TIRANA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Albania's Council of Ministers announced late Wednesday the government decision to lift visa regime for citizens of nine countries.

Under this decision, the citizens of China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, Georgia, Qatar, Oman, Thailand and Bahrains will be able to enter Albania using only their passport.

Meanwhile, the government's press office said that the free visa regime for these countries will only apply for the period of tourist season.

"The decision allowing citizens of these nine countries to enter Albania without needing a visa will be in force from April 1 to Oct. 31 of this year," said the government's announcement.

It also said that this decision was taken after considering the need to boost the country's tourism sector and the growing interest showed by citizens of these nine countries to visit Albania.

Albania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior are in charge of implementing this decision, according to the announcement.