Albania Cancels Visa-Free Entry for Russian Citizens

, 21 April 2023, 15:37

The Embassy of Albania in the Russian Federation has announced the cancellation of the visa-free regime for citizens of Russia.

"The Embassy of the Republic of Albania in the Russian Federation informs that under the amendments of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania dated April 20, 2023, in Resolution No. 858 dated December 29, 2021, the visa-free regime for citizens of the Russian Federation is canceled (every year from May 1 to September 30)", the message of the embassy reads.

The diplomatic mission has warned that to visit Albania, Russians now need to apply for a visa based on the trip purpose.

Previously, Russians could enter the country without a visa from May 1 to September 30. Albania stimulated tourism in this way.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, North Macedonia canceled visa-free entry for Russians, Montenegro reduced the summer stay without a visa to 30 days, and Kazakhstan – to 90 days for six months.

In early September 2022, the EU suspended the liberalised visa regime with Russia. Based on it, the European Commission suggested that EU member states introduce a stricter approach (Ukr) to issuing Schengen visas to Russians.

Since then, countries bordering Russia, such as the Baltic states, as well as Finland, Czechia, and Poland, have banned Russian tourists from entering altogether.