--- title: United States visa for citizens of Albania description: "Citizens of Albania need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: $185. Processing: 3–10 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/albania lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # United States visa for citizens of Albania 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.* Official application site: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ ## 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 - **Valid passport (validity at least 6 months beyond planned stay)** (Identity): Include all previous passports if any. - **DS-160 confirmation page** (Identity): Print confirmation with barcode after online submission. - **Photograph (2x2 inches, white background, recent)** (Identity): Upload digital photo during DS-160; bring one print for interview. - **Appointment confirmation letter** (Identity): Shows date/time of visa interview. - **Fee payment receipt (MRV fee)** (Financial): Pay the $185 non-refundable application fee. - **Bank statements (last 3 months)** (Financial): Show sufficient funds for trip expenses. - **Employment letter or proof of ties to Albania** (Employment): Confirm job position, salary, and approved leave. - **Travel itinerary (if available)** (Travel, optional): Include flight bookings and hotel reservations. - **Proof of accommodation in the US** (Travel, optional): Hotel confirmation or letter from host. - **Return flight booking (optional but recommended)** (Travel, optional): Demonstrates intention to depart after stay. - **Criminal record clearance (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): May be requested for certain applicants. - **Marriage certificate (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): For family visits or proving family ties. - **Previous US visas (if any)** (Identity, optional): Bring old passports with previous US visas. - **DS-160 barcode confirmation and appointment fee receipt** (Identity): Must present these at consular entry. ## 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. ## FAQs ### 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](https://www.ustraveldocs.com/) ## More - [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states) - [Every destination for Albania passport holders](/visa/passport/albania)