Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Albania depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for AlbaniaEmergency Numbers
- General
- 112
- Police
- 129
- Ambulance
- 127
- Fire
- 128
Currency
- Name
- Albanian Lek
- Code
- ALL
- Symbol
- L
ATMs in Tirana, Saranda, and Shkodra. Cards accepted at upmarket hotels and restaurants. Cash preferred throughout, especially on the Riviera and in small towns. EUR widely accepted in tourist areas. Excellent value destination.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type F
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) — CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Best Time to Visit
May–September is the best window — the Albanian Riviera (Ksamil, Himarë, Dhërmi — some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean) is stunning June–September. Berat ('the city of a thousand windows' — UNESCO) and Gjirokastër (UNESCO) are excellent year-round. The Valbona-Theth trek through the Accursed Mountains is one of Europe's best hiking routes (July–September).
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | — |
| Taxis | Round up | — |
Dress Code
- Casual throughout
- Modest dress at mosques and churches
Social Etiquette
- Albania was the world's only officially atheist state under Enver Hoxha (1967–1990) — 750,000 concrete bunkers still dot the landscape, now used as cafés, mushroom farms, and art installations
- The Albanian Riviera (100km of coast) rivals Croatia and Montenegro at a fraction of the price — one of Europe's best-kept secrets
- The Kanun (a 15th-century code of honour) still has cultural influence in the north — blood feuds technically still occur in very remote highland areas
- Albanian hospitality (mikpritja) is one of the strongest in Europe — a guest is a gift from God; you will never pay for a meal in someone's home
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- LGBTQ+ rights: same-sex activity is legal; no marriage equality; social attitudes conservative but improving in Tirana
- Cannabis: illegal
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Albanian) | Tungjatjeta / Ciao | toon-GYAH-tyeh-tah — formal; 'Ciao' is widely used informally from Italian influence |
| Thank you (Albanian) | Faleminderit | fah-leh-meen-DEH-reet — one of the most beautiful thank-yous in Europe |
| Yes (Albanian) | Po | POH |
| No (Albanian) | Jo | YOH |
| Cheers! (Albanian) | Gezuar! | geh-ZOO-ahr — 'joy!' |
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