Europe
Albania
Cheap, warm-hearted and changing fast, with the Riviera, Ottoman towns and the Albanian Alps. Chaotic driving, cash-heavy payments and weak healthcare outside Tirana are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyALLUS$1 ≈ L81.33Details
- Price level43%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 112 · Ambulance 127 · Fire 128
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is treated in cities but supply and pipes are unreliable; locals drink bottled.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalStrong laws on paper, but society is conservative.Details
- Internet92 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 127 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightBring a 1968 IDP with your licence; the 1949 version is no longer accepted. Cars need a Green Card.
- Digital nomad visaYesUnique Permit for digital nomadsDetails
Where to go in Albania
11 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TiranaCapital city | 4/5 | $1,600–2,460 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 40/100 |
| SarandaCity | 4/5 | $1,480–2,210 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 49/100 |
| KsamilBeach town | 4/5 | $1,600–2,460 | May–Jun, Sep | 40/100 |
| BeratCity | 4/5 | $1,230–1,840 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 63/100 |
| GjirokastërTown | 4/5 | $1,170–1,780 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 67/100 |
| ShkodërCity | 4/5 | $1,230–1,840 | May–Sep | 65/100 |
| HimaraTown | 4/5 | $1,480–2,210 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 50/100 |
| DurrësCity | 4/5 | $1,350–2,090 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 57/100 |
| VlorëCity | 4/5 | $1,350–1,970 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 61/100 |
| ThethMountain town | 4/5 | $1,720–2,460 | Jun–Sep | 40/100 |
| DhërmiBeach town | 4/5 | $1,970–2,950 | May–Jun, Sep | 27/100 |
When to visit Albania
May–June and September–October for the Riviera and towns; July–August is hot and packed. Theth and Valbona in the Alps are best June–September.
Good to know
Entry
- Outside Schengen; visa-free visitors normally get 90 days in 180, counted separately from Schengen.
- Travellers who need a visa apply through Albania's official e-Visa system; avoid third-party agents.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Stay at the scene of any traffic accident until police arrive
- Possessing illegal drugs, including cannabis, can mean 5–10 years in prison
Etiquette
- A head shake can mean yes and a nod no, especially among older people
- Accept coffee or raki offered by hosts; hospitality is a point of honour
- Take your shoes off when entering homes
Tipping
Not obligatory; round up or leave 5–10% in restaurants, and tip guides and drivers on tours.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Albania
- e-Albania government services portal
- Speedtest Global Index: Albania
- EF English Proficiency Index 2025: Albania
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.