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Are you thinking about leaving the United States for Europe, but have no idea where to start?
However, moving abroad is never easy, with all the visa applications and foreign bureaucracy, not to mention the different rules for each country. But wouldn’t it be nice if you could just grab your passport, pack your bags and move on? your way?
It turns out there are two countries on the Old Continent where Americans can move for an entire year… without a visa!
You read that right, no other requirement than to be a US citizen and present a valid passport at the border:
Albania
Formerly a hidden gem of Southeastern Europe that has risen significantly in popularity in recent years, Albania is going viral on TikTok for all the right reasons:
It is a Mediterranean country, so it enjoys warmer temperatures all year round, with mild winters and scorching summers. It is rich in culture, dotted with Greek and Roman ruins and well-preserved medieval towns, and most importantly, it is shockingly affordable.
Are quirky modern capital, Tirana has become an expat magnet in recent years, thanks to an abundance of coffee shops, coworking spaces, lush parks and low prices: according to Nomadsit costs $2,084 per month to live comfortably in the city.
Ksamil, a peaceful town straddling the Maldives’ white-sand beaches and a turquoise Mediterranean Sea, is our fifth lesser-known destination this year, combining coastal relaxation and ancient sights. It is just a 10-minute drive to Butrint, an archaeological site dating back more than 2,700 years.
Elsewhere in Vlora, an up-and-coming resort town gearing up to launch its own international airport next year, visitors will find a revitalized, colorful old townand a lively promenade full of casual restaurants and palm trees.
If you’re moving to Albania for the culture, you might want to consider basing yourself on the UNESCO World Heritage duo of Berat and Gjirokaster:
The first is a perfectly preserved settlement from the Ottoman era lying at the foot of a medieval castlewhile the latter is a picturesque cobbled town with houses made of stone, backed by a monumental hilltop fortress and snow-capped peaks.
As you can see, there is plenty to choose from.
Why Albania is a great place to live
We’ve already discussed this briefly, but perhaps the biggest reason why Albania is such an incredible alternative to living in the United States is how cheap it is in comparison.
A meal and a drink in a cheap restaurant in Tirana is will cost you an average of $10.83according to Numbeo estimates, while more luxurious three-course meals for two at an upscale downtown eatery will cost $48.24 or $24.12 each.
Renting is just as accessible, with fully furnished apartments in Tirana from $479 per month on Airbnbor if you dream of an idyllic oceanfront life, there are private accommodations from $314 per month in the nearby coastal area of Durres, and $309 in Ksamil.
As for safety, Albania is terribly safe, with few armed robberies and violent crimes affecting visitors; Petty crime remains a problem in tourist hotspots, so we recommend keeping an eye on your personal belongings just to be safe.
On the other hand, it is not a primary entry point for illegal migrants entering Europe automatically less dangerous than the overwhelmed Western European countries where migrant smuggling has boomed noted by the Council of Europe.
It also has excellent connectivity within Europe, with budget airline WizzAir offering flights to and from Tirana Airport to a range of European destinations. as cheap as $14.80 one wayand ferry and bus connections to Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia and other nearby countries.
Visa rules for US citizens visiting Albania
Perhaps most importantly, Albania has opened its doors to Americans, as they are the only foreigners allowed to stay in the country. visa-free for up to a year!
This does not mean that you are entitled to social security or healthcare unless you apply for and obtain a valid residence permit and pay taxes. You can still be present in Albania as a visitor for 365 consecutive days.
Whether you return to America at the end of that period, jump to the next country, or have fallen in love with Albania and want to extend your stay, which is very likely if you ask us, you will have plenty of time to complete your documentation for to prepare and get in order.
Georgia
Hidden in the Caucasus, Georgia lies right on the mountainous border between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. just as fascinating as it sounds.
Sure it has towering peaks to its name, and it’s an ancient land dotted with monasteries and medieval castles, but something most people not know that is it borders an azure blue Black Sea––black in everything but the name––interspersed with picturesque coastal towns and resorts.
It is best represented by Tbilisi, a vibrant capital centered around a cobbled historic core that brings not only European (particularly Russian), but Persian and Turkish influences, and is best known for its diverse architecture and vibrant social scene.
From Eastern Orthodox churches with rich frescoes to Art Nouveau ensembles and striking brutalist monuments (an ode to the defunct Soviet Union, of which Georgia was a part), it is probably a reference to Europe’s – or should we say Eurasia?most unique cityscape.
In recent years, Tbilisi has become something of a haven for digital nomads and slow travelers: cafes like Coffee LAB and 144 Stairs cater to an international crowd of English-speaking, brunch-loving laptop users, and Achvlediani Street comes alive at night with techno bars and cozy terraces.
Tbilisi is not the only refuge for expats in Georgia:
Batumi, Georgia’s second largest city, is one thriving metropolis by the sea A combination of Old World charm and 21st century urban buildings, with rows of innovative high-rises overlooking a beach, it’s no wonder it’s called Georgian Dubai.
Looking for a quieter life, some foreigners choose Kutaisi, a smaller town along a winding river dominated by a medieval Orthodox cathedral, or Telavi, a sleepy town still surrounded by medieval walls and famous for its wine.
By the way, did you know that wine is said to be a Georgian invention?
Why Georgia is a great place to live
Like Albania, Georgia is a steal of a deal for Americans.
That’s not to say it’s particularly cheap – prices have certainly risen since the Russian-Ukrainian war sparked a refugee crisis in the country – but there’s no doubt you can live pretty good at $2,147 per month in a city like Tbilisi.
Being the best-equipped city and also an administrative and cultural center, Tbilisi is the most expensive city in Georgia, and even there ordering a dish in a restaurant will be worth it. sets you back by about $9.12or $36.50, if you want to treat yourself and get a three-course meal (see below Numbeo).
If you are staying for a longer period of time, private rooms in hotels or guesthouses can be rented from $498 per month, while an entire apartment in a residential area, yet within walking distance of a metro station, will cost you a very reasonable $698 (check out Airbnb options this winter).
Average is the cost of living in Georgia 46.7% cheaper than in Western Europewith house prices specifically being 34.5% lower.
As if that weren’t encouraging enough, Georgia is about as safe as any other European destination, despite its proximity to countries like Russia and Azerbaijan: apart from its low urban crime rate, the country is not involved in marginal conflicts.
Last but not least, it is well connected to the rest of Europe, with airports in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi offering connections to a number of European destinations, making intracontinental travel easy – from Kutaisi, flights with WizzAir start from as low as $37.
Visa rules for US citizens visiting Georgia
You’d think Georgia would have stricter immigration rules given how attractive the country is to migrants – in reality it has some of the most relaxed entry and residence rules in the world!
Essentially, US citizens are allowed to stay in Georgia for an entire year on the basis that they are Americans only: It is not necessary to apply for a visa in advancenor do they extend their tourist visas beyond a certain period.
Once the 365 days are up, if you plan to stay in Georgia longer, you can apply for a residence permit on the basis that you have a business in the country, bought real estate or have family reunification, or you can simply do a visa run. .
Every exit and re-entry into Georgia means: another full year you can stay.
Of course, we still recommend that you apply for the residence permit, as it gives you many more rights and guarantees that you can return to the country after traveling abroad.
Nevertheless, the authorities are not too concerned about the Americans eager to make Georgia their base (in any case, they are exceptionally receptive to it).
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
