HEALTH & SAFETY

 

Visiting Albania is an enriching and rewarding experience, and we look forward to introducing you to a new Mediterranean love. That's why we seek to ensure your stay is as healthy and comfortable as possible. Albanians have a long tradition of hospitality, and you will find the people of our country quick to respond to any request for assistance. Thus, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask! Since this region is warm in the summer months, remember to drink plenty of fluids while you are here. Bottled water is widely available and is offered at a low price.

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Driving in Albania presents a unique set of challenges for visitors. Infrastructure development is in full swing since the country's emergence from communism, but drivers may still find it difficult to navigate our roads. As a result, we recommend taking a taxi or a bus. Local transportation offers a stress-free way for you to enjoy the scenery while listening to our professional drivers regales you with tales of life in Albania. This is if you want to experience the country with calm and mix with locals, because public transport is quite slow. While if you want to see more in a few days hire a local guide and driver from the online travel agencies prior to your arrival.

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As you would with any international vacation, be sure to check with your embassy or consulate for information that may be specific to you on your visit to Albania. Checking to see that you have your visa (if required), health insurance, and other documentation prepared will ensure that your visit to our country is as wonderful as possible. We wish you good health and maximum comfort on your trip to Albania!

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Emergency numbers:

Ambulance    127

Fire brigade    128

Police    129

General emergency    112

 

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HOW TO GET TO ALBANIA?

 

Land Borders

From Greece:

Through Kakavija, the southern border with Greece, you may enter in Gjirokaster;

Through Kapshtica, the south-eastern border with Greece, you may enter later in Korca;

Through Qafe Boti - Konispol relating to Fila;

Through Three Bridges relating Përmeti with Konica.

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From Montenegro:

Through the Hani Hotit and Murriqan-Sukobina you may enter in the town of Shkoder and Shkodra Lake;

Through Ulqini in the southern border with Montenegro you may enter the town of Shkoder;

You can now enter from Vermosh, from where you may be linked to the region of Kelmendi in Albania and Plava Gucia - Montenegro.

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From Macedonia:

Through Qafe Thana we relate to Pogradec, Elbasan and Librazhd;

From Tushemisht, to southeast of Ohrid Lake, in direction of Pogradec;

From Blladë, in the direction of Peshkopia or Bulqiza and Burreli;

From Gorica the road heads north of Prespa Lake.

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From Kosovo:

Vërmica,

Qafa e Prushit

Qafe e Morinës.

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Through bus service you can also move through cities:

Tirana - Tetovo, Macedonia through Qafe Thana.

Tirana - Prishtina and other towns in Kosovo through Morina.

Korce - Thessaloniki, Greece, through Kapshtica.

Tirana - Athens, through Kakavija.

Tirana - Sofia - Bulgaria, and Istanbul from Qafe Thana.

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Sea Borders:

The port of Durres relates to the Italian ports of Bari, Brindisi, Ancona, Trieste and Koperin in Slovenia.

Port of Saranda. Daily movements performed with the island of Corfu.

Port of Vlora. Relates to Brindisi and Otranto.

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Airport:

International Airport "Mother Teresa" (also known as Rinas) is approximately 25 kilometres from Tirana and has many direct flights from Europe. Main city connections include London, Frankfurt, Milan, Rome, Vienna, Zurich, Athens, Bologna, Budapest, Istanbul etc.

The Kukes International Airport has opened from May 2021, with airlines such as Air Albania and Wizz Air offereing flights to Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

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The city of Tirana is linked with the airport by bus service. Departure for the airport is made from Skanderbeg Square every hour to the airport.

 

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GENEARL INFO

 

Climate

Albania has a Mediterranean climate with each season offering distinct, yet pleasant weather. Some features of the climate vary by region: The coastal areas have a Central Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The alpine areas have a Central Continental climate with cold, snowy winters and temperate summers. The lowlands have mild winters, averaging about 7°C, and summer temperatures average 24°C. Lowland rainfall ranges from 1,000 mm to more than 1,500 mm annually, with greater rainfall in the north. Nearly 95% of rainfall occurs in the winter and rainfall in the upland mountain ranges is heavier. Despite the rain, Albanians enjoy a great deal of sunshine. The overall climate is pleasant and favours outdoor activity. On average, Albanians enjoy a great deal of sunshine, second only to Spain in average annual sunny days. The overall climate is pleasant and favours outdoor activities.

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Economy

Since the fall of Communism, the development of the Albanian economy has been fuelled primarily by the service and construction industries, though tourism has recently played an increasing role in the economy and is growing rapidly.

Many people are curious to explore a country whose borders were closed to travel for many years. Given the continued development of both summer and winter resorts, people all over the world have begun to think of Albania as a tourist destination.

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Flag:

Black double-headed eagle on red background

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International telephone prefix:

+355

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Government:

Parliamentary Democracy

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Population:

3,150,886 inhabitants

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Area:

28,748 km2

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Capital city:

Tirana

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Language:

Albanian

 

Currency:

Lekë

1 Great British Pound = 141.8 Albanian Lek

1 Euro = 120.9 Albanian Lek

1 United States Dollar = 121.13 Albanian Lek

 

Official Holidays:

January 1 & 2 - New Year's Day

March 14 - Summer Day

March 22 - Nevrouz day

May 1 - Labour Day

October 19 - Day of Beautification of Mother Teresa

November 28 - Independence Day

November 29 - Liberation Day

December 8 - National Youth Day

December 25 - Christmas Day

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In Albania, there is a peaceful coexistence of those practicing a variety of religious faiths. Muslims, Orthodox, and those following the teachings of the Catholic Church comprise the majority of people adherent to religion. In 1967, religious worship was prohibited, and the country became the world's only official atheist state. Since the end of the Communism,

Albanians have been guaranteed the freedom of religion and have exercised that freedom in various ways.

 

The following are also public holidays that do not occur on the same date every year:

Catholic Easter March/April/March

Orthodox Easter March/April/May

Greater Bajram End of Ramadan

Lesser Bajram/ is variable

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ROAD TRAVEL

 

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 signalled  Disregard for traffic laws is widespread. If you choose to drive in Albania, please exercise caution and drive as defensively as possible. Better avoid travelling 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.