Republic of Albania Country Information

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Key Facts

Currency: Albanian lek
Capital City: Tirana
Region: Southern Europe
Continent: Europe
Demonym: Albanian
Land Area: 27,400 km²
Population: 2,777,689
Political Leader: Edi Rama (Prime Minister)

Geography and Environment

Located in the Balkans region with a total land area of 27,400 km2
It has both a Mediterranean climate along coasts and an alpine interior
11,363 km2 used as agricultural land area (2021)
7,889 km2 covered by forests (2021)
The majority of energy comes from renewable (44.58%) and hydroelectric sources (100%)

Population and Cities

Total population of 2.8 million (2022), comprised of 1.4M females and 1.4M males
1 million rural inhabitants, 1.8 million in urban areas like the capital Tirana
The population increased over time from 1.6M in 1960
66 major cities documented across Albania
It is estimated around 7 million Albanians reside across Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere abroad

Economy and Industry

GDP has grown to $18.9B (2022) from $1.9B in 1984
Government debt now over 80% of GDP
53% self-employed, 50% in vulnerable jobs (2021)
Top companies: Albtelecom, Raiffeisen Bank, Banka Kombëtare Tregtare
374 companies founded between 1912-2017 in database

Health, Education, and Standard of Living

Life expectancy improved from 54 to 76 years (1960-2021)
Fertility rate dropped from 6.5 to 1.4 births per woman
100% electricity access and 82.61% internet penetration (2022)
Higher education: Universiteti Aleksandër Moisiu, Universiteti Polis
The average wage in Albania is around $400, making it one of the poorest countries in Europe

Politics and Government

Democratization score of 5.98; labeled a “hybrid regime”
Women hold 35.7% of parliamentary seats (2022)
Military spending has declined to 1.6% of GDP (2022)
Notable current figures include PM Edi Rama

Safety and Security

Albania has a level 2 travel advisory, according to the U.S. Department of State, indicating tourists should exercise increased caution due to the potential for civil unrest and petty crime
Most visits are trouble-free, but tourists are advised to secure passports and wallet carefully
Some rural roads may be hazardous due to lacked maintenance

Tourism Infrastructure

Tourism is an emerging industry, so travelers will find an authentic experience
Hotel infrastructure is developing, with pockets of high quality lodging in Tirana and coastal resort areas
Public transportation options are still maturing, so driving or hiring a car is common
Getting around involves significant mountainous terrain
Popular attractions may get crowded during peak season (July – August)
Still off-the-beaten-path compared to more mainstream European destinations
Prices remain very affordable relative to the Mediterranean
The English language is not widely spoken outside of the main cities

Entry Requirements and Visas

Citizens of the European Union, as well as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days within 180 days
Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date from Albania
Proof of sufficient funds and/or credit cards should be carried
Visas can be obtained on arrival at Tirana International Airport or Albanian land border control points
Visitors may need to provide documents showing the purpose and means of support for their planned stay
Extensions for up to 90 additional days are possible. Overstays result in fines and can lead to entry bans.
Travelers staying longer than 90 days within six months require obtaining longer-term D-visas before arrival

The visa application involves completing a form, submitting a valid passport, two passport photos, proof of accommodation arrangements, and paying a 10 Euro fee.

Currency

The Albanian Lek (ALL) is the official currency
1 ALL is equal to about 0.0092 EUR or 0.010 USD (as of 2024)
ATMs are widely available, but many rural areas still use cash predominantly
Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants in cities but carry some cash

Major Airports

Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA)

Located 17 km from the capital Tirana
Receives flights from over 45 major airlines
Serves over 2.5 million passengers per year
Features duty-free shops, exchange offices, eateries
Offers PCR and antigen COVID testing facilities

Kukës International Airport Zayed (KUK)

Located 15 km from Kukës in northeast Albania
Smaller regional airport with more limited flights

Corfu Airport (CFU)

Located on the Greek Island of Corfu
45-minute ferry to Saranda in southern Albania
A popular option when visiting the Albanian Riviera

Airlines Flying to Albania

Air Albania
Alitalia
Austrian Airlines
British Airways
Lufthansa
Turkish Airlines
Vueling
Wizz Air

Many low-cost European carriers offer flights to Tirana International. Travel between Albania and Italy or Greece is most common. TIA Airport has recently undergone modernization to handle increased traffic. Transportation like taxis, buses, and rental cars are available for onward travel.

Public Transportation

Buses and furgons (private vans/minibusses) connect most cities for low fares
Most bus stations lack clear arrival/departure information
Taxis prevalent in Tirana and other major cities
Local municipal buses are limited mostly to the capital Tirana
Trains are outdated and not recommended for visiting tourists
Rental cars provide the most flexibility for tourists

Driving

Driving is on the right side
Drive defensively for other cars, pedestrians, animals
Adhere to speed limits indicated
Validate parking via SMS in some urban areas
Carry an international driving permit and vehicle registration
Be alert on narrow mountain roads lacking guardrails
Gas stations may not accept credit cards

Ferries

Public ferries active between Sarandë and Corfu (Greece) as well as Vlora or Durrës and Italy
Private boat charters are available for coastal trips
Major port cities include Durres, Vlore, and Shëngjin

Accommodation

Wide range from hostels to high-end hotels, especially in Tirana
Major port and resort cities also have solid options
Boutique hotels and villas are available, often with traditional design elements
Lodging outside big cities may be basic guesthouses
Campgrounds and glamping spots are growing in popularity
Airbnbs gaining prevalence in Tirana, Sarandë and Vlorë
Peak season from May to September drives rates up slightly
Good value is still found relative to other European destinations
Amenities may be lacking in rural areas – budget accordingly
Confirm cancellation policy, room type, and fees when booking
$50-100 per night gets a quality hotel stay in main cities

Regional Differences

Coastal: Contemporary resort-style properties on the Albanian Riviera
Central/Tirana: Modern city business hotels and furnished apartments
Mountain Areas: Quaint village guesthouses and mountain lodges

Consider the type of Albania experience you seek when choosing a lodging area. Overall, the country offers quality lodging options comparable to neighboring Balkan countries but at more affordable prices.

Language & Greetings

Albanian is the official language, with Gheg and Tosk dialects
Standard greetings: “Mirëdita” (Good day)
“Si jeni” (How are you) “Faleminderit” (Thank you)
English speakers are limited outside of big cities
Having local language basics gestures goes a long way

Cultural Traditions & Values

Legendary hospitality and pride in guest welcome
Toasting is customary during meals and gatherings
Elders are highly respected
Most identify with a religious affiliation
Great respect is placed on family and friendship bonds

Social Etiquette

Use titles before names until invited otherwise
Arriving late can occur for social gatherings
Ask before photographing people
Albania has a distinct coffee culture. Try signature coffee traditions like Turkish coffee or espresso

Best Times to Visit

April-June and September-October for pleasant weather
July-August for beach-going but very crowded
December-February for skiing, lower prices, fewer tourists

Food and Drink

Cuisine features Mediterranean influences with local crops like olive oil, vegetables, seafood
Outdoor café culture is prevalent, especially in cities like Tirana
Traditional dishes include roast lamb, salads, burek pastries, kebabs
Raki is a popular alcoholic drink, wine options are expanding, and local beers like Birra Korça
Tap water is generally not potable

Shopping and Souvenirs

Best buys include handicrafts like carpets, ceramics, leather and wood goods
Antique shops feature Ottoman-era weapons, wardrobe items
Traditional folk costume pieces like embroidered waistcoats for men, vests for women
Local artist paintings, socialist realism posters
Specialty foodstuffs like wine, raki, olive oil, spices