Albania
Tirana and Durres
One of the cheapest countries in Europe. Tirana is short on sights, so don't plan too long there, but it's a great, cheap place to eat out and go for drinks.
Best time: May, June and September
Good to know
- Capital
- Tirana
- Currency
- Albanian lek (ALL)
- Language
- Albanian
- Say hello
- PërshëndetjeThank you: Faleminderit
- Plugs
- Type C and F (two round pins)
- Tap water
- Bottled water is the usual choice
When to go
- January: low season
- February: low season
- March: good
- April: good
- May: best
- June: best
- July: good
- August: good
- September: best
- October: good
- November: low season
- December: low season
May, June and September: warm, with fewer crowds than July and August.
Where to go in Albania
Visa & entry
- Albania is not in the EU or Schengen, so its own rules apply.
- EU and UK passports: visa-free for up to 90 days in 180. US passports: visa-free for up to a year.
- Anyone who can visit the Schengen area visa-free can also visit Albania visa-free.
- Other passports, including Indian ones, need an e-visa, unless you hold a multiple-entry Schengen, UK or US visa (or residence permit) that you have already used: then 90 days in 180 are visa-free.
- Albania e-visa (official)
- Albania visa rules (foreign ministry)
- UK government travel advice
- US government travel advice
General info for the most common passports, checked November 2026. Rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
Albania FAQ
When is the best time to visit Albania?
May, June and September: warm, with fewer crowds than July and August.
What currency does Albania use?
Albanian lek (ALL).
What language do they speak in Albania?
Albanian. Hello is "Përshëndetje" and thank you is "Faleminderit".
Can you drink the tap water in Albania?
Bottled water is the usual choice.
What plugs does Albania use?
Type C and F (two round pins). Pack a universal adapter if yours are different.
Do I need a visa for Albania?
Albania is not in the EU or Schengen, so its own rules apply. EU and UK passports: visa-free for up to 90 days in 180. US passports: visa-free for up to a year. Rules change, so check the official site (https://e-visa.al/) before you book.