Is Your Passport Valid for Albania? 2025 E-Visa Rules Explained

Before you even think about booking flights or applying for your e-visa, there's one document you must check first: your passport. Having a valid passport is the number one rule of international travel, but the definition of "valid" is more than just the expiration date. Failing to meet Albania's specific passport validity requirements can stop your travel plans before they even begin. This simple guide will explain the rules for 2025 to ensure your most important travel document is ready for your trip.

The Most Important Rule: Albania's "Six-Month" Passport Validity Rule

Like most countries around the world, Albania adheres to the standard "six-month validity rule." This is the most common reason travelers encounter passport-related issues.

The rule is simple: Your passport must be valid for at least six months BEYOND your planned date of DEPARTURE from Albania.

Here’s a clear example:

If you plan to travel to Albania and leave on March 15, 2026.
Your passport’s expiration date must be September 15, 2026, or later.

An airline can deny you boarding at your departure airport if your passport doesn't meet this rule, even if you have a valid visa. There are no exceptions to this.

What Should I Do If My Passport Has Less Than 6 Months' Validity?

The answer to this is direct and non-negotiable: You must renew your passport before you apply for your Albania e-visa.

Do not risk applying with a passport that has less than six months of validity remaining. It will result in a guaranteed visa rejection, and you will lose your application fee. Plan ahead, check your passport's expiration date now, and if it's cutting it close, begin the renewal process in your home country immediately.

Other Critical Passport Requirements to Check

Besides the six-month rule, there are two other conditions your passport must meet.

At Least Two Blank Pages

Your passport must have at least two completely blank pages available for entry and exit stamps. Pages marked "Amendments and Endorsements" do not count.

Good Physical Condition

A passport that is significantly damaged can be deemed invalid by immigration officials. This includes things like major water damage, a detached cover, unofficial markings, or torn pages that obscure your personal details or the passport number.

The Connection Between Your Passport and Your E-Visa

It is crucial to understand that your Albania e-visa is electronically linked to the specific passport you use during the application. The visa is not a separate document that can be transferred. This is just one of several key details you must manage for a successful application. For a complete overview of the process, you can always refer to our main page with Albania Electronic Visa Information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I apply with my old passport and then travel with my new, renewed passport?

No, this is not possible. The e-visa is electronically tied to the unique passport number you submitted in your application. If you travel with a new passport that has a different number, your e-visa will be invalid, and you will be denied entry. You must apply for the visa with the same passport you will use to travel.

My passport expires in exactly six months and one week. Is that okay?

Technically, yes, this meets the minimum requirement. However, it is highly recommended to travel with a passport that has plenty of validity remaining. If your travel plans change unexpectedly and you need to stay longer, you could find yourself in a difficult situation. If you have time, renewing is always the safest option.

What happens to the valid visas in my old, expired passport when I renew it?

When you renew your passport, the old one is typically cancelled (e.g., a corner is cut or it's stamped "cancelled"). Any visas inside that cancelled passport become invalid. For an e-visa, this is not an issue, as you will simply apply for a new e-visa using your new passport.