Indians Visiting European Countries: Every Indian dreams of traveling to Europe. Since the Yash Chopra films of the 1990s, the craze for Hindi films among Indians has grown immensely, and it continues to this day. The stunning valleys of Switzerland, the streets of Paris, and the food of Italy are often at the top of our bucket list. But when reality strikes, it can be quite a shock. Tickets are expensive, and there are long queues for Schengen visas. There's also the fear of rejection. The cost of travel, running into lakhs of rupees, often means this dream remains just a dream. The Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows non-EU citizens to travel freely within the 29 countries included in the Schengen Area.

However, the trend is changing. Indian tourists are now looking for countries that offer a 'European experience' but without the hefty costs and visa hassles. As a result of this search, a small country in southeastern Europe, Albania, has suddenly become a new favorite destination for Indian tourists.
No Schengen Visa Required

Albania's biggest advantage is its visa process. Unlike most European countries, Indian citizens do not need the difficult Schengen visa to travel there. Albania offers e-visas to Indians. According to tourist experiences, the process is straightforward. You don't need to visit embassies or wait for months for appointments. Apply online from the comfort of your home and book your ticket to Europe. This is why, while people plan months to visit Paris and Rome, Albania has emerged as a quick and stress-free alternative.

The Greek Experience at Half the Price

Albania is often called the poor man's Greece or affordable Europe, but its beauty is undeniable. The beaches, the blue waters of the Ionian Sea, and the historical buildings here give you a feeling that's very much like Greece. The only difference is that it won't break the bank.

Let's look at recent travel reports and tourist experiences:
Accommodation costs: Good hotels and Airbnbs in Albania can be found for just ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per night. In some places, this price can be as low as ₹700.

Food and sightseeing: The cost of food, drinks, and local transport is also around ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per day, which is significantly less than in Western Europe.

Flight costs: The cost of flights to and from India is also lower compared to other European countries. If you take the time to choose connecting flights and self-transfer options, a return ticket from Delhi to Tirana (the capital of Albania) can be found for between ₹20,000 and ₹25,000. For a more comfortable journey, the cost is between ₹50,000 and ₹60,000, which is still cheaper than flights to London or Paris.

What do the statistics say?

The figures shared by the Albanian tourism department and the 'Albanian Times' have surprised everyone. In the first four months of 2025 alone, the number of Indian tourists visiting the country increased by a massive 103 percent year-on-year. This surge is not limited to Indians. There has been a 350% increase in tourists from Finland and a 276% increase from Israel. In the first nine months of 2025, Albania received more than 10 million tourists.

What to see in Albania?
Albania is known as the Land of Eagles. There's plenty for tourists to see and do here:
Tirana: The country's capital, known for its vibrant cafe culture and colorful buildings.
Berat and Gjirokaster: These UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcase Ottoman-era architecture.
Albanian Alps: If you're a mountain enthusiast, the trekking and natural scenery here will captivate you.
Beaches: The beaches along the Ionian and Adriatic coasts are considered among the cleanest and most beautiful in Europe.

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