In general
Documents and visa
EU citizens can enter with a national ID card valid for travel (or a passport), in good condition and valid for at least 3 months beyond the return date; other nationalities need a passport and should check their own rules. No visa is needed for stays up to 90 days within 180. Travel with an intact, legible document.
Currency and payments
The currency is the Albanian lek (ALL), which is NOT convertible outside Albania: change or spend all your lek before leaving. The euro is often accepted in tourist areas, but paying in lek costs less. Cards are accepted in city hotels, restaurants and shops, but in small towns and the mountains you need cash. ATMs are common in urban centres. Albania remains a very affordable destination.
Language
The language is Albanian. Italian is surprisingly widespread and understood by many (thanks to TV and historical ties), along with English among young people and in tourism: communicating is easier than in other Balkan countries. A 'faleminderit' (thank you) is always appreciated.
Health and vaccines
No mandatory vaccine (yellow fever only if arriving from at-risk countries). Keep your routine vaccinations up to date; discuss hepatitis A and typhoid with your doctor. Public healthcare is very poor and private facilities do not perform complex procedures: for serious problems you arrange a transfer. Hygiene conditions can be precarious: drink bottled water and be careful with raw food. ALWAYS take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation.
eSIM and connectivity
The main operators are Vodafone, One and ALBtelecom: a tourist SIM with data costs very little and is easily bought with an ID, or you can use an eSIM. 4G coverage is good in cities and along the coast, but disappears in the most remote valleys of the Alps (Theth, Valbona): download maps and bookings offline. Albania is outside the EU, so roaming with EU SIMs is generally not included (check with your operator).
Electricity
Power is 230V/50Hz with type C and F sockets, the same as continental Europe: European two-round-pin plugs fit without an adapter. In the mountains electricity may suffer outages: keep your devices charged.
Time zone
Albania is at UTC+1 (Central European Time), with daylight saving time, the same as central Europe.
Climate and seasons
Mediterranean climate on the coast (hot, dry summers, mild winters) and continental/alpine in the mountains. The best time for the sea and the Riviera is May to October (July-August are hot and crowded). For the northern Alps (Theth, Valbona) the trekking season runs June to September: in winter the passes are closed by snow. Spring and autumn are ideal for the cities.
Good to know
Driving and roads
Renting a car is the best way to get around Albania, but drive carefully: the road network is improving but many inland roads are rough, poorly lit and used by livestock. AVOID driving at night outside the cities. The local driving style is assertive. For the northern Alps (Theth, Valbona) you need suitable vehicles or organised 4x4 transfers; the Lake Koman ferry should be booked.
Safety
Albania is on the whole safe and hospitable, especially in tourist areas: violent crime against tourists is rare. Normal precautions apply against pickpocketing in crowded places and care in the outskirts of cities, where it is best not to wander alone at night. The country is in a seismic zone (a strong earthquake in 2019). Carry a copy of your documents and keep the originals at the hotel.
Trekking in the Alps
For trekking in the Accursed Mountains (the Valbona-Theth crossing and the trails to the Blue Eyes) start early, bring water, hiking boots, layers and a windbreaker: the weather at altitude changes quickly. The main trails are marked but it is good to have an offline map. Mountain guesthouses offer half board with local produce; luggage transfer between Valbona and Theth is arranged on site. Respect nature and take your litter with you.
Eating and tipping
Albanian cuisine blends Mediterranean, Ottoman and Balkan flavours: byrek (filled pastry), tave kosi (lamb with yoghurt), fresh fish on the coast, cheeses and garden vegetables in the mountains, all at low prices. You drink raki (spirit) and excellent coffee. Portions are generous and hospitality is warm. In restaurants a 10% tip is welcome but not compulsory.
Useful numbers
- 112 — Single European emergency number
- 129 — Police
- 127 — Ambulance / emergency medical service
- 128 — Fire brigade
- +355 42 275900 — Italian Embassy in Tirana (24h emergencies: same number). For other nationalities, contact your own country's embassy
💡 Albania is a discovery an hour's flight from Italy: an ID card and little money are enough. Change or spend your lek before leaving (it is not convertible abroad) and rent a car to get around, but don't drive at night on inland roads. For the sea choose June or September, for the northern Alps the summer. And enjoy warm hospitality and still very low prices.