Saudi and Qatari Visitors Go Visa-Free

Good news if you are travelling from the Gulf: Albania has opened its doors wider. Citizens of Saudi Arabia and Qatar can now enter the country visa-free for tourism, with nothing but a passport, through the end of 2026. It is one of a run of temporary exemptions Albania has used to court new markets, and it lands right in the heart of the travel season.

Who it covers and for how long

Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs lists the exemption plainly: nationals of Saudi Arabia and Qatar may enter without a visa, for tourism only, for the period 15 April 2026 to 31 December 2026. You travel on your passport, which should be valid for at least three months beyond the date you leave. The stay follows the standard short-visit rule of up to 90 days within any 180-day window.

Two caveats matter. First, this is a tourism exemption, not a work or business permit, so it does not cover employment or long stays. Second, it is temporary and dated: it runs only to 31 December 2026 unless extended, so anyone planning a trip near or after that date should re-check the official rules before booking.

How it fits Albania’s visa map

For most Western visitors nothing changes: citizens of the EU, the Schengen Area, the UK, Switzerland and many others already enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days. The Gulf exemption simply adds two more source markets to that list on a trial basis. If your nationality is not covered, Albania runs an e-visa system, and the safest move is always to confirm your own status on the government site rather than trust a summary. Our Albania visa guide walks through the options in detail.

Plan the rest of the trip

With entry sorted, the fun part begins. See our overview of things to do in Tirana for the capital, the best time to visit Albania for timing the coast and the mountains, and where to stay in Albania for choosing a base. Cover is worth arranging too, whatever your passport: read our Albania travel insurance guide.

At a glance

• Who: Saudi Arabia and Qatar nationals, tourism only.
• When: 15 April to 31 December 2026 (temporary).
• How: passport only, valid 3+ months; up to 90 days per 180.
• Check first: confirm the current rule on the official MFA site before you book.

Source: Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs - visa regime for foreign citizens (checked July 2026). Visa rules change; always verify your own nationality’s status before travelling.