Albania: main airports
Albania is served by a single international airport, Tirana Mother Teresa Airport, which has grown very quickly in recent years alongside the country's tourism boom.
Whether the destination is the capital Tirana, the beaches of the Albanian Riviera to the south or nearby Durrës on the coast, Tirana Airport is practically the only entry point: from there travellers continue by rental car, bus or taxi to the rest of the country.
Albania: recommended activities
Albania: visa and entry requirements
European Union citizens can enter Albania with just a valid ID card, without needing a passport or a visa, for short tourist stays.
Albania is not part of the European Union or the Schengen area, although it is an EU candidate country: it is therefore still advisable to carry a document valid for travel abroad.
Albania: safety
Albania is today a safe and fast-growing tourist destination, with a very low level of violent crime against tourists. As throughout the region, petty theft is the main risk in the busiest areas of coastal towns during high season.
Anyone hiking in the more remote mountainous areas of the interior (such as the Albanian Alps region) should check trails and weather conditions before setting off, given the poor signal coverage and not always fast rescue services.
Albania: health situation
The overall health risk in Albania is low. Tap water is not always considered reliable for visitors: bottled water is recommended, especially outside the main urban centres.
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry, but it is good practice to be up to date with routine vaccines (tetanus, hepatitis A). Hospitals in Tirana and Durrës offer an adequate level of care for common emergencies; facilities in rural areas are more limited.
Albania: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Albanian lek. Cards are increasingly accepted in Tirana and coastal tourist areas, but cash remains important outside these areas.
Bolt operates in Tirana and is generally the most convenient choice compared to unbooked traditional taxis.
For local connectivity, the main operators (Vodafone Albania, Telekom Albania) sell prepaid SIM cards in their shops in the main cities.
For driving and car rental: EU driving licences are generally accepted without needing an IDP. For other nationalities it is advisable to also have an International Driving Permit.
