An American passport is an extremely powerful document, allowing you to visit 188 countries around the globe without going through the hassle of applying for a visa.
However, the vast majority of those countries have rather strict time limits on visa-free stays. For instance, Americans are welcome to visit any of the 27 Schengen Countries in Europe without a visa, but only for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Lots of other countries such as Moldova and Ireland allow you to stay for 60 to 90 days.
That’s plenty for a vacation, but what if you want to live abroad long-term? Of course, you can apply for digital nomad visas or even foreign citizenship, but that’s not an easy or quick process. Traveling abroad for more than 90 days often leaves you hopping from country to country in order to stay legal.
However, there is one European nation that welcomes Americans for much longer than that.
Say Hello to Albania
The charming European nation of Albania allows Americans to stay for up to one year with no visa required. The Albanian authorities simply recommend that you have a passport with validity of at least six months beyond your planned departure from the country.
If you want to stay longer than a year, or if you want to work or study in Albania, you simply need to apply for a residency permit with your local Police Directorate. This makes it an ideal European destination for retirees, digital nomads, and expatriates.
Why Stay in Albania Long Term?
To be honest, you may not want to leave! Albania is a beautiful nation in the Balkan Peninsula that has a bit of everything: Mountains, beaches, historical ruins, bustling cities like Tirana, and fantastic Balkan and Turkish cuisine. To top it off, Albania is a relatively affordable place to visit or live.
Insurance Options for Albania
While the healthcare facilities in Albania are certainly sufficient for minor injuries and illnesses, they may not be up to the standards you’re used to when it comes to more intensive care. Plus, your domestic health insurance is unlikely to be accepted abroad.
For shorter trips to Albania, we recommend all visitors purchase travel medical insurance. It can cover you for unexpected medical treatment abroad, and many plans provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation in case it’s necessary.
For long-term living in Albania, you should explore expatriate health insurance. It’s annually renewable major medical insurance that’s ideal for expatriates, retirees, and workers living outside the US. Various payment schedules are offered, and maternity coverage is available.
Ready to Pack Your Bags?
Whether it’s for a few months, a year, or much longer, living abroad can be incredibly enriching and enjoyable. Just be sure you’re covered with proper insurance, and you can immerse yourself in a new culture with less worry about unexpected health issues and the complications they bring.