Albania

Understand

While the relative majority of the people in Albania are of Muslim heritage (55–65%), according to the polls, around 35% of the Albanians are agnostics; 22% are atheists; 19% are Muslim; 15% are Orthodox; 8% are Catholics and 1% are of other religions. Mixed marriages are very common. Traditional Albanian culture honors the role and person of the guest. In return for this place of honor, respect is expected from the guest. Albanians enjoy long walks in the city streets, drinking coffee, and among the younger generations, participating in nightlife activities such as cafe lounging and dancing. Albania is a poor country by European standards. During the Middle Ages, Albania was home to its historical inhabitants, the Arbër. First recorded in Byzantine texts in the 11th century, they inhabited mountainous areas between Lake Ohrid and the Shkumbin River. The term served as the native endonym for all Albanians until it was gradually replaced by Shqiptarët in the 18th century. The English name Albania comes from Albanoi, the Greek name of an Illyrian tribe which lived in the area in during antiquity. Albanians call their own country Shqipëria, which means "Land of the Eagles". The name comes from an old myth that Albanians descend from a black eagle. A double headed black eagle was used as an insignia by the "Father of the Nation", Skanderbeg, as early as the 15th century, and can still be seen on the country's flag.

History Beginning in 1385, the Ottoman Empire was able to take control of what is now Albania. In 1443, a revolt started, led by George Kastrioti Skanderbeg. This revolt was stamped out only in 1479. The end of Ottoman rule in Albania occurred in 1912, and Albania became a country again. In 1939, Albania was conquered by Fascist Italy and was subsequently occu

Getting there

All road and tourist taxes (upon entering or leaving) the country have been lifted as of 2021.

Entry requirements

There is no longer a visa charge for any foreigners entering Albania. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nationals of the following countries and territories can enter Albania without a visa: Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia*, Austria*, Azerbaijan, Belgium *, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria*, Canada*, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus*, Czech Republic*, Denmark*, Estonia*, Finland*, France*, Germany*, Greece*, Holy See, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary*, Ireland*, Iceland*, Israel, Italy*, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia*, Liechtenstein, Lithuania*, Luxembourg*, Malaysia, Malta*, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands*, New Zealand*, North Macedonia, Norway*, Poland*, Portugal*, Romania*, San Marino*, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia*, Slovenia*, South Korea, Spain*, Sweden*, Switzerland*, Taiwan (Republic of China), Turkey, United Kingdom, United States* and Ukraine. Passport-holders from countries with an asterisk can enter with an ID card. States whose citizens may enter without visas due to their visa liberalization with Schengen area: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Brunei, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Mauritius, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, El Salvador, Seychelles, St. Kitts and Nevis, Uruguay, Venezuela, Macao (China). Foreigners who possess a valid residence permit or multi-entry visa from one of the Schengen states, the United Kingdom and the United States are also allowed to enter Albania without a visa for a stay of up to 90 days; for more than 90 days within the period of six months, they need to get visa type D. However, this policy has not been systematically applied. There have been instances that visitors have been t

Getting around

By bus Buses and furgons (minibuses) are the most reliable ways to travel around Albania. While the network is generally well-regulated and follows a fixed timetable, navigating the stations can be confusing. You will find numerous companies competing for business; however, many of these are merely ticket agents for the same service, which is often operated by an independent driver. ​ From Tirana, many buses and furgons a day depart to Shkodër, Durres, Elbasan, Fier and Berat. Furgons departing to the south like Gjirokaster or Saranda tend to depart fairly early in the morning. Check out the schedules under Tirana#By bus. Since August 2024, Google Maps has most intercity bus connections and times available and can be used for quite reliable trip planning. Also, you can use the trip planner of the official website. However, don't rely on the very last bus to go anywhere especially for destinations further away like Saranda. Bus cancellations are not unheard off. In the shoulder seasons there appear to be significantly fewer daily buses to some locations than the official website lists. However, if you click on the provider name on any given route, it will often give you a contact number for the driver or company through which you can contact them directly over WhatsApp or phone; they are usually quite helpful and with the furgons will even let you know if there are pickup points closer to you. Before, a good website to find the latest bus times, even for cross border transport, was gjirafa.com. Prices are indicative and each bus driver should have a proper stack of tickets