No. You cannot easily exchange SAR in Albania. Bring Euros (€) or US Dollars ($) cash. You can withdraw Albanian Lek (ALL) from ATMs using your Mada/Credit card.

Is the e-Visa valid for entering Kosovo?

No. Albania and Kosovo are separate countries. However, Kosovo generally allows visa-free entry for Saudi citizens (verify the specific Kosovo-Saudi regime for 2026).

I am a resident (Iqama holder) in Saudi Arabia. Is it visa-free for me?

No. The visa waiver applies to Saudi Citizens (passport holders) only. Residents (e.g., Filipino, Pakistani, Indian expats in KSA) must apply for an Albanian e-Visa based on their nationality, unless they hold a valid US/UK/Schengen visa.

Do I need a Schengen Visa?

Not for Albania itself. However, if you fly via a European hub like Frankfurt or Rome, check transit visa requirements. Flying direct (Flynas/Wizz Air) or via Istanbul/Dubai avoids European transit visa issues completely.