Many families brew their own raki. . If youd like to ask someone whether they speak English, say Flisni Anglisht? But, with the end of a particularly brutal strain of communism in 1991, Albania tentatively swung open its gates. It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol at any detectable level. Do I need my birth certificate? That way you will see more of the country and get to stop at all the great hidden spots most tourists would completely miss. Tourist information Office. As Albanias tourism is slowly increasing the demand for information is increasing too. You can have a delicious, satisfying meal for 5 10, as long as you avoid the most expensive places. I find myself with the unexpected opportunity of staying in Finiq near Saranda for a while, and wanted to check in to see whether you have done any posts about crafts and artisans in Saranda and surrounding areas, or at least any coverage of souvenirs unique to the area or wider Albania? Albania is a cash economy. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family spend the night with the patient, especially a minor child. The Bradt guide takes a look at how and where to explore the rich heritage of the country, with historical background and practical information. Nowadays many online articles say that the Albanian population is predominantly Muslim, which is somewhat untrue. Public medical clinics lack many basic resources and supplies. If youre coming from Montenegro there are buses between Kotor and Podgorica to Shkodr and Tirana. Supporting small local businesses and craftsmen is something you should do in your country and abroad! As Albania's tourism is slowly increasing the demand for information is increasing too. You can only use your own license if you are from the EU . People also travel by furgon a minibus or van of sorts for a more pleasant trip. They love to move their hands when they talk. Until fairly recently its rumpled mountains, fortress towns and sparkling beaches were merely a rumour on most travel maps. There is still a lot of corruption within government sectors today. Pickpocketing is non-existent. Find information ondual nationality,prevention of international child abductionandcustoms regulationson our websites. After the collapse of communism, Albania saw itself as a democracy. Arrest Notification:If you are arrested or detained, ask police to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Generally, public hospitals are minimally staff overnight in non-emergency wards. Feel free to ask us any pre-trip questions and where the best attractions are. You can catch a boat from Durres to Bari and Ancona. Of course, it is always advised that you take certain precautions, like keeping your money in a safe place. The people are incredibly friendly, so you should consider asking a local for some recommendations! This is how most families work in Albania but today its now common for women to be working too. Regarding driving, is it expected to have an international driving permit, or a regular drivers license (in my case the US) okay? I have a full article on the best times to visit Albania below. If youve chosen Albania as your summer vacation destination and you like the heat, visit in July. Traffic Laws:You may be asked to show your passport in addition to a U.S. or international drivers license if stopped. Address TEG Shopping Center : +355 69 400 4010 QTU Shopping Center : +355 69 702 0818. The same rule about leaving when full applies here as well. It is useful to know a few Albanian phrases and the locals will certainly appreciate it. My favourite time is spring but below I go into detail on the pros and cons of travelling at any time of the year. Tirana is the most developed in that sense and you shouldnt have a problem finding help there. If you go to Brindisi, you can catch a ferry to Vlor and Sarand. Meet thetour guide and transfer to the hotel Chateau Linza 4star Hotel, 10 min from the center at the legs of Linza hill overlooking the whole city of Tirana. While procedures may vary by district, you should not generally pay fines directly to police officers; these will be collected at a local police precinct or court. Therefore, you can get off anywhere you want and get on whenever you hail the driver. I find myself drawn to this area of the world more and more. Albania tourist information 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. Being EU citizen I have read up on the 1 year temporary residence visa which I may apply during my 90 days. See our webpage on help forU.S. victims of crime overseas. Travel outside of urban areas is particularly dangerous. Not only is Albania surrounded by two seas (the Adriatic and the Ionian), it also has a few wonderful rivers and lakes. This type of transport is very unpopular and rarely used by the locals. This type of transport is very unpopular and rarely used by the locals. International Financial Scams:See theDepartment of Stateand theFBIpages for information. churches and mosques to understand the diversity of Albanias history and culture. It is recommended that you have travel insurance before you travel to Albania. : The capital is also the biggest and busiest city. Museum tickets and public transportation fares are very affordable. The government does not prosecute or discriminate against same-sex relationships. On Christmas day all the shops run as normal and the day continues like any other day. You can find them here. Getting to the Nn Tereza from town is fairly simple. The adrenaline rush combined with the beautiful scenery will make for an unforgettable experience. Many expect Albania to be dangerous, not friendly and ugly but people are surprised that none of those is true. ALL / Embassies and Consulates Destination Description Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements Safety and Security Local Laws & Special Circumstances Health Travel and Transportation Fact Sheet Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. Corruption is slowing down though if you compare it to five years ago, or maybe its that you just cant see it as obvious anymore. There are several accommodation options for travellers coming to Albania. We did text many other travel service, but the patience and co operation aria showed to answer every silly query,made us the visit something to look forward to. Read more: 17 of the most beautiful beaches in Albania. I have a full Albania travel guide on the best things to do in Tirana as well as my recommendations on restaurants and hotels below. Although, when Im having a skinny day, its the best confidence boost. Depending on what you like, youll definitely find an option that fits your budget and your interests. Travelers with Disabilities:The law in Albania prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. If any other Albania travel guide tells you otherwise, theyre wrong! The prices go from 10 to 35 for a one-way ticket, depending on your starting point. Get an instant travel insurance quote here. Museum tickets and public transportation fares are very affordable. Another advantage of visiting during the cold months is that youll be one of the few tourists in Albania. The number of fatalities from traffic accidents is high compared to other European countries. Faith-Based Travelers:See our following webpages for details: LGBTI Travelers:There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Albania. 103 Tirana, Albania Telephone + (355) (0) 4-2247-285 Emergency + (355) (0) 4-2247-285 Fax + (355) (0) 4-2374-957; + (355) (0) 4-2232-222 Email ACSTirana@state.gov Website U.S. Embassy Tirana Albania Map View Larger Map Tirana, Albania Thank you! There hasnt been many instances of violence against tourists. The Embassy may be able to assist crime victims with the following: Domestic Violence:U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. You should consider booking a tour and letting a guide introduce you to everything this country has to offer. Make it that daily life is governed by a code of conduct with 1262 instructions including 38 on hospitality towards guests. Its hard to single out only 5 places, when theres so much to see and do. Treasure hunters from Italy lifted many of the antiquities before the war, but most have since been returned and are on display at the National Museum of History in Tirana. Ive been there twice and will go again as soon as I can great places! The only condition is that they dont spend more than 90 days there. Assistance for U.S. Citizens U.S. Embassy Tirana Rr. The most notable are burglaries, theft, and domestic violence claims. Also, you should know that Albania is not connected to other countries by train. Bradt Travel Guides. United Nations have sponsored this informative research and you can get all the statistics from the PDF. Tours of the capital will cost you around 20, while a full-day hiking tour will be close to 80. I wouldnt recommend drinking the water in Albania. Read our blog and get inspired. swarup Kumar. You can treat yourself to this type of transportation, since its probably cheaper than in your home country! If you really want to impress the locals when you come to Albania its a great idea to learn a few words. The starting price is 250 lek, which is roughly 2-3 . Things You Should Know About Luggage Storage in Rome, 6th April 15th May: 10:30, 1:00 & 16:30 every day, 16th May 26th May: 10:30, 13:00 16:00 every day, 127th May 30th June: 8:45, 10:30, 13:00, 16:00 every day, 1st July 31st August: 6:00, 8:45, 10:30, 13:00, 16:00 & 18:30 every day, 1st September 31st September 8:45, 10:30, 13:00, 16:00, 18:30 every day, 1st October 15th October:08:45, 10:30 & 16:00 every day, 16th October 31th October 10:30 & 16:00 every day, 1st November 31st December 10:30 every day. Click to check them out! 1. In my native town Tepelena, we drink from the tap, is good. Even though taxis are the most expensive type of transport in Albania, theyre cheap compared to standard European prices. I appreciated your post about taking the bus to Sarande (and this one about renting a car in the Albania). As I dont have any personal experience myself I dont think I am equipment to answer that question, but I highly recommend joining my Facebook group travelling Albania and asking in the forum as there might be people in there who have had some personal experiences! I have just started my nomad journey this year but stuck in two countries due to awful Covid situation. Lonely Planet named Albania top country to visit in 2011: "Picture a place where rulers have names like King Zog, Enver Hoxha and Bamir Topi. The food is an experience itself, combining influences that have shaped the history of the Balkan peninsula through the years! The ancient site of Apollonia which is in Fier and is a popular site to see if anyone who loves ancient history, is less than 5% excavated. At least three months from the date of arrival. Do not travel at night. : Berat is yet another UNESCO Site, also known as the city of a thousand windows. So, because of that, Albanians only could celebrate one holiday a year. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. This is because if you change the cup, you can lovers! Albanias climate is divided into 3 zones: the warm coast, the continental interior and the cold mountains on the north. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Country Summary: Law enforcements ability to protect and assist travelers is limited in some areas, especially in remote regions. Thank you very much Most people travel by bus. The closest option for those coming from the Americas is flying to London or Frankfurt first. ", Theth is a remote rural town within the mountains. I do now offer a 1-day tour to the Blue Eye of Theth! You can find accommodation for a reasonable price and there are great cheap food options. It is against the law to use a mobile phone without a hands-free device while driving.