Exploring the Rich Culture and History of Albania
Increasingly celebrated as one of the more remarkable and unusual tourist destinations in Europe, Albania is something of an undiscovered gem of coastal beauty and traditional culture that has remained untouched by the diluting tendrils of globalisation.
History enthusiasts will spot the influence of the recent past on this Balkan treasure from its life under Soviet rule. It wasn’t until 1992 that the Communist party finally relinquished power and Albania established a multiparty democracy. However, the country’s various treasures date back a little further than that, and can be glimpsed in the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. One of the world’s archaeological wonders, this old settlement sits atop a cliff overlooking nearby Corfu. It provides visitors with insights into Mediterranean civilisation from the Bronze Age through the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman periods.
In the leafy capital city of Tirana, tourists can enjoy gorgeous views over the city from Mount Dajt or can head to one of the many sidewalk cafes to sample some traditional Albanian fare, which has a primarily Turkish influence.
Saranda in the south is known for its unforgettable beaches and colourful spring flowers, while Shkodra features the major Albanian tourist attraction of Rozafa Castle. Orchards burst with ochre, burnt oranges and yellows in autumn while spring sees apple and cherry blossoms carpet the roadsides. Indeed, spring and autumn are considered the best times to visit Albania, as even in September it is still warm enough to swim on the southern coast.
With both coastal and mountain holidays on offer, as well as fascinating ancient culture, Albania merits its reputation as one of the world’s best up-and-coming tourist destinations.
Key Facts
- Language:
- The official language is Albanian but Greek is also spoken in many areas. English is not widely understood but is spoken in some of the hotels and restaurants.
- Passport/Visa:
It’s recommended that travellers always have six months’ validity remaining on their passports though, officially, all visitors entering Albania must have at least three months’ validity remaining on their passports. They also require onward or return tickets, all documents for their next destination, and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. Those arriving from countries where there is a risk of yellow fever must have proof of vaccination against the disease. It is possible for most visa-exempt travellers to stay in Albania longer than 90 days but they may be required to register with the authorities after this point.
- Currency:
The currency in Albania is the lek (ALL), which is divided into 100 qintars. Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most banks, large supermarkets and international hotels, though smaller businesses and taxis often only accept cash. There are many ATMs in larger cities and in tourist areas. Street money changers operate openly, but they do so illegally; foreign currency should be changed in banks’ exchange offices (kambim valutor), which travellers will find in Tirana and the main towns. The most commonly accepted currencies are the US dollar and the euro. Visitors should keep in mind that lek cannot be exchanged outside of Albania. Banks are open only on weekdays, from 8.30am to 2.30pm.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current in Albania is 220 to 240 volts, 50Hz. Round pin attachment plugs and Shuko plugs and receptacles with side grounding contacts are in use. Voltage fluctuations are common.
Health Notes when travelling to Albania
Travellers spending time in rural areas and eating outside of hotels and restaurants may want to consider a vaccination for typhoid, and those at risk of animal bites should consider a rabies vaccination. Tap water is not safe to drink unless it has first been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected.
Medical facilities are limited, particularly outside Tirana. Comprehensive travel insurance, including evacuation by air ambulance, is essential before visiting. All essential medications should be brought into Albania. It’s generally advisable to take along a signed letter from a doctor detailing what the medications are and why they are needed.
Safety Notes when travelling to Albania
Public security is generally good, particularly in Tirana, and Albanians are very hospitable to visitors. Crime and violence does occur in some areas, but reports of crime specifically targeting foreigners are rare. Driving can be very hazardous as roads are poor, especially in rural areas. Street lighting in urban areas is subject to power cuts. Albanian driving can often be aggressive and erratic, and deaths from road traffic accidents are among the highest in Europe. Though Albania declared its landmine-free status in 2009, some areas remain clearly identified as dangerous zones or are surrounded by visible tape, especially along Albania’s northeastern border with Kosovo. Travellers who plan to visit these areas should pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of landmines, stay on paved roads, and avoid open fields, road shoulders and unmarked trails.
Customs in Albania
The Albanian attitude towards women is still conservative, especially in rural areas where modest clothing and behaviour is the norm. Homosexuality is not illegal but, outside of urban areas, it remains controversial and public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention. Penalties for drug related crimes are severe.
Duty Free in Albania
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. Travellers to Albania do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 250ml of eau de toilette or 50ml of perfume; one litre of spirits and two litres of wine.
Doing Business in Albania
Business dress is recommended when meeting with government officials, and smart business casual is appropriate for meetings with business people and visits to local companies. Albanian professionals definitely like to be addressed with their title, such as doctor. Appointments should be made in advance of a business visit and the exchange of business cards is common, though there is no formal protocol around the giving and receiving of business cards.
Meetings will most likely start late but it’s best for foreigners to arrive on time. Also, the trend toward tardiness in the work place is dying out. Local business people generally speak at least one foreign language, most commonly English or Italian.
Albania is a relationship-oriented society that places a premium on friendship, hospitality, and trust. Business discussions are usually preceded by a series of questions concerning health, family, and the general well-being of the parties. Meetings often take place over coffee, and the time spent partaking in such is considered important to the business relationship and should not be discounted. Gifts are frequently exchanged.
Communication in Albania
The international access code for Albania is +355. Most hotels have free WiFi access; restaurants may also offer free WiFi in the larger towns. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Albania
Patrons should aim to leave five to 10 percent of the bill in restaurants, and rounding up the fair is becoming more common for taxis. Hotel staff don’t expect gratuity, though many guests tip 100 to 200 lek for help with luggage.
Passport/Visa Note
It’s recommended that travellers always have six months’ validity remaining on their passports though, officially, all visitors entering Albania must have at least three months’ validity remaining on their passports. They also require onward or return tickets, all documents for their next destination, and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. Those arriving from countries where there is a risk of yellow fever must have proof of vaccination against the disease. It is possible for most visa-exempt travellers to stay in Albania longer than 90 days but they may be required to register with the authorities after this point.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
United States citizens are exempt from holding a passport if they have a national ID card. Otherwise, US passport holders require a passport valid for three months beyond date of arrival. Americans do not require a visa for stays of up to one year.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian passport holders require a passport valid for three months beyond date of arrival. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British passport holders require a passport valid for three months beyond date of arrival. Passengers with a British passport do not requre a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian passport holders require a passport valid for three months beyond date of arrival, nationals of Australia with a national ID do not require a passport. Australians do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish passport holders require a passport valid for three months beyond date of arrival, but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand passport holders require a passport valid for three months beyond date of arrival, but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African passport holders require a passport valid for three months beyond date of arrival as well as a visa, unless they already hold a valid Schengen Type ‘C’ or Type ‘D’ visa, or a multiple entry visa issued by either the UK or USA, in which case they are exempt from needing a visa for up to 90 days.
Albania Embassies
- In the United States:
The Albanian Embassy, Washington: (1) 202 223 4942
- In Canada:
Embassy of Albania, Ottawa: (613) 236 3053
- In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of Albania, London: (44) 20 7828 8897
- In Australia:
Consulate General of Albania, Brisbane: (07) 3219 5571
- In South Africa:
Consulate General of Albania, Johannesburg (27) 11 884 1617
Foreign Embassies in Albania
- American Embassy
Embassy of United States, Tirana: (355) 4 224 7285
- Canadian Embassy
Consulate of Canada to the Republic of Albania, Tirana: (355) 4 225 7274
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Tirana: (355) 4 223 4973
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
