AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA ON THE WAIVER OF VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR HOLDERS OF DIP…

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania hereinafter referred to as “the Parties,”

Desirous of entering into an agreement for the enhancement of their bilateral relations; and

Wishing to facilitate travels of their nationals on official mission

Have agreed as follows:

Article I
This Agreement covers the following types of passports:

1. For the Republic of the Philippines: diplomatic and official passports.
2. For the Republic of Albania: diplomatic and service passports.

Article II
Nationals of either party who are holders of valid diplomatic, service and official passports are exempted from the obligation to obtain visas for entry and stay in the territory of the other Party, if such a stay does not exceed ninety (90) days from the first date of entry or when transiting through that territory on their way to a third State.

Article III

1. Holders of valid diplomatic, service and official passports of either Party who are members of non-resident missions and are assigned to work in international organizations, as well as their spouse and dependent children accompanying and living with them, may enter and stay in the territory of the other Party without any visa for the duration of their assignment provided that the other Party has been given written notification of at least thirty (30) days prior to their assumption of Post.
2. For purposes of this Agreement “dependent children” shall mean:
   

   1. In the Republic of the Philippines: persons below eighteen (18) years of age or those 18 years of age and above but are unable to fully fend or take care of themselves because of a physical or mental disability or condition.
   2. In the Republic of Albania: persons below eighteen (18) years of age or those 18 years of age and above but are unable to fully fend or take care of themselves because of a physical or mental disability or condition.

Article IV
Nationals of both Parties, who are holders of passports of the types mentioned in Article I of this Agreement, may extend the duration of their stay, after the expiration of the period mentioned in Article II, upon the written approval of the competent authorities of the other Party in accordance with its laws.

Article V
Both Parties shall exchange, through diplomatic channels, their respective valid passport specimens within thirty (30) days after the signing of this Agreement. The Parties shall inform each other about the introduction of new types and classifications of passports as well as any change or modification to those currently in use and shall furnish relevant specimens within thirty (30) days from their adoption for use.

Article VI
Notwithstanding the exemption from obtaining entry visas under this Agreement it is the duty of persons benefiting therefrom to comply with the laws and regulations on entry, stay in and exit from the other Party’s territory.

Article VII
Both Parties reserve the right to refuse admission to persons designated as undesirable or considered likely to endanger the public peace, public order, public health or national security.

Article VIII
Any disputes arising between the Parties concerning the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement shall be settled by consultations and negotiations through diplomatic channels.

Article IX
Either Party may terminate or suspend in whole or in part this Agreement for reasons of public order, security or public health.

The termination or suspension shall be duly communicated to the other Party in writing and through diplomatic channels, specifying the date on which it will take effect.

Article X

1. This Agreement shall take effect on the date of receipt of the later written notification by either Party, through diplomatic channels, indicating compliance with its domestic requirements for its entry into force.
2. Any amendment or revision to this Agreement shall be done in writing and by mutual consent of the Parties. These amendments or revision shall enter into force in accordance with Paragraph 1 of this Article.
3. This Agreement shall be valid for an indefinite period. Either Party may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the other Party through diplomatic channels. The termination shall take effect ninety (90) days after the date of notification.

In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto, have signed this Agreement.

DONE in Rome, Italy on 9 September 2013 in two originals in the English and Albanian languages, both texts being equally authentic. In cases of divergence, the English text shall prevail.

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES	FOR THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA
(Sgd.)	(Sgd.)
H.E. VIRGILIO A. REYES, JR.	H.E. NERITAN CEKA
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to Albania, resident in Italy	Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania in Italy

Entry into Force: March 16, 2019