Short-term visa: You can stay up to 90 days in a 180 days period.
Long-term visa: You can stay more than 90 days in a 180 days period.

Passport should be valid for a minimum of 3 months from their dates of entry to Albania

From 5€ in embassy till 30€ in different agencies

Short-term: Visa Type “C”

Long-term: Visa Type “D”

Visit this page to get more information

If you need a different type of visa, you can contact the nearest representative office or through the online service, or per agency

The nearest consulate or ambassy and their contact you can find at this page

Free import of:

1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco;
2. 1 liter of spirits and 2 liters of wine;
3. 250 milliliters of eau de cologne or 50 grams of perfume

Minors must travel accompanied by one of their parents. Otherwise, Single parents or other the accompanying person must have documents providing such a right.

Cats and dogs must be accompanied by a veterinarian health certificate issued at the point of origin. Pets may enter as passenger’s checked baggage, in the cabin or as cargo and just through Tirana International Airport

Lek = 100 qindars

ALL

Notes 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 lek

Coins  1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 lek

Where can I change my currency?

You are available to exchange USD and EURO at the airport, bank branches and exchange offices. There is a
possibility to exchange currency at the reception in some hotels.
If you are traveling to big cities, it is most profitable to change your money at banks.
If you are changing money in exchange offices, choose one designated as Exchange Office. This inscription indicates this exchange office works from a bank. But be sure to check the rate and percentage of the commission before the exchange. Some exchangers charge up to 8% commission on the exchange amount.

Opening hours

Mostly banks are opened from 8.30 till 14.30 out of Saturday and Sunday. Currency exchange points are opened from 8.00 till 18.00 out of Sunday.

Commission

Check in advance the size of the commission in exchange offices. Commission size can be up to 8%

There are 24/7 ATMs in all big cities. The main banking systems are Raiffeisen Bank, American Bank of Albania, Pro Credit Bank and Tirana Bank. You can withdraw an amount equivalent to $ 500 at a time.

Commission

Before you cash out money at an ATM, check the amount of the commission. Before the completion of the operation, the system will issue a notification about the amount of the commission. At this stage, you can cancel the operation and contact another ATM.
It is best to choose ATM located at the branches of large banks. ATM BKT, Albania bank, Credins Bank do not charge commission for cash withdrawals.

What currency should I take with me?

Given the proximity of the European Union, it is better to take the Euro with you, as this currency can be exchanged at a more favorable rate. There will be no problems with USD exchange either, but USD exchange rate will not be so profitable.

Is it profitable to cash and change money at the airport?

There is a high commission rate at the airport and hotels. It is better to have the necessary amount of cash for the first time. Better to exchange in the city.

How to pay in hotels, shops, restaurants, taxis?

Almost all payments are made in cash in Lek.
You can pay for transfer from airport by public transport or taxi with USD or Euro (make sure you have small bills and coins in advance).
Credit cards are only accepted in large hotels, expensive restaurants, and tourist destinations.
In popular tourist destinations, you can buy goods by paying in Euro. When making such a purchase, you need to know the exchange rate well so as not to overpay.

Other info:

In Albania, the “old” and “new” price systems are widespread. Difference between them is an extra zero in the designation of the amount. So, a bottle of water will cost 500 old leks or 50 new ones, that is, about 0.3 €. In most cases, the population uses the old price system.

In many Albanian cities, there is an “informal” foreign exchange market. These are street money changers. They exchange at the bank rate, but they do not take any commission. As a rule, their services are used by local residents. But without knowing the language, you risk being deceived.

Albania has two different climate zones:

• the coast of Albania has a Mediterranean climate;
• inland you will find a continental climate.

The coast of Albania has long, hot summers and wet but mild winters.
Inland you will find warm summers, however winters here are severe with a high chance of snow.

The best travel time for Albania is from May to October, when you have a pleasant or warm temperature and little to no precipitation.
The highest average temperature in Albania is 30°C (86°F) in August.
From October, summer will move into autumn, in which the amount of sunshine decreases considerably and the intensity of the rainfall increases.

Albania is perhaps the most mysterious and original country in Europe, which has been isolated from the whole world for half a century. What do we know about her? Almost nothing. Here are some facts:

• Albania is a safer country than some European countries. The crime rate is quite low here.
• This country harmoniously combines European traditions with the customs and lifestyle of Asia, and rapid development and ultramodernity – with the legacy of the communist era and the flavor of the early 20th century.
• Albania has preserved wild, untouched nature, monuments of ancient Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman culture and the communist system — the famous concrete bunkers, silent witnesses of the dictatorship of Enver Hoxha.
• Hospitable, honest and kind people live here, their slight gloom can even confuse an inexperienced traveler. But as soon as you talk to an Albanian, ask for help, and you will see an open, sincere smile, and the whole world will help you. Having met a person a couple of minutes ago, you will part with the closest friend.
• It is worth saying that while Albania is a non-tourist country, in the usual sense of the word. But if you can understand and accept it for what it is, you will definitely love this country and will come back here again and again. For several years, Albania has made a rapid leap forward in tourism. Dozens of new hotels appear here every year, new resorts open, and modern infrastructure develops.
• The country has excellent roads and high-speed Internet, which even large European cities can envy.
• The national currency of Albania is the Albanian Lek.

The first reason everyone should visit Albania is the pristine beaches of the south coast. The best coastal part of the country is called the Albanian Riviera and starts after the Llogara mountain pass, near the town of Vlora, and ends in Ksamil, a small town near the Greek border.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WoszhjcyCXKiDopx8
The distance between Tirana and Himara is 221 km (137 mi) by road. By bike – about 11 hours, on foot – 1 day. The most convenient way to travel from the capital to Himara is by car.
Travel time: 4 hours by road By SH2, SH4, A2 and SH8.

In the southern part of the Albanian Riviera, the lively tourist town of Sarandë is one of the most popular destinations in the country. Its attractive, lively promenade is surrounded by beautiful beaches and many restaurants, cafes and bars serving authentic Albanian and Greek food. Lokurosi, located on the top of a hill, is a great place to watch the sunset over neighboring Corfu

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/jXf2Aod1mFzfqTvY8
The distance between Tirana and Saranda is 284 km (176 mi) by road. By bike – about 11 hours, on foot – 1 day. The most convenient way to travel from the capital to the city of Saranda is by car.
Travel time: 4 hours 15 minutes. on the roads.

Tirana is one of the liveliest capitals of the Balkan Peninsula with many museums and art galleries worth visiting. Once in the city, don’t miss BunkArt2, a majestic coveted bunker built on the outskirts of the city in the 70s by former dictator Enver Hoxha. This is an incredible place to be reached through a tunnel on the hillside. There are several rooms turned into small history lessons showing the Italian and German invasions during the Hoxha era. It’s very interesting, but it takes a lot of reading – so maybe not very suitable for children.

A few tips:

• It’s cold underground, a sweater would be appropriate;
• The duration of the excursion is 90 minutes;
• Excursion cost – 4 €;
• Location — Sermedin Said Toptani Street, Tirana https://g.page/Bunkart2?share.

For experienced trekkers, there is nothing better in Albania than to hike across the Albanian Alps. From the national valley of Valbona to the small village of Tet, the pearl of northern Albania with its beautiful Catholic church and crystal clear natural spring, a trip here is a real adventure. Get ready to marvel at the stunning natural landscapes of the Albanian Alps and completely fall in love with this country.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rGDYDX5Jvd61CgpH6

Tucked between the Albanian Alps, Valbone is a national park teeming with amazing views, alpine landscapes, glaciers, rocks, forests, waterfalls, nature reserves that make up a unique unspoiled ecosystem. The Valbone Pass, which is 1800 meters high, offers an impressive view of the Albanian Alps.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/YwTNv49ia1v4vbGE8
The distance between Tirana and Valbona is 245 km (152 miles) by road. By bike – about 11 hours, on foot – 1 day.
Travel time by car – 4 hours 15 minutes.

Lake Coman. The water in the lake is bright turquoise and very clear. In addition, the lake is surrounded by high cliffs and meanders through a mountain valley.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HQS4bBAWDh4bRxtg7
The distance between Tirana and Lake Coman is 187 km (116 miles) by road. By bike – over 11 hours, on foot – 1 day.
Travel time by car – 4 hours 39 minutes.

The city of Berat, located in the center of Albania, is one of the oldest cities in the country. It is also known as the City of a Thousand Windows because of the many windows on the facades of the buildings. Berat has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, not only because of its beauty, but also because the city is a unique example of religious tolerance.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9kwvtnzbrrR83Zvz9
The distance between Tirana and Berat is 98 km (61 miles) by road. By bike – more than 5 hours, on foot – 21 hours.
Travel time by car – 1 hour 43 minutes.

Kruja, located an hour by bus from the capital of Tirana, houses the National Ethnographic Museum located inside the castle, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Albania, with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. From the fortress, the Albanian hero Giorgi Kastrioti Skanderbeg defended the country from the Ottoman invasion for almost three decades. Once in the city, don’t miss a walk through the old bazaar and buy a local souvenir.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/NPUjQ86VaRQ4w3aR6
The distance between Tirana and Kruja is 38 km (24 miles) by road. By bike – about 2 hours, on foot – 6 hours.
Travel time by car – 1 hour 43 minutes.

Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint was once a Greek colony, a Roman colony and a bishopric. It is the largest and most famous archaeological park in Albania and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights here are the theater, baptistery, and basilica. There is also a museum in the upper part of the city with artifacts found in the ancient area.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/DFrC8f6121CqvEda6
The distance between Tirana and Butrint is 306 km (190 mi) by road. By bike – about 17 hours, on foot – 51 hours.
Travel time by car – 4 hours 37 minutes.

One of the favorite places in the country for locals is Pogradec, a small town located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, located between Albania and Macedonia. Pogradec is one of the most famous summer destinations in Albania for its beaches and vibrant nightlife.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ysLYjbErD89MdUgz8
The distance between Tirana and Pogradec is 124 km (77 miles) by road. By bike – about 7 hours, on foot – 29 hours.
Travel time by car – 2 hours 12 minutes.

Medical insurance in Albania is a prerequisite for entry even during the visa-free period (from June to October). The document is checked at customs control and in its absence, serious problems may arise, including a ban on crossing the border.
If you have insurance, you will get rid of the need, in which case, to pay for medical expenses, which are not cheap in paid clinics in Albania. There is no free medical care for foreign tourists.
If it’s possible, provide the maximum insurance amount so that in a bad set of circumstances you can use the services of a normal clinic and not worry about where to get funds for expensive treatment.

No vaccinations are required to visit Albania.
However, when traveling, it is recommended to get vaccinated against typhoid and polio. Despite the fact that the outbreak of the last epidemic of poliomyelitis was in 1996, the risk of contracting polio is still present, especially in summer and autumn.
Preventive measures against tetanus, hepatitis B, diphtheria and encephalitis are also recommended. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers from areas where the disease is spread (exception for children under 1 year of age).

The water in the tap is chlorinated and relatively safe for health, but drinking this water is not recommended, it is better to use bottled water. Local food products are screened by the public health authorities, but it is still recommended to heat them to avoid ending up in the local hospital.

There are no dangerous animals and insects in Albania. In both urban and rural areas, you should not come into contact with stray animals. It is recommended to use repellents to protect against mosquitoes.

1. Call the assistance company, which is a partner of your insurance company. Contacts can be found in the insurance policy.
2. Provide all the necessary information regarding the insured event and the symptoms with which the illness proceeds.
3. The representative of the assistance company will find a suitable medical institution where you should go. If the clinic is far from your place of stay, ask what type of transport you can use and whether the trip will be paid for by the insurance company later. For payment, keep all documents proving your transportation costs to the medical facility. These documents must reflect the cost and route (if possible).
4. Upon arrival at the medical facility, do not pay for any services other than those agreed with the assistance company. Do not leave any important documents at registration.
5. Keep all documents that prove the costs of purchased drugs.
6. Do not contact medical institutions (individual doctors) before receiving approval from the assistance company. You will have to pay for such requests yourself and there is a high risk that these costs will not be reimbursed by the insurance company in the future.

The level of medical care in state clinics in Albania is low. The entire health care system suffers from a shortage of medicines, equipment, qualified doctors.
Medical care of an acceptable quality can be provided only in private clinics and clinics in large cities.

In Tirana – Luigi Monti clinic, address: st. Kawayskaya 120, tel. +042 23-20-21. The phone number of the emergency room in the children’s clinic is +042 36-34-79.
In Vlora there is an emergency clinic, the emergency room telephone number is +033 22-43-36.
In Durres – Municipal Hospital, phone: +052 22-22-22.

1. Contact the local police as soon as possible, where you will be given a temporary ID. Ask to certify two copies: show one at the embassy, ​​and the second will be useful at home when you restore your passport.
2. Call the embassy, ​​clarify what documents will be required to restore your identity card, and the time of reception.
   Usually this:
   – two photos;
   – an identity document (civil passport, its certified copy, driver’s license, hunting ticket or any document with your name, photo and seal);
   – if any, electronic copies of the international passport and the general civil passport;
3. Go to the embassy. If everything is in order with the documents, a certificate of the right to return to your homeland will be issued to you on the same day within a few hours, and you will present it at the airport at passport control on your way home. Keep in mind that this certificate is valid for 14 days, so if you came for a long vacation and lost your passport on the very first day, it is worth doing the restoration no earlier than 2 weeks before departure.

In crowded places, it is necessary to take precautions against pickpockets. Tourists are not advised to openly display money, passports, mobile phones and equipment.

There are three mobile operators in Albania.

We suggest you to select “Vodafone Albania”, because this is the largest and the most widespread operator in Albania. With “Vodafone Albania” tourist SIM you will have enough data for all of your needs.

Check if you need an adapter before starting a trip
Plug type F is useful for the socket C
Some appliances never need a converter. If the label states ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’ the appliance can be used in all countries in the world

Public transport in Albania is a mixed bag, as it ranges from okay to barely existant. Some public transport also accepts euros if you don’t have Albanian Leke. The road conditions are usually good in urban places like big cities but can be in a bad condition in more rural areas.

Road traffic is on the right side.

Trains are not very common and not often used in Albania. The quality of the railroads and trains is not very high but on the other hand, tickets are cheap. Furthermore, trains usually have a very scenic and beautiful view which you won’t get anywhere else. For schedules and prices, you can visit this page

Buses are not very common in Albania but you can reach various major cities just by riding them. Their schedule is often variable and they only ride during the day. A ride usually costs 40 leke.

Furgons in Albania are minibuses and vans. They serve similar function to taxis and are most often found in big cities. You can identify them by their yellow plates. They do not have a strict schedule, depart randomly, can be in mixed conditions and can often be overcrowded. They are also the most safest transport option. You also need to negotiate a price with the driver before setting off.

There is only one international airport in Albania – Tirana International Airport.

Bus

The only way to reach Tirana city centre by bus – Rinas Express.

Car rental

Costs between 20 to 50 euros per day. Many different rental companies.

Taxi

Private car

You can book a private car which will be waiting for your arrival and instantly take you to your destination.

Albania is completely safe for tourists of all ages. The attitude of local residents is always friendly, and the tourism industry workers sincerely try to provide guests with the best conditions for recreation.

The season lasts from May to September. The hottest time is July and August (up to + 35-37 ° С).
If your priority is the warm sea, then it is better to travel with children in late August – early September. At this time, the sea is already very warm, and the heat subsides a little.
However, if silence at night is important to you and the children, it is better to go in June when there are fewer tourists.

There are no luxury hotels for VIP tourists in the usual sense in Albania. Most of the hotels are 3 * and 4 *. On the territory of large hotels there is a playground and a playroom, as well as a professional animator.
If you are going to have a rest with a large company or family, then you can book a family room in hotels; for small children, most hotels provide a cot or an extra bed.
It is also possible to rent apartments, duplexes or villas.

Groceries and essentials can be bought in supermarkets or shops that are located all over the place.

Children’s menu and baby food are provided in some hotels.
Necessary items for children can also be purchased at supermarkets, shopping centers, pharmacies or small shops in the hotel or nearby.

• Playgrounds, attractions and water parks in the resorts of Saranda, Vlora, Durres.
• Water activities on the beaches.
• Children’s animation on the territory of the hotels.
• Mini zoos and tame pony playpens at some restaurants.
• Zoo, botanical garden, national parks and reserves.

Babysitting services are available in hotels, and for older children, some hotels provide professional animation services.

For families with young children, the Adriatic coast of Albania is more suitable, thanks to sandy beaches, shallow warm sea and proximity to Tirana airport, as well as the ability to get from Montenegro.
For older children, the Adriatic will not be so interesting, so it is worth taking a closer look at the hotels and apartments in the Vlora Bay and the Albanian Riviera.

• Beachwear and shoes
• Comfortable sneakers and clothes for walking
• Necessary medicines
• High factor sunscreen
• Insect repellent

Albania, is a very friendly country for tourism with your pets.

You can transport your pet on public transport in a suitable carrier.

It is better to discuss this issue directly with the driver.

There are plenty of pet – friendly hotels in Albania, check the hotel information before you book

If all of the above rules are followed, there will be no problems when traveling with animals.

Transporting animals long distances is a huge stress for them. Please consider this fact in order not to harm your little friend.
And if you cannot leave your pet under the supervision of the house, then take care of purchasing the most comfortable carrying and take with you enough medicines to solve the problems of the animal as soon as possible.

Explore the ruins, dive into the ocean, and hike in the mountains. Drive your own car to get from one tourist destination to another without difficulty. Here are some guidelines to help you travel safely:
Dipped beam is optional when driving during the day and is required when driving at night. Dipped beam should be switched on in poor visibility conditions caused by bad weather. For non-compliance, a fine from ALL 250 to 1,000 (€ 2 – 8).
Children under 12 years of age and less than 150 cm tall should only be transported in special seats. Children under 4 years old can only be transported using special restraint systems appropriate for their weight.
The fine for violation of the rules for transporting children is from ALL 250 to 1,000 (€ 2 – 8). It is forbidden to use the phone or other distractions while driving. Conversations only with a headset or speakerphone.
In case of violation – a fine from ALL 250 to 1,000 (€ 2 – 8).

Highways are free