Albania passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of Albania

Embassy / VFSB-1/B-2 Visitor Visa

Citizens of Albania need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	3–10 days
Government fee	$185
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Onward or return ticket	Not required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for last 3 months

How to apply

1
Complete DS-160 online form
Fill out form on ceac.state.gov, upload photo, and print confirmation page.
2
Pay the MRV application fee
Pay $185 via authorized bank or online portal in Albania.
3
Schedule visa interview appointment
Use ustraveldocs.com to book at the US Embassy in Tirana.
4
Prepare document package
Gather all required documents listed above, including financial proof.
5
Attend biometrics appointment
Visit the Visa Application Center (VAC) in Tirana for fingerprints and photo.
6
Attend visa interview
Present yourself at the US Embassy on the scheduled date and time.
7
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 3–10 business days after interview.
8
Collect passport with visa
Passport is returned via courier or pickup location in Tirana.
9
Check visa validity and conditions
Verify visa details on USCIS website and note max stay of 180 days.
10
Travel to United States
Carry all supporting documents and passport with valid visa.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (validity at least 6 months beyond planned stay)
Include all previous passports if any.
DS-160 confirmation page
Print confirmation with barcode after online submission.
Photograph (2x2 inches, white background, recent)
Upload digital photo during DS-160; bring one print for interview.
Appointment confirmation letter
Shows date/time of visa interview.
Previous US visas (if any)
Optional
Bring old passports with previous US visas.
DS-160 barcode confirmation and appointment fee receipt
Must present these at consular entry.

Travel

Travel itinerary (if available)
Optional
Include flight bookings and hotel reservations.
Proof of accommodation in the US
Optional
Hotel confirmation or letter from host.
Return flight booking (optional but recommended)
Optional
Demonstrates intention to depart after stay.

Financial

Fee payment receipt (MRV fee)
Pay the $185 non-refundable application fee.
Bank statements (last 3 months)
Show sufficient funds for trip expenses.

Employment

Employment letter or proof of ties to Albania
Confirm job position, salary, and approved leave.

Supporting

Criminal record clearance (if applicable)
Optional
May be requested for certain applicants.
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Optional
For family visits or proving family ties.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Sufficient to cover trip costs (recommended $5,000+)

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Pay stubs
Tax returns

Albanian applicants must demonstrate strong ties to Albania to overcome presumption of immigration intent.

Good to know

Albanian nationals may not apply for an immigrant visa under the B-1/B-2 category.
The visa interview is mandatory for all applicants aged 14–79.
A single-entry visa may be issued if ties are deemed weak.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to Albania

Provide strong evidence of employment, property, or family commitments.

Incomplete or inaccurate application

Double-check all DS-160 entries and ensure supporting documents are complete.

Previous visa violations or overstay in the US

Disclose any prior issues honestly; provide explanation if applicable.

Inadequate financial proof

Submit clear bank statements showing sufficient and stable funds.

FAQ

Do citizens of Albania need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of Albania need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa.

How long can citizens of Albania stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of Albania?

Government fee: $185.

How long does United States visa processing take?

Typically 3–10 days.

What documents do citizens of Albania need for the United States?

Valid passport (validity at least 6 months beyond planned stay); DS-160 confirmation page; Photograph (2x2 inches, white background, recent); Appointment confirmation letter; Fee payment receipt (MRV fee); Bank statements (last 3 months); and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/

Sources

ustraveldocs.com

Plan your trip to the United States

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for United States.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides