Albania
About
| Albania has something to offer almost everyone. Hikers will enjoy the Albanian Alps or the Tomorri massif, whilst cyclists will find a network of ancient tracks criss-crossing the country. Those who are interested in archaeology can spend hours in the complex sites of Butrint and Byllis. History lovers can explore ancient castles, Ottoman fortresses and the museum cities of Berati and Gjirokastra. Outdoor Albania organises hiking, skiing and mountain-biking tours throughout the country. Take the ferry up the jade waters of Lake Komani, hemmed in on both sides with towering cliffs. Look out for pygmy cormorants, herons and golden eagles. Sunbathe or swim at one of Albania's beautiful beaches. They slope gently into the Adriatic and are more rugged further south. The lakes have beaches too. But be warned: in high season, all but the most remote beaches are crowded and dirty. Go white-water rafting through the spectacular canyons of the Osumi River. Birdwatch in the coastal wetlands of Karavastaja, the westernmost breeding site of the Dalmatian pelican, or Kune-Vaini, home to spotted eagles, spoonbills and herons. |
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| Local Name: | Shqiperia |
| Historical Name: | Illyria |
| Capital: | Tirana (TIA) |
| Currency: | Lek (ALL) |
| Language: | Albanian. Greek, Italian, French and English may also be spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 355 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From last Sunday March to last Sunday October: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. |
| Best Time to Go: | May to September |
| Best for: | Archaeological Sites, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Architecture |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Bottled water is available. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Customs: | Dress should be conservative, particularly in the rural areas. Men take much pride in their appearance. Although not illegal, homosexuality is not widely accepted and public displays of affection should be avoided. In Albania, nodding the head means no, and shaking the head means yes. Albanians usually remove their shoes inside their homes or other people's houses. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Smoking is not allowed on public transport. Penalties for drug related crimes are severe. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Water cuts and electricity blackouts are fairly frequent. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Albania without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 1L of spirits with an alcoholic content of 22% or 2L of spirits containing less than 22% alcohol and 2L of wine. • 250ml of eau de toilette or 50ml of perfume. • Personal goods, gifts and souvenirs up to a value of Lek30,000 (up to Lek15,000 for children under 15). Tobacco allowances apply to travellers aged 15 or over. Alcohol allowances apply to travellers aged 18 or over. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited and restricted imports include weapons, radioactive materials, ozone-depleting substances, narcotics, and endangered wild flora and fauna. |
| Prohibited Exports: | You need to obtain a permit to export precious metals, antiques (including coins and maps) and books or works of art which form part of Albania's cultural and historical heritage. |
Issuing Authorities
Representation is accredited to Rome and London.
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1-2; Mar 14, 22, 31; Apr 20-21; May 1; Jun 7; Sep 5; Nov 22, 24, 28-29; Dec 1, 8, 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1-2; Mar 14, 16, 20, 22-23; Apr 5-6, 12-13; May 1, 27; Sep 5, 7; Nov 22-23, 28-30; Dec 1, 8, 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders.
REQUIREMENTS:
Visas must be applied for online at: e-visa.al. The application must be made within 90 days of the intended date of travel
- Visa application form (available online)
- Passport with 3 month validity beyond requested visa dates, with 2 blank pages.
- Photocopy of the valid travel document and previous or current visas (Schengen, USA, UK etc.) or Albanian electronic/sticker visas
- Proof of employment, or evidence that they have intentions to return to their home country.
- Photograph of the applicant, with dimensions 47 mm x 36 mm
- Proof of accommodation / reservation
- Proof of financial means / sufficient funds (12 months bank statements)
- Roundtrip reservation or itinerary
NOTE: Completing the application form online and uploading the documents is only the first stage of the visa process. Once the application is reviewed, you will be asked to pay the visa fee. Once the visa fee is paid, then only is the application evaluated. Once the visa is approved, you will receive the e-visa via email. This must be printed and must be on your person when entering and leaving Albania.
Visa Processing Time
Approx 15 working days.
The application may not be submitted more than 90 days in advance of travel.
Visa Validity
90 days within 180 days starting from the date of first entry
Visa Cost
EUR25. Visa Fees are non-refundable.
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Rome, Italy
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Polio |
