Entry & stay
Albania is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area. A valid passport is enough to enter (EU/EEA citizens may also use a national ID card). Citizens of the EU, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia and many other countries can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Travel medical insurance is recommended.
Driving
Foreign and international driving licences are accepted. Third-party liability insurance (the "green card") is mandatory.
Practical facts
- Currency: lek (1 lek = 100 qindarka). Roughly 1 EUR ≈ 98 lek. Euros are accepted almost everywhere, but change is usually given in lek.
- Time zone: Central European Time (CET).
- Official language: Albanian. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Voltage: 220V, European plugs — no adapter needed for most of Europe.
- Country calling code: +355.
Important numbers
- General emergency: 112
- Police: 129
- Ambulance: 127
- Fire brigade: 128
Useful tips
- Cash is king outside the cities — carry some lek for small shops, markets and rural areas.
- Tap water is generally safe in cities; bottled water is cheap and widely available.
- For consular assistance, contact your own country's embassy or consulate in Tirana.
Basic phrases
- mirëmëngjes — good morning
- mirëmbrëma — good evening
- natën e mirë — good night
- mirupafshim — goodbye
- faleminderit — thank you
- po — yes
- jo — no