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Weather & climate
Weather in Albania
Albania
19°
Slight rain showers
Sat
13°
19°
Sun
11°
23°
Mon
15°
24°
Tue
15°
24°
Wed
9°
19°
Thu
6°
21°
Fri
14°
19°
SPF level in Albania
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Albania
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Albania without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism.
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Albania.
If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply in advance for a long-stay visa or a residence permit from within Albania.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or if you try to use a passport reported lost or stolen.
Check with your travel provider that your passport meets all entry requirements before you travel.
Good to know:
If arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk, you must have a certificate proving you've had the yellow fever vaccination.
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty when entering Albania.
Safety in Albania
Tips when travelling
Albania is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Watch out for pickpockets and bag thieves in tourist areas, on public transport, and at airports.
Carry a green card as proof of vehicle insurance and ensure you have a 1968 international driving permit if you plan to drive.
Only take part in water sports through licensed centres and complete paperwork before starting the activity.
If involved in a traffic accident, even a minor one, remain at the scene until the police arrive to avoid fines.
Be aware of poor road surfaces, unmarked roadworks at night, and aggressive driving.
Bonus tips:
Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished and do not light fires or barbecues except in designated areas to avoid causing wildfires.
In remote northern border areas, be cautious of unexploded landmines, follow warning signs, and do not walk off marked paths.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Albania
A UK driving license is accepted in Albania.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.01%
Remember: Albania drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Albania
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. While the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may offer some cover, it's not a substitute for travel insurance. Check the latest guidance on GHIC/EHIC validity in Albania before you travel.
No vaccinations required
Medical facilities in Albania, particularly outside of Tirana, may be limited. It is advised to bring any personal medications you require, with a copy of your prescription. Drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues, and be mindful of food hygiene.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common, especially in larger establishments in cities and tourist areas. However, it's still a good idea to carry cash, particularly when visiting smaller towns or rural areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Albania
Tipping is appreciated in Albania, especially for good service, but it is not always expected. A small tip can go a long way.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (50-100 ALL) is appreciated.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common.
Hotel Porter
50-100 ALL per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
100-200 ALL per day, left at the end of the stay.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers in Albania. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges before you travel, as they can be significant. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper rates.
Local SIM
10 GB for 1500 ALL (~£12)
Network coverage
4G, 5G (limited availability)
Electrical in Albania
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. However, the speed and reliability can vary.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Staying connected in Albania is generally easy, with WiFi options available and mobile data available. Speeds are adequate for most purposes.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
129
Ambulance
127
Fire
128
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Albania
Country code
+355
To call the British Embassy in Tirana, you would dial 00 355 4 2244473.
The country code for Albania is 355. When calling from abroad, use the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by 355, and then the Albanian phone number.
Languages in Albania
UK Embassy
British Embassy Tirana
Rruga Skënderbej 12, Tirana, Albania
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Albania
Beaches in Albania
Frequently asked questions
Generally, Albania is considered a safe country for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
British citizens do not need a visa to enter Albania for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
The best time to visit Albania is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) months. The weather is pleasant, with warm temperatures and less rainfall. Summer (June-August) can be very hot, especially along the coast, and popular tourist destinations can get crowded.
The official currency of Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL). While credit cards are accepted in some larger establishments, especially in Tirana, it's advisable to carry cash, particularly when visiting smaller towns or rural areas. Euros are also widely accepted.
It is generally not recommended to drink tap water in Albania. Bottled water is readily available and affordable, and is the safest option for drinking.
Albanians are generally very hospitable and welcoming. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. It's considered polite to accept offers of coffee or tea. If invited to someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift.
Be wary of taxi drivers who don't use meters or inflate prices. Agree on a fare before starting your journey. Check restaurant bills carefully for any discrepancies. Avoid exchanging money with unofficial vendors.
Public transport within cities is usually by bus. Buses and furgons (minibuses) connect major cities, but schedules can be unreliable. Renting a car gives you more flexibility but be aware that road conditions can vary. Taxis are available in cities but negotiate fares in advance.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.