TRANSPORT

There are about 18,000 km of road in Albania of which 7,450 km are considered to be “main roads”. Although the government continues to make substantial investments in road improvements, still some major roads are in poor condition and construction sites are often badly signaled. Disregard traffic laws are widespread. If you choose to drive in Albania, please exercise caution and drive as defensively as possible. Better avoid traveling at night outside the main urban areas as road hazards are more difficult to see. It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol and to use a cell phone while driving, except when the driver utilizes a Bluetooth or other hands-free device.

COMMUNICATION AND MONEY 

There are three operators: Vodafone, Albtelekom / EagleMobile, and ONE. Most of them are owned by international companies and only one is owned by Albanian companies.  Please check here a list of operators to see their policy and rates, so that you can make use of their services during your stay in Tirana.

The local currency in Tirana, Albania is Albanian LEK (ALL). While the most used foreign currency is Euro and US Dollar. There are several banks operating in Albania and many ATM and currency exchange offices and money transfer offices. If you need any help with transactions or money exchange here is a list of banks in Tirana.

 

TRAVEL AND VISA

1)  Can enter Albania without visa:

a) Foreign citizens who have a valid, multiple-entry Schengen visa, which has been previously used in one of the Schengen states, or foreign citizens who have a valid permit of stay in one of the Schengen states; b) Foreign citizens who have a valid, multiple-entry US or UK visa, which has been previously used in the respective country of issuance, or have valid permit of stay in the US or UK.

2) Can enter without a short-term visa (without a visa Type C) for touristic motives during the period 15 May 2017 – 1 November 2017 citizens of Saudi Arabia, Belarus, Georgia, Qatar, Trinidad Tobacco, Oman, Ukraine, Russia, China;

3) Long – term visa (Type D) is required for all foreign citizens that will stay in Albania for more than 90 days during a six month period (90/180 days) and will apply for a residency permit from the migration office;

4) As attached please find the visa regulation table for foreigners: Visa regime for foreign citizens

5) All foreign citizens from countries that are not included in the table are required to have a visa before traveling to Albania. They can apply for a visa in the Albanian embassy that is geographically closest to their country of origin or residency;