Is Albania in the Schengen area?
No
No. Albania is not in the Schengen area and is not (yet) in the EU.
- In Schengen area?
- No
- EU member?
- No
- Status
- Not a member
Albania is an EU candidate country but is not a member, and it is not part of the Schengen area. Many visa-exempt nationalities can still visit Albania for short stays under Albania's own rules.
Because it sits outside Schengen, time in Albania is tracked separately from your European 90 days.
What this means for your 90 days
Days in Albania do NOT count towards Schengen. Albania runs its own short-stay allowance, so check its rules for the trip itself.
Since Albania is outside Schengen, it can be a useful place to wait while your Schengen days roll off. The “when can I return” calculator works out the exact date - and see the full list of Schengen countries.
Frequently asked questions
Is Albania in the Schengen area?
No. Albania is not in the Schengen area and is not (yet) in the EU.
Do days spent in Albania count towards my Schengen 90/180 days?
Days in Albania do NOT count towards Schengen. Albania runs its own short-stay allowance, so check its rules for the trip itself.
Is Albania in the EU?
No - Albania is not in the European Union. It is outside both the EU and the Schengen area.
Sources
- European Commission - The Schengen area - verified 11 Jun 2026