Albania Cancels Visa-Free Travel for Belarusian Citizens

The Albanian Council of Ministers officially revoked the visa-free agreement with Belarus on April 24, 2025. According to ATSH, the decision took immediate effect, meaning Belarusian citizens will now need a visa to enter Albania.

The visa waiver agreement was originally signed in December 2019 and came into force in February 2020, allowing stays up to 30 days without a visa. Before this, visa-free entry was seasonal, limited to May–September. In May 2024, Albania partially suspended the agreement, tightening entry for holders of diplomatic and official passports, as reported by Euronews. Now, all provisions have been canceled.

From now on, Belarusian citizens must obtain a visa prior to travel, unless they already hold valid visas for the Schengen Area, the US, or the UK. Findit.City reports that the initiative came from Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with possible influence from EU integration efforts.

How to Apply for an Albanian Visa

Belarusian nationals can apply for an e-visa through e-visa.al. The process is fully online and requires uploading scanned documents, paying a fee (approx. €30), and receiving confirmation by email. Required documents:
- Passport valid at least 3 months beyond travel
- Passport-size photo
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation)
- Travel health insurance covering the entire stay
- Proof of financial means (bank statement or employment letter)
- Processing time: up to 15 business days. If approved, the e-visa is emailed and presented at entry.

Similar visa rules already apply to nationals of other countries, including Russians. The process is straightforward, so it’s unlikely to pose serious difficulties.

Visa Restrictions Trend Across Europe

The decision aligns with a broader tightening of EU visa policies towards Belarus. The Czech Republic suspended visas for Belarusians in 2022, Lithuania extended similar restrictions until May 2026, and Latvia banned visa issuance until the end of 2026. Poland also revoked humanitarian visa privileges in spring 2025 and shut down the Poland.Business Harbour relocation program for Belarusian IT workers.

The EU Council on March 27, 2025, adopted further restrictive measures against Belarus over its role in Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, with Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Norway joining these efforts.

Radio Free Europe notes that the EU is considering stricter visa policies for countries “involved in hybrid threats,” naming Belarus and Russia as examples.

“The EU is becoming significantly tougher on visa liberalization,” the article states. “This reflects broader shifts: combating illegal migration and using visa policy as a political tool to pressure third countries.”