ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW • POPULATION (2024): 2,791,765 • CAPITAL: Tirana • MAIN CITIES: Durrës, Vlorë, Elbasan, Shkodër, Kamëz, Fier, Korçë, Berat, Lushnjë, Pogradec • VISA: Passport must be valid for at least three months from date of arrival; a blank page required for entry stamp; no visa required. Accommodations collect a tourist tax of €1 ($1) per person, per night • HEALTH: Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B advised; yellow fever vaccination required for travelers from high-risk countries • CURRENCY: Lek (ALL). Larger hotels and stores take major credit cards; carrying local currency is highly recommended
• TIPPING: Round up the check in restaurants; taxi drivers and hotel staff would appreciate 10% for good service • TIME: GMT+1 • ELECTRICITY: 230 volts; adapter required • DRIVING: On the right. An International Driving Permit is required • PUBLIC HOLIDAYS (2025): (Inc. approx. dates) Jan 1-2; Mar 14, 22, 24, 31; Apr 20-21; May 1; Jun 7; Sep 5; Nov 22, 24, 28-29; Dec 1, 8, 25 • LANGUAGE: Albanian • RELIGION: Muslim; Christian • DIAL CODE: +355
CLIMATE Mild, humid winters, with most rainfall in November-December; warm, dry summers with an average temperature of around 72F in July and August, although summer days can reach 105F
GETTING THERE • MAJOR GATEWAY: Tirana International (TIA) • TYPICAL FLYING TIME: One layover: 11h+ from New York; 15h+ from Los Angeles; 12h+ from Miami