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Destination information: Map of Europe Holiday Property  Albania
(Shqipëri, or “Eagle's Country”) was one
of the last of the East European Communist regimes to fall in 1992,
putting almost 50 years of isolation behind it. It is the poorest and
least developed country in Europe, with standards of living little higher
than in many Third World countries. Violent tribal rivalries and long-standing
blood feuds are mirrored in instability at a national political level.
Economic development has not been helped by large-scale corruption,
the collapse of the banking system in 1997–caused by fraudulent pyramid
selling schemes–and by the arrival of thousands of ethnic Albanians
fleeing from the neighbouring Yugoslav region of Kosovo in 1998-99.
Albania was a crucial base for Nato during the 1999 war with Yugoslavia.
Paradoxically, Albania may in the end become one of the biggest Balkan
beneficiaries of international aid and trade following the end of the
war. One of the smallest countries of Europe, Albania is a rugged, mountainous land. It lies at the bottom of the alpine fold, its mountain valleys dotted with pristine lakes and torrential rivers. The national parks preserve large tracts of forests of black pine, fir, and beech in what was once Europe's most forested country, and there are many unspoiled, lovely beaches. The country has a rich and eclectic history. Its people are believed to be descendants of the Illyrians who inhabited the area in ancient times. Throughout its history it has faced successive waves of invaders, including Greeks, Romans, Slavs, Crusaders, Venetians, Turks, Italians, and, during World War II, Germans. There is a rich treasure trove of Illyrian, Greek, and Roman ruins, Byzantine citadels, and Turkish mosques. Gjirokaster and Berat are quintessential Albanian towns with fine traditional houses, and Tirana, the capital, has some interesting museums and galleries.
Tirana is attractively situated in the fertile Ishmti valley at the foot of the Dajti mountains. A small provincial town when it became the Albanian capital in 1920, it still retains in parts the crumbling mud-brick buildings and narrow cobbled alleys of its Ottoman heritage. There are two notable mosques, the 18th-century mosque of Ethem Bey and the 19th-century mosque of Mahmud Dashi, now both used again for worship. Italian architects helped to rebuild central Tirana after World War I, but Skanderbeg Square is purely Soviet in style. Tirana is largely dilapidated, with some conspicuous poverty, especially in the surrounding shanty towns. The traffic is horrendous.
Entry RequirementsCitizens from Bulgaria, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, and the European Union need only a passport or national identity card to enter Albania. Other nationals can obtain a visa at the border. Those nationals who do not need a visa must still pay an entry tax. However, all travellers are advised to consult the foreign affairs department in the country where they live before travelling since continuing political and military instability in the Balkans means entry regulations may change at short notice.
Emergency phone numbers
Police: 24445
Time zonesCentral European Time (GMT plus one hour). Clocks are put forward one hour from the last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the end of October.
DrivingVehicle documentsTravellers are advised to consult with their motor vehicle insurance company regarding documents needed to drive in Albania.
Rules of the roadAlbania does not currently have an official road traffic code.
Roads, tolls and speed limitsMost roads are unpaved, and even main roads are poorly maintained. Road signs are almost non-existent.
Driving tipsRoads may be used to herd animals. Local drivers can be very erratic.
AssistanceThere is no breakdown assistance in operation at present.
Electrical devicesThe electrical current is 220 volts AC. Round, two-pin plugs are used. An adapter is essential for UK and Irish appliances. Outside major international hotels, power cuts are frequent.
MoneyNotes and coinsThe lekë is Albania's official monetary unit. Notes are issued in Lk 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 3, and 1. Coins have practically disappeared from circulation.
Currency exchangeUS dollar travellers cheques can be exchanged in some banks without commission. Opening hours for currency exchange are from 07.30 to 11.00 only. Money changing also operates on the street, but foreign travellers should approach such transactions with great care
TippingTipping is expected for the usual services.
Public holidays1
January: New Year
Travellers with disabilitiesFew facilities exist in Albania for wheelchair users.
TransportMetro, buses and tramsAlbania has a fairly extensive bus network. The destination of the bus is marked by hand on a sign placed in the right front windscreen. Tickets are bought aboard and are inexpensive. There is no metro system in Albania.
FerriesThere is no internal ferry service in Albania.
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