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Albanian

Tirana

• 230 volts
• A travel plug adapter for Type C and F sockets is required.

Banks
8:00/8:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (Mon - Fri)

Shops
8:30 am - 12:00 pm and 3:00 - 7:00 pm (Mon - Fri)
8:30 am - 4:00 pm (Sat)

Supermarkets and large shopping centres often have longer opening hours, generally from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, seven days a week. Smaller shops and businesses may have shorter opening hours, particularly in rural areas.

• 1/2 January: New Year’s Day (Dita e Vitit të Ri)
• 14 March: Summer Day (Dita e Verës)
• 22 March: Nowruz Day (Dita e Nevruzit)
• Eid al-Fitr (Fitër Bajrami): date varies
• Orthodox Easter Sunday (Pashkët Ortodokse): date varies
• Orthodox Easter Monday (E Hëna e Pashkëve Ortodokse): date varies
• Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bajrami): date varies
• 1 May: Labour Day (Dita Ndërkombëtare e Punëtorëve)
• 19 October: Mother Teresa Day (Dita e Nënë Terezës)
• 22 November: Alphabet Day (Dita e Alfabetit)
• Independence Day (Dita e Pavarësisë) – 28 November
• Liberation Day (Dita e Çlirimit) – 29 November
• 8 December: National Youth Day (Dita Kombëtare e Rinisë)
• Christmas Day (Krishtlindjet) – 25 December

The following documents are required to enter Albania:

• Swiss identity card or Swiss passport, valid for at least 3 months after the date of entry.
• No visa is required.
• Minors: a travel consent form is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents.

As of: September 2024

Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters.

Along the Adriatic coast, summers are hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C in July and August. Winters are mild and rainy, and temperatures rarely fall below freezing.

Inland, temperature differences are more pronounced. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold. In the Albanian Alps, which rise to almost 2,700 metres, heavy snowfall is common in winter.

The ideal time to travel to Albania:

• Beach holidays: May to September, with warm temperatures and little rainfall.
• City breaks: April, May, September and October, with mild and pleasant weather.
• Winter holidays: December to February, with plenty of snow in the Albanian Alps for winter sports.

• Using a mobile phone in Albania may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, hotels, public spaces and on public transport.

• Berat - The city of a thousand windows, known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and Berat Castle.
• Gjirokastër - A UNESCO World Heritage city known for its distinctive stone houses.
• Butrint - An ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved ruins.
• Tirana - The capital of Albania, known for Skanderbeg Square, the National Historical Museum and the Et’hem Bey Mosque.
• Ksamil - A coastal resort in southern Albania, known for its beautiful beaches.
• Durrës - A coastal city with ancient ruins, including the Durrës Amphitheatre and the Archaeological Museum.
• Llogara Pass - An impressive mountain pass offering breathtaking views over the Albanian Riviera.
• Apollonia - An ancient Greek city with significant ruins and an archaeological park.
• Shkodër - One of Albania’s oldest cities, known for Rozafa Castle and Lake Shkodër.
• Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) - A natural karst spring with crystal-clear turquoise water.
• Valbona Valley - A beautiful valley in the Albanian Alps, ideal for hiking and exploring nature.
• Himara - A picturesque coastal village with beautiful beaches and a historic old town.
• Vlorë - A historic coastal city known for its beaches and Independence Square, where Albania’s independence was proclaimed.
• Dhërmi - A charming coastal village with stunning beaches, crystal-clear water and lively nightlife.
• Ksamil - A picturesque coastal resort known for its beautiful beaches and nearby islands, and a popular destination for beach holidays.

Albanian cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean, Turkish and Balkan influences. It is characterised by the use of fresh, local ingredients and a wide variety of flavours. Here are some typical dishes and drinks worth trying in Albania:

• Byrek - A flaky pastry filled with cheese, spinach, meat or other ingredients.
• Tavë Kosi - A traditional dish made with lamb and rice, baked with yoghurt and eggs.
• Fërgesë - A dish made with peppers, tomatoes, fresh cheese and spices, often prepared with meat.
• Speca të Mbushura - Stuffed peppers, usually filled with rice and minced meat.
• Qofte - Albanian meatballs made from minced meat, often seasoned with herbs and garlic.
• Jani me Fasule - A bean soup often served with smoked meat or sausages.
• Përshesh - A traditional dish made with cornbread served with broth and meat, particularly popular on festive occasions.
• Bakllasarëm - A dish made from thin layers of pastry soaked in garlic yoghurt and topped with roasted lamb.
• Paçe - A soup made from meat and offal, often from the animal’s head, especially popular during the colder months.
• Flija - A type of layered pancake made from several thin layers and served with sour cream or yoghurt.
• Raki - A strong, clear spirit distilled from grapes, plums or other fruits.
• Boza - A traditional drink made from fermented maize and wheat, slightly alcoholic and sweet.
• Dhallë - A refreshing drink made from yoghurt, water and salt, particularly popular in summer.
• Verë (wine) - Albania produces a wide variety of red and white wines, known for their quality and diversity.
• Birrë - Beer is widely available, including local brands such as “Tirana” and “Korça” as well as international varieties.

• Greetings: a friendly “Mirëmëngjes” (good morning), “Mirëdita” (good day) or “Mirëmbrëma” (good evening) is an important part of greeting someone. Handshakes are common.
• Saying please and thank you: “Ju lutem” means “please” and “Faleminderit” means “thank you”. These expressions of politeness are always appreciated.
• Clothing: Albanians place importance on a neat appearance. Casual clothing is acceptable in urban areas, while more conservative dress is recommended in rural areas and at religious sites.
• Dining etiquette: bring a small gift if you are invited to someone’s home. Wait until the host offers you food and try dishes served on shared platters.
• Smoking: smoking is permitted in many public areas. In private spaces, ask for permission before smoking.
• Tipping: a tip of around 10% is customary in restaurants. Small gratuities are appreciated in taxis and hotels, but are not compulsory.

• Drinking tap water is not recommended.

• No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Albania.
• Ensure that your standard vaccinations and those of your children are up to date in accordance with the Swiss vaccination schedule issued by the Federal Office of Public Health.

• The quality of medical care in Albania varies considerably between urban and rural areas. In cities such as Tirana and Durrës, there are well-equipped public and private healthcare facilities. In rural areas, access to medical care may be more limited.
• Travellers are strongly advised to take out travel insurance that also covers the cost of medical evacuation.
• Pharmacies are easy to find in most towns and larger villages. They offer a wide range of medicines, often without a prescription. However, it is advisable to carry a travel medical kit containing essential medication.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• The risk of terrorist attacks cannot be completely ruled out.
• Petty crime such as pickpocketing and burglary can occur in tourist areas and large cities. Travellers are advised to remain particularly vigilant in busy areas and on public transport.
• Keep valuables secure, use hotel safes and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Exercise particular caution at night and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: September 2024

A Swiss driving licence is recognised. However, travellers are strongly advised to obtain an international driving permit before departure.

• The minimum age for renting a car ranges from 18 to 25, depending on the company. Young drivers may be charged an additional fee.
• Albania does not have a general road toll system. Only the Kalimash Tunnel (A1) in the north of the country is subject to a toll.
• Dipped headlights must be used during the day.
• A Green Card insurance certificate is compulsory and may be checked.
• A CH sticker, high-visibility vest, warning triangle and first-aid kit are compulsory.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.1‰.

• Trains: Albania’s railway network is limited and outdated. Only two railway routes are currently in operation. Between Durrës and Elbasan, one train runs per day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Between Shkodër and Laç/Gjorm, a train sometimes runs on Tuesdays. Overall, this means that only around four trains operate per week across the entire country, and in some weeks even fewer.
• Buses: buses are the main form of transport for long-distance and regional travel. Numerous private bus companies connect towns and villages throughout the country. Buses are relatively inexpensive and frequent.
• Minibuses (furgons): these small private vehicles are a popular alternative to larger buses. They often operate without a fixed timetable and depart once they are full. They are fast and flexible, but can sometimes be crowded.
• Metro: Albania does not have a metro system.
• Tickets: bus tickets can be purchased at bus stations or directly from the driver. Train tickets are available at railway stations. It is important to carry cash, as credit cards are not accepted everywhere.
• Apps: the “Albania Bus Timetable” app provides information on bus timetables and routes in Albania and can help make travel planning easier.

• Direct flights between Switzerland and Albania are available only between Zurich and Tirana International Airport (TIA).
• Direct services are operated by Swiss International Air Lines. In addition, airlines such as Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Air Serbia and others offer connecting flights.
• There are currently no domestic flights within Albania.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• Single emergency number: 112
• Police: 129
• Fire brigade: 128
• Medical emergency services: 127
• Traffic police: 126

Rruga “Ibrahim Rugova”, No. 3/1
1019 Tirana

Tel. +355 4 224 01 02 / +355 4 225 65 35
Email: tirana@eda.admin.ch

• The country is located in an active earthquake zone.
• When hiking in the Albanian Alps (Prokletije Mountains), any border crossing into a neighbouring country must be reported to the police immediately. Otherwise, travellers may be suspected of illegal entry and unlawful stay.
• The possession, trafficking and export of drugs are punishable offences. Even the purchase and consumption of very small quantities may result in criminal investigations.
• Travellers are advised against purchasing apparent bargains such as mobile phones, handbags and watches, as these may be illegal, stolen or counterfeit goods.