Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have recently signed an agreement with Albania to waive visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports.
The decision with Kyrgyzstan was made during a bilateral meeting between Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev and Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, VisaGuide.World reports.
Kulubaev emphasized the importance of continuing political dialogue and enhancing trade and economic cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Albania. The discussions also focused on bilateral cooperation within international organizations, with Kyrgyzstan seeking Albania’s support for its candidacy for non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
In the same effort, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov also met with Minister Hasani in New York, establishing a similar visa-free regime for diplomatic passport holders.
During our meeting, we exchanged a number of important proposals aimed at enhancing our relations, especially in the economic sphere.
Saidov also highlighted that both countries are taking practical steps to develop their bilateral relations further. Uzbekistan and Albania have maintained diplomatic ties since November 23, 1993.
Albania Removed Visa Requirements for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman & Thailand
In a bid to boost tourism, Albania has removed visa requirements for travelers from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Thailand. Citizens from these countries can enter Albania using only their valid passports, with this policy remaining in effect until December 31, 2024. At the same time, these nationals can enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Earlier in April 2023, Albania implemented a similar decision, allowing citizens from the Gulf states mentioned above to visit without a visa.
Moreover, this year, Azerbaijan and Albania have formally agreed to waive visa requirements for holders of standard international passports.
Both the Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan and the Deputy Minister for EU and Foreign Affairs of Albania emphasized their commitment to deepening economic ties and enhancing people-to-people contacts. However, a month later, the two countries considered cancelling the reciprocal visa regime.
As of September 2024, Albanian citizens can travel visa-free to 91 countries, require an eVisa for 34 countries, and must apply for a visa to visit 22 others. Currently, it ranked 82nd on the VisaGuide Passport Index, which evaluates the passports of 199 countries and territories.