Visas are not required for US citizens to travel to Albania for business or tourism.  You must have a passport valid for at least three months (6 months is suggested by Swift) from the date of entry into Albania. Your passport is stamped upon entry with the date of arrival by the Border and Migration Police (BMP).

Upon entering the Republic of Albania, you may stay for up to one year without applying for a Residency Permit. It is important to check that the BMP officer has stamped and entered the date correctly in your passport at the time of entry. If you depart Albania during the one-year period or after a one-year stay, you must remain outside the country for three months or more to “restart the clock.” After you have been outside of Albania for at least three months you may re-enter and stay in Albania for a new one-year period without having to apply for a Residency Permit.

If you intend to remain in Albania for longer than one year, you must apply for a Residency Permit at the office of the Regional Directorate of Border and Migration Police having jurisdiction over your place of residence. Visit the Embassy of Albania website for information on how to apply for a Residency Permit and for the most current visa information.  Please reference the State Department Website for any recent travel requirement changes.