Group trips to Albania

If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Albania, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Albania – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Albania is in the Central European Time (CET) time zone. During daylight saving time, usually from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, Albania switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST). Albania is one hour ahead of the UK.

The currency used in Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL). You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. It's a good idea to check the exchange rates before you go to get the best deal. Credit cards are accepted in larger cities and tourist areas, but it's handy to have some cash for smaller towns and markets.

You can pay in Albania using cash or cards. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in larger cities. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller towns or local markets. ATMs are available in urban areas, where you can withdraw the local currency, the Albanian Lek.

In Albania, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. It's common to leave a tip of around 5 to 10 percent of the bill in restaurants if you're happy with the service. In cafes, rounding up the bill or leaving some small change is a nice gesture. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is generally appreciated. If you're staying in a hotel, you might want to tip porters and housekeeping staff a small amount for their services. Remember, tipping is always at your discretion, so there's no pressure if you don't feel it's necessary.

Albania has decent internet coverage in urban areas, but it can be spotty in rural regions. If you're planning to stay connected while traveling, buying a local SIM card could be a smart move. You can find SIM cards at airports, mobile shops, and kiosks in cities. If you're traveling from another European country, you might be able to use your existing mobile plan without extra roaming charges thanks to the EU roaming regulations, but it's always a good idea to double-check with your provider.

In Albania, the official language is Albanian. Here are some useful colloquial expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello: Përshëndetje
• Thank you: Faleminderit
• Please: Ju lutem
• Yes: Po
• No: Jo

Most young people speak English, especially in urban areas, so you should find it relatively easy to communicate.

In Albania, the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F. These are the same types commonly used across Europe, so you might not need an adapter if you're traveling from a nearby European country. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Just double-check your devices to ensure they can handle this voltage, and you're good to go!

In Albania, the main religion is Islam, with a majority of the population identifying as Muslim. It's important to note that Albania is known for its religious tolerance and secularism, so you'll find a mix of other religions and non-religious people as well. Significant religious holidays include Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr for Muslims. Keep in mind that while Albania is generally relaxed about religious practices, modest dressing is appreciated when visiting religious sites or rural areas.

When traveling to Albania, you'll want to be ready for various weather conditions and activities. Here's a handy list of what to pack in your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight T-shirts
  • Long-sleeve shirts
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight pants
  • A light jacket or sweater
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals
  • Hiking boots if you plan on trekking
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or cap
  • Smartphone with a charger
  • Portable power bank
  • Camera for capturing the beautiful landscapes
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Basic first aid kit including band-aids, pain relievers, and any personal medication

Albania offers diverse landscapes and activities, so pack accordingly to enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer.

Albania's weather varies quite a bit depending on the region. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Coastal areas: Expect a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best time to visit is late spring or early autumn for pleasant temperatures.
• Inland and mountainous areas: Experience a more continental climate with colder winters and warm summers. Snow is common in winter, especially in the mountains, making it ideal for winter sports.

Overall, the best time to visit Albania is from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny.