TIRANA, June 6 – Albania has renewed its visa-free travel regime with former-Soviet and Arab countries in a now annual move ahead of the peak tourist season. The government has recently decided citizens of Russia, Belarus, Georgia as well as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman will be able to travel to Albania without visas from May 31 to Nov. 15. Moldovans can also enter Albania under the Schengen visa-free travel policy.
The move is expected to benefit the country’s emerging tourism industry although only Russian tourists currently make it to the top 20 foreign tourists coming to Albania.
Last year, Albania joined the regional race to attract Russian tourists following travel restrictions to Turkey, the Russians’ top travel destination, but lack of the necessary all-inclusive infrastructure and direct flights are not believed to have led to a considerable boost.
Albania attracted an average of about 20,000 Russian tourists annually in 2014 and 2015, according to state statistical institute, INSTAT.
Albania’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sami Shiba says the visa free regime will benefit travel and business ties with Gulf countries.
“Albania is a safe country for visitors and Albanians are very open toward Saudis and Gulf tourists. I invite Saudi tourists to take Albania into consideration as one of the best options when making their holiday plans,” the Ambassador has told Arab News portal.
Albania attracted more than 4 million foreign tourists in 2016 with income hitting a record high of Euro 1 billion.
Meanwhile, Albanians can travel without visas to 98 countries, including 26 Schengen area destinations, ranking the Albanian passport 55th globally in terms of travel freedom, according to the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index.
