On December 15, 2010, the decision of the European Parliament to lift visas for Albanian citizens traveling to the countries of the European Union officially entered into force. This marked one of the most significant moments in Albania’s European integration process and a historic day for Albanians.
The decision was preceded by the approval on November 8, 2010, by the Council of EU Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs, which confirmed visa liberalisation for Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina. With this step, Albanian citizens gained the right to travel freely in the 27 countries of the Schengen area, joining North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, which had already benefited from visa-free travel since December 19, 2009.
The liberalisation of visas was welcomed enthusiastically by Albanian citizens, who saw Europe’s doors opening for travel, studies, business opportunities, and family connections, although this regime includes several rules that must be respected. Albanian citizens may stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, without the right to work unless specific permits are granted.
Kosovo was the last country in the Western Balkans to obtain visa liberalisation, completing this process in 2024 and enabling the entire region to travel visa-free to EU countries.