Albania

At A glance

Capital City: Tirana

Land size: 27,398 sq km

Population: 3,057,220 (July 2018 est.)

Official language: Albanian

Currency: Albanian lek (L / ALL)

UNESCO properties and sites:

• Ohrid region,
• Butrint,
• Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra,
• Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe

Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/albania/#:~:text=Background,with%20China%20(to%201978


Albania offers plenty of experiences that will leave you captivated. Marvel at the pristine beauty of the Albanian Riviera, with its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and charming coastal towns. Discover the rich cultural heritage of Albania, experiencing vibrant folk dances, traditional music, and savoring delicious local cuisine.
Get ready to create lifelong memories as you explore the wonders of Albania, a country that will leave you enchanted and eager to return.

Albania's diverse landscapes offer endless opportunities for unforgettable horseback riding experiences, from coastal trails to mountainous terrains. Ride through the rugged landscapes of Central Albania, traversing picturesque valleys, and mountain passes with breathtaking views. Venture into the tranquil countryside, riding through traditional villages, passing by ancient ruins, and connecting with warm-hearted locals.

 

Brief History

It is believed that some of the first people to live on the lands now known as Albania were called the Illyrians. Like the Greeks, the Illyrians succeeded in preserving their language and traditions in spite of Roman occupation.
Studies on several archeological sites seem to prove that the first Albanian settlements have started in the middle of the Paleolithic period (100,000 to 40,000 years BC). Therefore, Albania is considered as one of the regions with the most ancient population traces in the Balkans and Europe.

After the division of the Roman Empire (395 B.C.), Illyria became part of the Byzantine Empire and in 1344, Albania was under the rule of the Serbian Kingdom.
At the time, the region was often attacked by the Ottomans, which gradually managed to take the country under their rule. For more than 400 years, Albania was under the Ottoman regime. However, Albanians, inspired especially by the Illuminist movement from the XIX century, lead several revolts, which eventually lead to the proclamation of the National Independence on November 28th, 1912.

During the First World War, which broke out in 1914, Albania turned into a battlefield for different occupation troops, such as Austrian-Hungarian, Italian and French troops.
On April 7th, 1939, the country was occupied by Mussolini’s troops, and in 1943, the country was occupied by Hitler’s Nazi forces.

The end of World War II brought into force the Stalinist regime of Enver Hoxha. For about 50 years, the totalitarian regime followed a policy of isolation, leaving the country in economic poverty and totally isolated from the international community. This situation continued until 1991 when Albania held its first multiparty elections. The Socialist Party, along with its allies, is currently in power since 2013.
Since 2009, Albania adhered to NATO as a member with full rights. The country is now undergoing a series of reforms, which aim the integration of Albania into the European Community.

Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/albania/#:~:text=Background,with%20China%20(to%201978
https://albania.al/history/

 

Cultural Insights

English is not widely spoken but it is increasingly spoken by younger people.

Albanians can be divided into two cultural groups: the northern Albanians, or Ghegs (sometimes spelled Gegs), and the southern Albanians, or Tosks.
The geographic border between the two groups, based on dialect, runs roughly along the Shkumbin River, which flows through the central town of Elbasan to the Adriatic Sea. Although dialect and cultural differences between the Ghegs and Tosks can be substantial, both sides identify strongly with the common national and ethnic culture.

Despite their poverty, Albanians are exceptionally generous and hospitable. A person invited to dinner will be given enough to "feed an army," even though the host may go hungry the next day.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/albania
https://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Albania.html

 

Transportation

By Air
The only airport in Albania with international service is Mother Theresa International Airport, located in Rinas, just 17 km northwest of Tirana.
Rinas Airport, called today Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (https://www.tirana-airport.com/ ), was constructed over a period of two years, from 1955 to 1957. Until 1960, the airlines that operated into Albania were Aeroflot, Jat, Malev, Tarom and Interflug, with not more than two flights a day. Over the period 1965 to 1974, improvements were made to the facilities at the airport.
Due to the political and social transformations that took place in Albania between 1992 and 2000, the number of airlines operating into Tirana International Airport increased and passenger numbers began to grow.
In 2019, the airport handled about 3 million passengers. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, in 2020, the traffic was reduced to ca. 1.3 million passengers but a recovery of the traffic volume is expected for 2021.

By Rail
The first railway lines in Albania were mining and military lines built between 1917 and 1930 by the Austro-Hungarians and the Italians. The construction of a proper railway system began in 1947 and continued rapidly to reach its current size of 667 km in 1987.
The railway network extends from the port of Durres to the Adriatic Sea, and goes in three directions: North towards the Albanian–Montenegro border, South towards Ballsh and the port of Vlora, and East towards Pogradec, near the Macedonian border. The railway covers the most populated areas of the country.
With the political and economic changes of the 1990s, transportation demands have changed dramatically. There has been a rapid increase in private truck and bus services and especially in private cars that have diverted traffic from the railways. Many state factory and mines have been closed, also reducing rail traffic.

By Sea
Visitors can access Albania by passenger ferry through its larger coastal cities. Several foreign companies have regular services to the ports of Durrës, Saranda, Vlora and Shëngjin.

Source: https://hekurudha.al/hekurudha-ne-vite/?lang=en
https://www.tirana-airport.com/en/article/24/History-of-the-Airport
https://albania.al/traveling-information/

 

Money

Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most banks, large supermarkets and international hotels. Smaller businesses and taxis often only accept cash.
There are numerous ATMs in Tirana and the main towns, as well as bureaux de change where Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted. Although street money-changers operate openly, they do so illegally. Only use banks or established bureaux de change. There have been some cases of credit card fraud.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/albania/money

 

Health

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. A list of those countries can be found by visiting the World Health Organization.

Medical and dental facilities (including those for accident and emergency use) are very poor, particularly outside Tirana. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, evacuation by air ambulance and repatriation. Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission and most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. Not all operators have English, or may have limited ability in English, but will attempt to connect you with an English-speaking responder when possible.
Ambulance services are not widely available and the training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. In Albania, while many medicines are available without a prescription, certain pharmaceuticals may require a prescription from a physician and are sold only at specialized pharmacies. Some medications may not be available locally. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments recommended by a physician.

The tap water in Albania may cause illness - you should drink only bottled water. Many restaurants and hotels may serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. 
If you drink milk, make sure it is UHT (pasteurised).

Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/albania/health
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Albania.html

 

Electricity

Albania operates on a 230V supply voltage and uses type C and F plugs.

The Type C electrical plug (or Europlug) is a two-wire plug that has two round pins. It fits into any socket that accepts 4.0 – 4.8 mm round contacts on 19 mm centres. They are being replaced by E, F, J, K or N sockets which work perfectly with Type C plugs.
Type C plugs are generally limited for use in appliances that require 2.5 amps or less.

The Type F electrical plug (also known as a Schuko plug) has two 4.8 mm round pins spaced 19 mm apart. It is similar to the Type E plug but has two earth clips on the side rather than a female earth contact.
Type F plugs are rated 16 amps.

Source: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs

 

Communication

Time zone in Albania: Central European Standard Time (GMT+1)

International country code – 355

Albania’s small telecom market has experienced some significant changes in recent years. The mobile sector is well provided with LTE networks.


Phrasebook

English	Albanian
Hello!	Përshëndetje
Goodbye	Mirëmëngjes
Good morning	Mirëdita
Good evening	Mirëmbrëma
Good night	Ju lutem
Please	Por favor
Thank you	Faleminderit
Yes	Po
No	Jo

Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/albania/#communications
https://files.peacecorps.gov/multimedia/audio/languagelessons/albania/AL_Albanian_Language_Lessons.pdf

 

Entry Requirements

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from the date of entry into Albania. 

Can enter Albania without visa:
- 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;
- 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.

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).

You can use the following platform in order to check whether you need to apply for a visa or not: https://www.passportindex.org/travel-visa-checker/

Source: https://albania.al/visa-procedures/

 

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy in Tirana
Rruga e Elbasanit
No. 103
Tirana, ALBANIA
Phone: + (355) 4 2247 285

Consulate of Canada in Tirana
Rr. Ibrahim Rugova
Nd 42, K 5; H7
Tirana, ALBANIA
Phone: + (355) 4 225 7274

Source: for USA https://www.usembassy.gov/
For Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates

 

UNESCO Sites

Butrint
Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint has been the site of a Greek colony, a Roman city and a bishopric. Following a period of prosperity under Byzantine administration, then a brief occupation by the Venetians, the city was abandoned in the late Middle Ages after marshes formed in the area. The present archaeological site is a repository of ruins representing each period in the city’s development.




Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra
Berat and Gjirokastra are inscribed as rare examples of an architectural character typical of the Ottoman period.
Located in central Albania, Berat bears witness to the coexistence of various religious and cultural communities down the centuries. It features a castle, locally known as the Kala, most of which was built in the 13th century, although its origins date back to the 4th century BC. The citadel area numbers many Byzantine churches, mainly from the 13th century, as well as several mosques built under the Ottoman era which began in 1417.
Gjirokastra, in the Drinos river valley in southern Albania, features a series of outstanding two-story houses which were developed in the 17th century. The town also retains a bazaar, an 18th-century mosque and two churches of the same period.

Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
Since the end of the last Ice Age, European Beech spread from a few isolated refuge areas in the Alps, Carpathians, Dinarides, Mediterranean and Pyrenees over a short period of a few thousand years in a process that is still ongoing. The successful expansion across a whole continent is related to the tree’s adaptability and tolerance of different climatic, geographical and physical conditions.
These forests contain an invaluable population of old trees and a genetic reservoir of beech and many other species, which are associated with and dependent on these old-growth forest habitats.

Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid region
A superlative natural phenomenon, Lake Ohrid provides a refuge for numerous endemic species of freshwater fauna and flora dating from the Tertiary period. Situated on the shores of the lake, the town of Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. Built mainly between the 7th and 19th centuries, it has the oldest Slav monastery (St Pantelejmon) and more than 800 Byzantine-style icons dating from the 11th to the end of the 14th century. In the shallow waters near the shores of the lake, three sites testify to the presence of prehistoric pile dwellings, and the small Lin Peninsula is the site of the remains of an Early Christian church founded in the middle of the 6th century.

Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/al