r/AlbaniaExpats

I applied for an Albania short-stay tourist e-Visa (I'm a UAE resident) for 10 days and just got refused. The reason given is Law No. 79/2021 "On Foreigners," Article 28, point 1, paragraphs b and ë. From what I can tell that's basically "purpose of trip not justified" and "doubts you'll leave before the visa expires," but the letter doesn't say what specifically was missing.

I've got 5 working days to appeal, or wait 3 months to reapply.

A few things I'm hoping people can help with:

1. If you got this same refusal (Art. 28 b/ë), did you appeal, and did it work? What did you add that flipped it?
2. What documents actually made the difference — flight bookings, hotel, bank statements, employment letter, insurance? Was there one thing they really wanted to see?
3. Is the 5-day appeal generally worth it, or did most people just wait and reapply with a stronger file?
4. For UAE residents specifically — anything Albania tends to be picky about?

Any first-hand experience would mean a lot, especially from anyone who turned a refusal into an approval. Thanks in advance.

Just booked my flight to Tirana.

Landing Sept 1st.

I'm an American truck driver.

My plan is to detox/relax/recharge for 6-8 months.

I have budgeted like 10k and wish to spend less.

Planning to depend on local markets.

Fish, vegetables, mountain herbs, and honey.

Thermal baths.

Long walks.

I am not looking for entertainment.

Nothing special.

Nothing touristy.

Was going to go to Georgia but the weather and diet of Albania won out.

Vlore or Sarande? Which part?

Hello everyone. I’m preparing documentary and i would be appreciate anyone of you could help me with some footage from the zone. I tried to reach AOS but I didn’t receive any response

New expats don’t realize that the hidden risk of moving abroad isn’t the flight, the packing, or even the new country itself.

It’s assuming you can sort out important paperwork AFTER you arrive.

Needing a notarized form, an apostille, or a certified translation becomes much more stressful once you’re living in another country.

Whenever possible, think about your paperwork before you leave: • Banking documents• Power of attorney• Educational records• Immigration paperwork• Professional licenses• Vital records

A little preparation before your move can save a lot of time, money, and lower the stress of moving abroad.

If you’re already living abroad, what’s one document you wish you had prepared before moving?

Will any American expats be there?! This is NOT a promotion but I’m excited to see how American expats in Albania are celebrating!!!!

I recently saw Albanians protesting outside of my apartment and it was the first time I’ve ever seen anything like this in person. Coming from America I can understand the motivation to stand up for your land/ country.

For all my expats out there how are you feeling about the protests? This is not a political question but I want to know if you’ve participated, feel scared, or admire what is happening?

Hey - would love to get your opinions on the Albania protests. I’m currently here on holiday and wonder if they like tourists here or if they don’t. I’m kinda confused? I’m staying in Durres Beach area 😊

Hi all, coming down to your Albania next week. Will be staying in Tirana, but looking to rent a car and drive to one of the beach areas to spend overnight.

Looking for a fun area with beautiful sights and lively restaurants and evening vibe, (not hard partying) - please let me know if what I've written seems accurate, options are:

1- Ksamil Beach or Sarandë (4 hour drive), seems to be the most popular and prettiest area?

2- Jale Beach or Himare (3 hour drive) has a lively vibe but not as pretty or busy as Ksamil

3- Lalzi (1 hour) closest to Tirana but apparently very quiet and not that interesting?

If you had to choose from the above (driving one far in the morning and coming back the next day) which would you choose?

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well.
I’m from Goa, India, and I’m seriously looking for a job opportunity in Albania. My goal is to move there legally on a work permit and start working as soon as possible.

I’m mainly looking for:
Warehouse jobs (picker, packer, loader, inventory, logistics, etc.)
Restaurant jobs (kitchen helper, waiter, dishwasher, cleaner, food preparation, etc.)

I’m a B.Com graduate, I’m physically fit, hardworking, quick to learn, and I’m willing to work long shifts, weekends, or overtime if required. I’m fluent in English and can adapt to new environments easily.

The reason I’m posting here is because recruitment agents in my area (Goa, India) are asking for around ₹5 lakh (approximately €5,000+) as a service charge just to arrange a warehouse job. That’s an amount I simply cannot afford, and I’m trying to find a genuine and honest way to get a job directly.
If anyone here:

Knows of companies that are hiring,
Works in a warehouse or restaurant that needs staff,
Can recommend a trustworthy recruitment agency in Albania,
Or can guide me on how to apply directly,
I would be extremely grateful.

I’m not looking for shortcuts—I’m only looking for a legal job with a proper work permit. Even an entry-level position is perfectly fine. My main priority is getting a genuine opportunity and building a better future through hard work.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Any advice, contacts, or suggestions would mean a lot to me.
Have a great day! 🙏

Hello everyone!

My partner and I are doing a road trip through Albania from August 1–16, picking up and dropping off at Tirana International Airport (TIA). We've already done some research but wanted to get firsthand advice before committing.

Here's our situation:

What we're looking for:

Compact car (something like a Fiat Panda, fiat 500, kia ... or similar) for 15 days

Pick-up and drop-off at TIA

Full coverage insurance included (CDW + theft)

Ideally cash payment with no credit card deposit — or at least a minimal, clearly defined one

Specific questions:

Cash + no deposit — is this realistic? We've read horror stories about local agencies holding large deposits on credit cards and finding damage that wasn't there. Has anyone managed to rent with cash only and no deposit trap?

Local agencies vs. international platforms — we're currently booked through an international broker (DiscoverCars) with a local partner. Is this safer than going direct with a local agency at the airport?

Insurance — what actually covers you in Albania? CDW from the agency, supplemental insurance from the broker, or does your credit card coverage actually work here? Any bad experiences with claims?

Any agencies at TIA you'd genuinely recommend — or ones to actively avoid?

Road conditions on the Albanian Riviera — we're driving down to Himarë and Sarandë. Any car type recommendations beyond a standard compact?

Appreciate any real-world experience. Trying to avoid the classic tourist rental nightmare 🙏

Missing American Citizen – Andrew Bolland – Last Seen in Tirana, Albania

If you have seen Andrew or have any information about his whereabouts, please contact us:

WhatsApp: +1 (952) 564-4969

ANDREW BOLLAND PHOTO

Andrew was last known to be in Tirana, Albania. His family has been unable to contact him for several weeks and is deeply concerned about his safety and well-being.

He is tall and slim, wears glasses, and may be carrying a backpack. He was previously staying in Tirana and was reportedly seen in the city after leaving his hostel.

His family believes he may be experiencing personal or mental health difficulties and may need assistance.

📍 Last known location: Tirana, Albania

Since his disappearance, we have:

• Reported him as a Missing Person to the Albanian authorities.
• Filed an official report with the Albanian Police.
• Notified the U.S. Embassy, which is aware of the case.
• Continued working closely with the relevant authorities while waiting for any updates.

Despite all these efforts, we still have no information about Andrew’s whereabouts. His family is living through an incredibly difficult time and is anxiously waiting for any news.

Even the smallest piece of information could make a difference. If you have seen Andrew or know anything that could help, please contact us immediately.

Please share this post so it reaches as many people as possible throughout Albania.

Thank you for your kindness and support.

#MissingPerson #AndrewBolland #Albania #Tirana #PleaseShare #MissingAmerican

Hello,

First question, is it safe to go to Tirana with BG car from Serbia?
And second, i need recommendation for good garage or parking in city center for just 1 day, near everything what i need to see

Thank you

​

Hey everyone,

My partner and I are planning a road trip through Albania from August 1 to 16. Our itinerary takes us through Tirana (1 night arrival), Vlorë, Himarë, Sarandë, and Berat — so mostly the south.

We've been following the news about the ongoing protests and wanted to get a realistic read from people on the ground:

Are the protests limited to Tirana, or are they spreading to other cities? We're only spending 1 night in Tirana (just arrival/departure), so our main concern is whether things are affecting Vlorë, Sarandë, or the Riviera area.

Is it still safe to travel as tourists? We're not looking to get involved in anything political — just beaches, food, and driving the coastal road. Has the atmosphere affected tourism noticeably?

Any specific areas or times of day to avoid?

We're coming from Tunisia and have been really looking forward to this trip — would hate to cancel but also want to be realistic. Any firsthand accounts from people currently there or recently back would be super helpful.

Thanks in advance 🙏

This may have been asked, but is it reasonable to move from Midwest America, for two working class adults, with a toddler? Has anyone done it here and been successful?

Hi all — I’m Amelie Claydon, a journalist at The Athletic.

I’m looking to speak with American soccer fans who are following the USMNT while living outside the United States, particularly in Africa, Asia, Europe or Latin America.

I’d love to hear:

• Where you are based and where you watch the matches
• Whether there is a local group of American supporters
• What it feels like following the US from abroad during a home World Cup
• Whether the tournament feels different when you are watching from another country

I’m looking for people who would be happy to have a short phone or WhatsApp conversation and potentially be quoted in an article.

Please comment below or send me a DM. You can also reach me on WhatsApp at +44 7510 841911.

My deadline is 1pm BST on Wednesday, June 24.

Thanks!

Hey, I’m selling my ticket for the Kanye West concert in Tirana, Albania for the 11.07.

Category 3 seat
Block E25
Really good view (not some random corner seat)
Selling for less than general sale price

Price: 220€

I can transfer the ticket safely and provide proof if needed. Just can’t make it anymore, so I’d rather someone else enjoy it.

Hello, I am from Serbia and I saw that you as well started with student led protests, and I am very glad to see that, we have been fighting really hard in Serbia as well. Power to the people!

My question is, will Vlore be worth visiting, this is one of the only cities that I havent visited in Albania and I always wanted to go, but now I heard that one of the prettiest beaches in Vlore area will be closed because of the Trumps Resort and that there will be protests every day, I support the protests but I dont want to protest everyday while being on vacation.