Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Albania due to crime. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as you do not stay in the country more than a year.
US Embassy/Consulate
[355] 4 2247-285; US Embassy Tirana, Rruga Stavro Vinjau, No. 14, Tirana, Albania; https://al.usembassy.gov/; ACSTirana@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
355
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 17; Fire: 18; Police: 19
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear summers; interior is cooler and wetter
Currency (Code)
Leke (ALL)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
Albanian 98.8% (official), Greek 0.5%, other minority languages
Major Religions
Muslim 56.7%, Roman Catholic 10%, Orthodox 6.8%, other minority religions
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Porto Palermo Castle; Valbona Valley; Apollonia; Saranda; Tirana; Himare; Berat; Shkodra; Pindus Mts. & Dinaric Alps; Kruje; Butrint; Gjirokastra
Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, volleyball, handball, boxing
Cultural Practices
When speaking with an Albanian, you may realize that they make head nods in the opposing direction from Western societies. They shake their head from side to side to indicate yes, and up and down to point no.
Tipping Guidelines
Rounding up the bill at restaurants is fine, unless the service was outstanding, in which case, a good tip will be much appreciated. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but if they help with your luggage and provide you with tourist information, a tip would be appreciated. Tipping the housekeeping staff is not necessary but appreciated.
Souvenirs
Woven kilim rugs, alabaster, copper crafts, leather footwear, perfumes
Traditional Cuisine
Tavë kosi — a dish of lamb, or occasionally chicken, and rice baked with a mixture of yogurt and eggs and added to a roux of wheat flour and butter
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, September 05, 2023
