How to Use Your Albania E-Visa: A Step-by-Step Airport Guide (2025)

Congratulations! Your Albania e-visa has been approved, your bags are nearly packed, and your trip is just around the corner. Now for the final step: the journey itself. If this is your first time traveling with an electronic visa, you might be wondering what the airport process looks like. How do you present a digital document? This simple, step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to use your Albania e-visa at the airport for a smooth and stress-free experience.

The Most Important Tip: Always Print a Physical Copy

Before we get into the steps, here is the single most important piece of advice: print a physical copy of your e-visa document.

While the e-visa is stored electronically in Albania's immigration system, you should never rely solely on your phone or digital devices. Phones can run out of battery, get lost, or have no internet signal when you need them most. A paper copy is a foolproof backup that you can present to airline staff and border officials without any technological risk.

Step 1: At Your Departure Airport (Airline Check-in)

When you arrive at your departure airport, your first interaction will be with the airline staff at the check-in counter.

What to do: Present your valid passport and the printed copy of your Albania e-visa to the airline agent.

Why is this needed? The airline has a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the correct documentation to enter your destination country. They will verify that the details on your e-visa (name, passport number, etc.) match your passport before issuing your boarding pass. Without this verification, they will not allow you to board the flight.

Step 2: Upon Arrival in Albania (Immigration Control)

After you land at Tirana International Airport (TIA) or another Albanian port of entry, you will proceed to the immigration or passport control counters.

What to do: Present your passport and the printed e-visa document to the Albanian Border Police officer.

What happens next? The officer will scan your passport. This will bring up your e-visa details in their official system, as it is electronically linked to your passport number. They will verify that everything is in order and may ask you a few simple questions, such as "What is the purpose of your visit?" or "How long will you be staying?" Upon successful verification, they will stamp your passport with an official entry stamp. Welcome to Albania!

Keeping Your Documents Safe During Your Trip

Once you have entered the country, it's wise to keep your printed e-visa copy together with your passport. We also recommend saving a digital copy (a PDF or photo) on your phone and in your email as an extra backup. For more useful advice for your journey, you can check out our general Albania Visa & Travel Tips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a color or black-and-white printout of the e-visa?

A black-and-white printout is perfectly acceptable. The most important thing is that the text is clear, the QR code (if any) is legible, and all information is easy to read.

What if I lose my printed e-visa copy during my travels?

Don't panic. The official record of your visa is linked electronically to your passport in the Albanian immigration system. While the printed copy is essential for convenience and as a backup, the electronic link is what matters most. Having a digital copy on your phone can also be helpful in this situation.

Does the e-visa guarantee my entry into Albania?

An e-visa grants you the right to travel to Albania and present yourself at a port of entry. However, the final decision to allow entry rests with the immigration officer at the border. This is standard practice for all countries. As long as you are a genuine visitor and have all your correct documentation, you should not face any issues.