EU to open travel doors to Albania

TIRANA, June 8 – Albania seems to be making strenuous efforts on visa liberalization, which could become an effective campaign issue for the governing coalition ahead of next year’s general elections.
Last week, the country received the roadmap which gives clear instructions to Albanian authorities on those measures that need to be taken in order to grant visa free travel to all citizens.
The roadmap offers more advantages to Albanians as it will encourage the country to continue implementing relevant reforms and reinforcing cooperation at regional levels and with the EU in areas such as strengthening the rule of law, and fighting organized crime and corruption.
Since January this year, Albanian citizens enjoyed the benefits of a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union with simplified procedures, including a visa fee waiver for a broad range of categories of citizens including students, sportsmen and women, cultural workers, journalists, people visiting family members living in the EU, people in need of medical treatment, businesspeople and others.
Up to 50 percent of Albanian citizens are currently exempt from visa fees. Also, people who pay for visas are charged the special reduced rate of 35 Euros, instead of 60 Euros.
The Roadmap is a concrete step towards visa liberalization.
The Roadmap follows a balanced approach while setting benchmarks which are realistic and achievable. It sets clear requirements for reforms to be implemented in key areas, such as security of documents, border management, the fight against illegal migration, the fight against organized crime and corruption and also in the area of fundamental rights. (Tirana Times Staff)