Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Albania's E-Visa System Expansion
Albania has streamlined its e-visa process for 2026, allowing faster online applications for non-visa-free nationalities with approvals in as little as 48 hours. The fee is €30-50 depending on duration, and it's valid for single or multiple entries up to 90 days. This makes it easier for travelers from Asia and Africa to explore Albania's beaches and mountains without embassy visits.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Albania, and it should have at least one blank page for entry stamps. Biometric passports are preferred for smoother processing at borders.
Always verify with your issuing country for any additional re-entry validity rules, especially if transiting through the EU.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and over 90 other countries can enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business.
This policy supports Albania's growing tourism sector, but overstays can result in fines or entry bans, so track your dates carefully.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply online via the official e-visa portal at evisa.albania.al, submitting a passport scan, proof of accommodation, and financial means (around €50/day).
Processing typically takes 3-7 days, with fees ranging from €30 for short stays to €100 for longer ones; print your approval for border presentation.
Border Crossings
Albania's borders with Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece are efficient for EU citizens, often with minimal checks, but expect questions about your itinerary at land crossings like Hani i Hotit.
Airports in Tirana and Saranda handle international arrivals smoothly, with e-visa verifications done digitally to reduce wait times.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical emergencies, trip delays, and adventure activities like hiking in the Accursed Mountains or scuba diving in the Riviera.
Affordable policies start at €3-5 per day and should include evacuation coverage due to Albania's remote areas with limited medical facilities.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 90 additional days for valid reasons like health or work by applying at a local police station or the Ministry of Interior before your initial period ends.
Extensions cost around €20-40 and require proof of funds and accommodation; digital nomad visas are also available for longer remote work stays in 2026.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Albania uses the Albanian Lek (ALL). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Tirana by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or Booking.com.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during shoulder seasons when prices drop significantly.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for street food like qofte or byrek at local bakeries for meals under €5, avoiding tourist traps in Saranda to cut dining costs by up to 60%.
Farmers' markets in Kruja or Berat provide fresh fruits, cheeses, and olives at bargain prices, often half the cost of restaurants.
Public Transport Passes
Use affordable furgons (minibuses) for intercity travel at €3-10 per leg, or get a multi-day bus pass for routes like Tirana to Shkoder for under €20.
Many coastal towns offer free local buses during summer, combining with walking to minimize transport expenses.
Free Attractions
Explore Ottoman architecture in Gjirokastra's old town, hike Theth National Park trails, or relax on Ksamil beaches, all without entry fees for an authentic, low-cost experience.
National parks like Llogara often waive fees for day visitors, and many Ottoman bridges and castles are open to the public at no charge.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in cities and tourist spots, but rural areas like the Albanian Alps prefer cash; ATMs are widespread but carry a €2-3 fee per withdrawal.
Exchange euros directly for better rates than airports, and use contactless payments where possible to avoid small transaction hassles.
Site Passes
Purchase a multi-site ticket for UNESCO spots like Berat and Gjirokastra for €10-15, covering several attractions and saving 40% compared to individual entries.
It's especially worthwhile for history buffs, as it includes museums and fortresses that would otherwise cost €5 each.
Smart Packing for Albania
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack versatile layers for Albania's diverse climates, from light cotton shirts and shorts for Riviera beaches to fleece jackets for highland evenings in places like Valbona.
Include conservative clothing for visiting mosques in Tirana or Ottoman sites, and quick-dry fabrics for humid coastal hikes.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type C/F plugs, a portable charger for long bus rides across the country, and apps like Google Translate for Albanian phrases.
Download offline maps for remote areas with spotty signal, and a waterproof phone case for beach adventures in Dhermi.
Health & Safety
Carry your travel insurance details, a comprehensive first-aid kit with motion sickness remedies for winding mountain roads, and any personal medications.
Pack high-SPF sunscreen, DEET insect repellent for summer mosquito-prone lakes, and water purification tablets for rural streams.
Travel Gear
A lightweight backpack is ideal for day trips to Blue Eye springs or Rozafa Castle, along with a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on trails.
Include a money belt for cash security in crowded bazaars, photocopies of your passport, and a scarf for dust on gravel roads.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking boots with good grip for Valbona-Theth trails and rugged terrain in the Accursed Mountains, paired with breathable sandals for beach lounging.
Waterproof sneakers are essential for cobblestone streets in Berat and sudden rain in the highlands; break them in before your trip to avoid blisters.
Personal Care
Opt for eco-friendly toiletries to respect Albania's pristine nature, including aloe vera gel for sunburns and a compact umbrella for unpredictable showers.
Travel-sized wet wipes and hand sanitizer are handy for outdoor picnics, and lip balm with SPF for windy coastal drives along the Riviera.
When to Visit Albania
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather with temperatures of 15-20°C makes spring perfect for wildflower hikes in Llogara National Park and exploring ancient ruins without summer heat.
Fewer tourists mean lower prices on accommodations, and events like Orthodox Easter in April add cultural vibrancy to cities like Korca.
Summer (June-August)
Peak beach season along the Albanian Riviera with hot days of 25-35°C, ideal for swimming in Ksamil's turquoise waters and attending music festivals in Dhërmi.
Expect crowds and higher rates, but the long sunny days are great for island-hopping by ferry and outdoor tavern dining.
Autumn (September-November)
Comfortable 15-25°C weather suits harvest festivals in the wine regions of Berat and hiking the cooler trails of the Cursed Mountains with golden foliage.
Shoulder season brings deals on hotels and fewer visitors, perfect for relaxed sightseeing in Gjirokastra's stone houses.
Winter (December-February)
Mild coastal temps of 10-15°C contrast with snowy highlands (0-5°C), offering budget stays and skiing in areas like Dajti Mountain near Tirana.
Cozy up with raki by the fire during cultural events, or visit serene monasteries; it's low-season for avoiding crowds at historical sites.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas; ATMs are common but exchange rates favor cash withdrawals.
- Language: Albanian (Shqip) is official; English is spoken in cities and resorts, with Italian and Greek useful in the south.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (observes daylight saving)
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (European two-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 112 for all services (police, medical, fire) - EU-harmonized and reliable in urban areas
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; add 5-10% at restaurants for good service, or round up taxi fares
- Water: Bottled water recommended outside main cities; tap water is improving but may cause stomach issues for visitors
- Pharmacies: Easily found in towns (look for "Farmaci" signs); stock basic meds, but bring prescriptions for chronic conditions