Albania has made a significant adjustment to its visa policies by partially suspending the visa waiver agreement with Belarus.
The decision, enacted on May 15, 2024, by the Council of Ministers upon the recommendation of Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, specifically targets diplomatic and service passports.
This move highlights Albania’s geopolitical alignment and its ongoing support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The partial suspension means that Belarusian holders of diplomatic and service passports will now require visas to enter Albania, while the waiver continues to apply to ordinary passport holders.
The decision, effective immediately and published in the “Official Gazette,” reflects Albania’s strategic positioning and solidarity with Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Background and Context
The visa waiver agreement between Albania and Belarus, originally approved by decision no. 152 on February 19, 2020, facilitated mutual removal of visa requirements.
However, recent geopolitical developments, particularly Belarus’s support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, have prompted Albania to reconsider this arrangement.
Belarus has been a staunch ally of Russia, even allowing the deployment of nuclear weapons on its territory.
This alignment with Moscow has increasingly isolated Belarus on the international stage, compelling countries like Albania to take a firmer stance against it.
In April 2023, Albania suspended visa-free travel for Russian citizens as a show of support for Ukraine.
This decision was part of a broader strategy to align with Western policies and condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The measure, initially affecting only the tourist season, has been extended to a year-round requirement, signifying Albania’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Implications for Diplomatic Relations
The partial restoration of visas for Belarusian diplomatic and service passport holders underscores Albania’s diplomatic alignment with Ukraine and its Western allies.
It sends a clear message of Albania’s disapproval of Belarus’s support for Russia’s military actions.
Igli Hasani, Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, emphasized that this decision is part of a broader strategy to isolate Russia and its allies while strengthening ties with countries supporting Ukraine.
The move is also in line with Albania’s recent Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation with Ukraine, signed during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Tirana for the Ukraine-Balkans summit in February 2024.
Economic and Tourism Impact
The suspension of visa-free travel for Russian citizens in April 2023 was a significant shift for Albania’s tourism industry, which had seen a steady influx of Russian tourists.
Over the past six years, Albania registered approximately 132,000 Russian vacationers. This policy change, while politically motivated, has raised concerns among local tour operators about its impact on tourism revenue.
Tour operators, like Besnik Vathi, have noted that few Russian tourists have been visiting Albania lately due to the geopolitical climate.
However, they argue that completely banning tourists from certain countries is not the optimal solution.
Instead, they advocate for better filtering mechanisms to ensure that tourism can continue without compromising national security or political stance.
Albania’s tourism industry is gradually shifting its focus to other markets, such as the European Union, China, and India.
This strategic pivot aims to diversify the tourism base and reduce reliance on any single source of tourists.
Promoting Albania as a safe and attractive destination for a wider audience is seen as a long-term strategy to bolster the tourism sector.
Strengthening Ukraine-Albania Relations
Albania’s recent policy changes are not only about visa regulations but also about reinforcing its alliance with Ukraine.
The Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation between Albania and Ukraine includes provisions for mutual support and collaboration in various sectors, including defense and tourism.
During the Ukraine-Balkans summit, President Zelensky highlighted the need for ongoing defense support and discussed potential joint production of weapons.
This cooperation is seen as a way to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities while fostering closer ties with Balkan countries like Albania.
Albania’s Passport and Global Mobility
According to the VisaGuide Passport Index, as of May 2024, the Albanian passport ranks 82nd globally.
Albanian citizens can travel visa-free to 90 countries and territories, reflecting the country’s efforts to improve global mobility for its citizens.
However, for the remaining countries, Albanian passport holders must apply for visas, indicating room for further diplomatic efforts to expand visa-free access.
Conclusion
Albania’s partial restoration of visas for Belarusian diplomatic and service passport holders is a strategic decision that reflects its geopolitical stance and support for Ukraine.
By aligning with Western policies and reinforcing its commitment to Ukraine, Albania is positioning itself as a proactive player on the international stage.
This policy change has broader implications for diplomatic relations, economic ties, and tourism dynamics.
As Albania continues to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape, it remains committed to supporting Ukraine and upholding international norms.
The focus now is on ensuring that these policy decisions do not adversely affect Albania’s tourism industry while promoting the country as a diverse and attractive destination for travelers from around the world.
Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/albania-partially-restores-visas-with-belarus/
