Albania welcomes Americans for one year with no visa [Image by Ervin Gjata from Pixabay]Europe is a major attraction for American travelers and recently, many have chosen a new home on the continent. However, moving country can be difficult, especially with visa applications, foreign bureaucracy and red tape. Each European country has different rules to follow, but there is one country where you can pack your bags, grab your passport and go. Albania welcomes Americans to stay a full year, no visa required.
Americans with a valid passport can easily move to Albania
Beach life [Image by Linda Saitos from Pixabay]The Mediterranean country of Albania is a hidden gem that has recently gained popularity, thanks to viral videos on TikTok. For one thing, the country offers warmer temperatures all year round, with mild winters, and hot, sunny summers.
Meanwhile, Albania is full of Greek and Roman ruins to explore, as well as medieval cities and more importantly, this country is amazingly affordable. Let’s take a brief look at some of the cities and towns that are of interest to US travelers.
– Tirana, capital of Albania
Congress in Tirana [Image by Oltion Kola from Pixabay]Tirana is Albania’s modern capital and has attracted expats and digital nomads in recent years, thanks to its handy co-working spaces, plenty of coffee shops, beautiful parks and low prices. Moreover, living in the city costs only around $2,084 per month.
– Vlora, resort town
Vlora, Albania [Image by Poli Loman from Pixabay]The city of Vlora is an up-and-coming resort location that is getting ready for its own international airport in 2025. Here, Americans will experience a revitalized and colorful Old Town, and a boardwalk backed by palm trees and lined with casual restaurants.
Hilltop views in Albania [Image by mamynalinka from Pixabay]
– Ksamil by the sea
When seeking more idyllic beaches, the town of Ksamil offers pristine white sands and turquoise Mediterranean waters. Meanwhile, the town offers a combination of beach adventures and ancient sites. For example, Ksamil is a short, ten-minute drive to Butrint, an archaeological site dating back some 2,700 years.
– UNESCO World Heritage cities of Berat and Gjirokaster
Berat, Albania [Image by Pixabay]For those Americans moving to Albania for its culture, the UNESCO World Heritage duo of Berat and Gjirokaster are an excellent choice. Berat boasts cobblestoned alleyways, lined with houses built of stone and backed by a monumental hilltop fortress with snow-capped peaks.
Meanwhile, Gjirokaster features a perfectly-preserved Ottoman-era settlement, nestling at the base of a medieval castle.
As mentioned earlier, one of the major reasons why Albania is a great location is the fact that life is much cheaper than in the US. For example, a meal and a drink at an inexpensive restaurant in Tirana averages out at $10.83 per head. Meanwhile, Numbeo estimates that a fancier, three-course meal for two people in an upscale downtown restaurant costs an average of $48.24, or $24.12 each.
– Finding accommodations
Accommodations in Albania [Image by Carlos / Saigon – Vietnam from Pixabay]Moreover, rentals are also affordable, with fully-furnished apartments in the city starting at around $479 per month on Airbnb. Moreover, for those seeking a relaxed life by the ocean, private accommodation options come as low as $309 per month in Ksamil, and $314 per month in the coastal city of Durres.
– Feeling safe
Another huge benefit of Albania is that the country is safe, with only low levels of armed robbery and violent crime. However, as in most tourist locations, petty crime is still a concern, so travelers must take care and keep an eye on their belongings.
On another note, while Albania nestles on the Mediterranean, it is not a popular entry point for illegal migrants crossing into Europe, which makes it a safer choice than many Western European countries.
Visa rules for Americans visiting Albania
Roman bridge in Albania [Image by Davitimi from Pixabay]One factor to take into account is that Albania only offers a year-long visa-free stay to Americans. However, it should be borne in mind that this doesn’t mean they have access to social security or healthcare. However, should they obtain a valid resident permit and pay taxes, they will have that access while still staying in the country for one year.
Visit Albania’s official tourism website here for more information.