In news from Tirana, Albania has renewed a visa-free travel regime for nationals of three Gulf countries in order to boost tourism.
The initiative follows similar schemes in previous years, under which Saudis and citizens of some other Gulf countries were allowed to travel to the country without visas during the summer season. Albanian Ambassador Sami Shiba had this to add from Riyadh:
“Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar can enter Albania without a visa. Gulf nationals including Saudis represent about 25 percent of the above number.”
According to the ambassador, the visa-free regime will boost tourism and business traffic between the Kingdom and Albania, and will allow nationals of the three Gulf countries to enter Albania without visa from May 31 to Nov. 15, 2017.
Furthermore, bilateral relations in between Riyadh and Tirana are reported to be improving dramatically across the political, economic, cultural and tourism sectors, according to the diplomat. Since establishing diplomatic ties on Dec. 2, 1992, the two countries have been working closely to strengthen political dialogue, deepen economic cooperation, increase trade exchange and complete legal frameworks of cooperation.
Referring to the tourist attractions and the facilities provided for tourists and business travelers, Shiba pointed out that the majority of Albania’s population is Muslim and halal food is widely available. The envoy also pointed out that Tirana is one of the largest cities in the Balkan Peninsula, with a rich history and heritage. Besides Tirana, the country has a 450-kilometer coastline extending along the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, he noted.