Qatar and Saudi Citizens Can Visit Albania Visa-Free Until December 2026

Last updated: Apr 16, 2026

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Eligibility and requirements

According to Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, citizens from Qatar and Saudi Arabia can enter without a visa for the period of 15 April 2026 until 31 December 2026.

The exemption is for tourism purposes only; it does not cover business travel, employment, or stays exceeding the standard tourism allowance.

Travellers only need a valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your exit date, issued within the last 10 years). No e-visa or online registration is required. Simply present your passport at the Albanian border or airport.

The tourist stay is up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Top Places to Visit in Albania

Albania offers a mix of coastline, historic cities, and mountain scenery that rivals far pricier European destinations.

Here are the highlights worth adding to your itinerary.

Tirana

Albania’s capital is compact, colourful, and easy to explore on foot. Skanderbeg Square anchors the city centre with the National History Museum, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the surrounding Blloku neighbourhood packed with cafés and restaurants.

Do not miss the Bunk’Art museums, housed in communist-era bunkers, or a ride on the Dajti Ekspres — the longest cable car in the Balkans — for panoramic views over the city. You can search for hotels in Tirana on Wego.

The Albanian Riviera

Stretching from Vlorë south to Sarandë, the Albanian Riviera is often described as Europe’s last undiscovered Mediterranean coastline. Turquoise water, uncrowded beaches, and dramatically lower prices than the Greek islands just across the water.

Ksamil, near Sarandë, features white-sand beaches and three tiny islands you can reach by boat or swimming. The Blue Eye natural spring, with its hypnotic turquoise pool, is one of Albania’s most photographed natural attractions.

Berat and Gjirokastër (UNESCO World Heritage Cities)

Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 2,000 years of history. Its layered Ottoman-era houses climbing a hillside above the Osum River make it one of the most photographed towns in the Balkans.

Gjirokastër, the “City of Stone,” is Albania’s other UNESCO city. Its steep cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era stone houses, and hilltop castle make it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Butrint National Park

Butrint is a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site near Sarandë with ruins spanning Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian civilisations. It is one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the Mediterranean.

The park sits on a peninsula surrounded by a lagoon, making it both a historical and natural attraction. Plan at least half a day to explore the site properly.

Best Time to Visit Albania

The visa exemption window — April through December — covers Albania’s best travel seasons.

Here is how to choose when to go.

April–June: Warm, uncrowded, and ideal for sightseeing. Spring wildflowers blanket the countryside and coastal towns are pleasantly quiet before peak season
July–August: Peak beach season with temperatures above 30°C. The Albanian Riviera and coastal towns are busiest during these months
September–October: Warm weather continues with thinner crowds and lower prices, arguably the sweet spot for travellers wanting both beach and city exploring
November–December: Cooler and quieter. Best for cultural city trips to Tirana, Berat, and Gjirokastër rather than beach holidays

For travellers escaping summer heat, Albania’s Mediterranean climate in May, June, and September offers a comfortable 25–30°C range.

You can search for flights to Tirana on Wego to compare prices across different months.

Sources

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.