Canada Visa RequirementsFor Albania passport holders
Albanian passport holders must obtain a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before travel. Canada does not offer eTA eligibility to Albanian citizens; a full visa application is required.
Albania passport holders require a visa to enter Canada.
Albanian citizens should apply for a Canadian Visitor Visa (TRV) online through the IRCC portal at canada.ca/immigration, or through VFS Global in the region. The application fee is CAD 100 (approximately USD 75). Biometrics are required and cost an additional CAD 85. Required documents include a valid passport, completed application form, two passport photos, proof of financial support, purpose of visit letter, employment or school documents, and a history of travel.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Biometrics
Required at first application
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid Albanian Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned stay in Canada.
Completed IRCC Application Form
Online visa application (IMM 5257) submitted through the IRCC portal.
Two Passport Photos
Recent photographs meeting Canadian immigration specifications.
Proof of Financial Support
Bank statements for the last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds for the trip.
Purpose of Visit Letter
Letter explaining why you want to visit Canada and your plans during the stay.
Biometrics
Fingerprints and photo taken at a VFS Global biometrics collection centre.
Evidence of Ties to Albania
Employment letter, property documents, or family ties showing you will return to Albania.
Required at Entry
Visa Stamp in Passport
Canadian TRV stamp in passport, presented at the port of entry in Canada.
Current Travel Situation
Albania to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada requires a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for Albanian passport holders. Albanian citizens are not eligible for the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which applies to citizens of visa-exempt countries. The Canadian Embassy responsible for Albanian applications is located in Belgrade, Serbia. Alternatively, applications can be submitted online through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) portal with biometrics provided at a VFS Global centre. Processing times can take 2-8 weeks or longer.
How to Get There
There are no visa-free alternatives for Albanian citizens to Canada. Dual citizens with EU passports may apply using those passports if they qualify for eTA.
Money & Banking
Albania uses the Albanian Lek (ALL). Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Exchange Lek to EUR before travel, then EUR to CAD on arrival in Canada. ATMs are widely available. Cards are accepted everywhere. Canada is moderately expensive; budget CAD 150-200 per day.
Practical Tips
Apply at least 8-12 weeks before your intended travel date due to processing times and biometric appointment availability. Biometrics can be given at a VFS Global centre in Belgrade or Skopje. Canada is a popular destination for Albanian students and those with family in Canada. Include strong ties to Albania (employment, property, family) to demonstrate intent to return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Albanian citizens need a visa for Canada?
Yes. Albanian passport holders require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. Albanian citizens are not eligible for the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and must go through the full visa application process.
Where do Albanian citizens apply for a Canadian visa?
Applications can be submitted online through the IRCC portal at canada.ca/immigration. Biometrics must be provided at a VFS Global centre, which is available in Belgrade, Skopje, or other regional locations.
How much does a Canadian visa cost for Albanian citizens?
The Temporary Resident Visa costs CAD 100 (approximately USD 75). Biometrics add an additional CAD 85. Total cost is approximately CAD 185 including biometrics.
How long does the Canadian visa take to process?
Processing times vary but typically range from 2-8 weeks for online applications. Apply at least 8-12 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for biometric appointments and processing.
What documents do I need for a Canadian visa as an Albanian?
A valid passport, completed application form, two passport photos, proof of financial support, letter explaining the purpose of visit, employment or school verification, travel history, and evidence of ties to Albania (property, family, job).
Can Albanian students study in Canada?
Yes, but a Study Permit (not a tourist visa) is required for studies exceeding 6 months. Apply through IRCC. Canada is popular with Albanian students seeking world-class education.
How do I fly from Tirana to Canada?
There are no direct flights from Tirana to Canada. Common connections are via London (Air Canada/British Airways), Frankfurt (Lufthansa/Air Canada), or Paris (Air France/Air Canada). Total travel time to Toronto is typically 12-15 hours.
Does Canada count toward my Schengen 90-day limit?
No. Canada is not part of the Schengen area. Visiting Canada does not affect your Schengen day count in any way.