Albania entry rules outside Schengen
The U.S. Department of State says U.S. citizens may visit Albania without a visa for up to one year. The Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says entry conditions vary by nationality and may require supporting documents.
Entry and stay rules
The U.S. Department of State says U.S. citizens may visit Albania without a visa for up to one year. The Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says entry conditions vary by nationality and may require supporting documents.
How this relates to Schengen days
Albania is outside the Schengen area, so days there are not Schengen short-stay days. Time outside Schengen does not erase earlier days; the 90/180 calculation remains rolling.
A stay outside the Schengen area is not itself a reset. The 90/180 calculation remains rolling and prior Schengen days continue to count until they leave the relevant window.
The destination's entry rules depend on nationality and travel document. Check the linked official source before departure.
Frequently asked questions
Can U.S. citizens stay in Albania for a year without a visa?
The U.S. Department of State says U.S. citizens may stay visa-free for up to one year from first entry. Work, study, and longer stays require separate Albanian residence authorization.
Does time in Albania reset the Schengen clock?
No. Albania is outside Schengen, so those days are not counted as Schengen short-stay days; the rolling 180-day calculation still includes prior Schengen stays.
Are accommodation and funds ever requested at entry?
Albania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says border authorities may request accommodation, onward travel, and proof of sufficient funds. Requirements depend on the traveller's circumstances.
Official sources
Updated 2026-10-27. Information is general; the relevant authority decides each case.