United States Visa RequirementsFor Albania passport holders
Albanian citizens must obtain a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States. Albania is not currently part of the Visa Waiver Program. The $185 application fee is non-refundable and an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Tirana is required.
Albania passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Complete the DS-160 online at ceac.state.gov. Pay the $185 MRV fee and schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy Tirana, Rruga Abdi Toptani Nr. 1, Tirana, Albania. Attend your appointment with DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and all supporting documents. After approval, visa printing and return takes approximately 5-10 business days. B1/B2 visas for Albanian citizens are typically valid for up to 10 years.
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
Required Documents
DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Complete the DS-160 at ceac.state.gov. Print the confirmation page with barcode for your interview at the U.S. Embassy in Tirana.
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
Interview Appointment Confirmation
Printed confirmation of your scheduled interview at the U.S. Embassy Tirana, Rruga Abdi Toptani Nr. 1.
MRV Fee Payment Receipt
Proof of payment of the $185 non-refundable visa application fee.
Passport-Sized Photograph
One recent 2x2 inch color photo, white background, within the last 6 months per U.S. visa photo requirements.
Financial Documents
Recent bank statements (3-6 months), pay slips, or evidence of income proving ability to cover your stay in the United States.
Proof of Ties to Albania
Employment contract, property documents, family registration, or business records demonstrating you will return to Albania.
Employment or Enrollment Letter
Employer letter with position, salary, and approved leave, or university enrollment letter with expected graduation date.
Travel Itinerary Recommended
Proposed travel dates, hotel reservations, and flight details for your U.S. trip.
Invitation Letter (if applicable) Recommended
If visiting family in the U.S., a signed invitation letter and copies of their U.S. documents (passport, green card, etc.).
Current Travel Situation
Albania to United States: What You Need to Know
Albania has been a candidate for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program but has not yet been admitted, meaning Albanian citizens still require a B1/B2 visa for tourism and business visits. The U.S. Embassy is located at Rruga Abdi Toptani Nr. 1, Tirana. Interview appointment wait times at the Tirana embassy can range from several months to over a year, making early application critical. Albania is an EU candidate and many Albanians also hold dual citizenship.
How to Get There
There are no direct flights from Tirana to the United States. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Lufthansa via Frankfurt or Munich, Austrian Airlines via Vienna, and ITA Airways via Rome all offer connecting routes. Turkish Airlines has the highest frequency from Tirana Rinas Airport.
Money & Banking
The United States uses USD. Credit and debit cards are universally accepted. Tipping is a strong cultural norm: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per bag for hotel porters. Sales tax of 5-10% varies by state and is added at the register. Keep some cash for markets, small shops, and tips. Notify your Albanian bank of travel to avoid card issues abroad.
Practical Tips
Given the long wait times in Tirana, book your interview appointment months before your intended travel date. Bring strong evidence of ties to Albania: employment contracts, property deeds, bank statements showing regular income, and family documentation. Having a Schengen visa or prior U.S. travel history helps considerably. If you have family living in the U.S., an invitation letter with their documentation can support your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Albanian citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
Yes, Albanian passport holders must apply for a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa to visit the United States. Despite being an EU candidate country, Albania is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
How much does the U.S. visa cost for Albanian citizens?
The non-refundable MRV fee for a B1/B2 visa is $185 USD. This fee is required before scheduling your interview and is not returned if the visa is denied.
Where is the U.S. Embassy in Albania?
The U.S. Embassy in Albania is at Rruga Abdi Toptani Nr. 1, Tirana. This is where all B1/B2 visa interviews for Albanian citizens are conducted.
How long does it take to get a U.S. visa from Albania?
Interview appointment wait times at the Tirana embassy can range from several months to over a year. Once approved, visa issuance takes 5-10 business days. Start the process as early as possible.
Is Albania close to joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program?
Albania has been in discussions regarding the Visa Waiver Program but has not yet joined. Until Albania is officially admitted, all Albanian citizens must apply for a B1/B2 visa to visit the United States.
What are the chances of U.S. visa approval for Albanian applicants?
Approval rates vary. Demonstrating strong ties to Albania, stable employment, financial stability, and clear travel purpose significantly improve chances. Previous Schengen travel history and clean immigration records also help.
What airlines connect Tirana to the United States?
No direct flights operate from Tirana. Common connecting routes go through Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, Frankfurt or Munich with Lufthansa, Vienna with Austrian Airlines, and Rome with ITA Airways.
Can Albanian dual citizens use a different passport to travel to the U.S.?
If you hold dual citizenship including a Visa Waiver Program country passport (such as an EU country), you may be able to use that passport for ESTA. However, you must use a valid passport and disclose your Albanian citizenship on the ESTA form if relevant.