Albania is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Balkans. The country combines beautiful Adriatic and Ionian coasts, mountains, historic cities, traditional cuisine and a relatively easy journey from Bulgaria.
Tirana, Durres, Vlora, Saranda, Ksamil, Berat, Gjirokastra and Shkodra are among the places that are most often present on tourist itineraries.
For Bulgarian citizens, travel to Albania is visa-free, and the country can be visited with both an international passport and a valid ID card.
Information | Data |
Capital | Tirana |
Official language | Albanian |
Currency | Albanian Lek (ALL) |
Telephone code | +355 |
Time zone | UTC+1 |
Daylight Saving Time | Yes |
Driving | Right |
Electricity | 230V / 50Hz |
Contacts | Type C and F |
Emergency number | 112 |
Police | 129 |
Traffic police | 126 |
Emergency assistance | 127 |
Fire department | 128 |
No.
Bulgarian citizens can enter, transit and reside in Albania visa-free up to 90 days within 180 days. They can use a valid passport or ID card to travel.
Yes.
Bulgarian citizens can travel to Albania with:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the identity document must be valid for at least 3 months after the date of entry into the country.
When traveling by plane or car, it is a good idea to check your documents in advance and not rely on an expired document.
The visa-free regime allows stays up to 90 calendar days within every 180 days.
This rule is important on longer trips or for several consecutive visits.
For a standard tourist trip, a Bulgarian citizen must have a valid:
During a check, border authorities may request information about:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also states a requirement that the entering citizen must have a minimum 50 euros per day for the entire period of stay.
Albania is in the time zone UTC+1 in the winter and UTC+2 in the summer.
The difference with Bulgaria is usually:
For example, when it is 12:00 PM in Sofia, it is 11:00 AM in Tirana.
The electrical network is 230V / 50Hz.
Standard European sockets are used, mainly type C and F.
For tourists from Bulgaria, a special adapter is usually not needed.
For a short tourist trip, an eSIM can be a convenient alternative to roaming.
Airalo - eSIM for Albania offers local eSIM packages for the country, including limited data and unlimited packages. Available plans, prices, and terms are subject to change, so check the current offers immediately before purchasing.
For some of the packages, Airalo uses the local network One Albania.
Before purchasing, check if your phone supports eSIM.
Albania is not a member of the European Union.
Therefore, you should not automatically assume that roaming conditions are the same as when traveling in an EU country.
Check your mobile operator's tariff before departure.
On a short trip, an eSIM can be a more predictable option for using mobile internet.
The official currency is Albanian Lek (ALL).
The symbol is often written as Medicine or L.
In tourist areas, you may also find prices in euros, but the official currency remains the Albanian lek.
In Tirana, Durres, Vlora, Saranda and major tourist centers, cards are widely accepted.
However, it is advisable to have cash.
Cache is especially useful for:
There are ATMs in large cities and tourist centers.
When towing, check:
When the ATM offers a choice between local currency and conversion, it is usually better to choose payment in ALL, if your bank offers a better exchange rate.
Euros are easily exchanged in Albania.
Use:
Do not exchange money from random people on the street.
It is recommended to travel with travel medical insurance.
Check if the policy includes:
There are public and private medical facilities in Tirana and the larger cities.
For more remote areas, it is a good idea to carry essential medications with you.
If you take medication regularly, take enough for the entire stay and keep them in their original packaging.
The main European emergency number is:
112 – common European emergency number
Additionally used:
The Albanian Civil Protection System confirms 112 as the single emergency number and lists separate numbers for police, fire and medical assistance.
According to the current information of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Albania is Risk level 1 – no special recommendations.
As with any tourist destination, be careful of your personal belongings at:
Do not leave valuables visible in a car.
Bulgaria has an embassy in Tirana.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Albania
Address:
12 Skanderbeg Street
Tirana
Phones:
+355 4 22 33 155
+355 4 22 32 906
Telephone with voicemail for consular services and alerts:
+355 4 22 69 243
Email:
Embassy.Tirana@mfa.bg
Working hours:
08:00–15:00.
Reception hours of the Consular Service:
08:30–12:00 h.
Embassy of Bulgaria in Albania – official website
The Consular Service can assist Bulgarian citizens with various consular issues.
Email:
Consulate.Tirana@mfa.bg
Admission of citizens and candidates is by prior appointment.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that registration is free and can be done by e-mail or by phone.
The Consular Service accepts applications for:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the consular office in Tirana has the technical capability to capture biometric data.
Bulgaria has an honorary consul in Albania with a consular district including the districts of Vlora, Gjirokastra and Korça.
Honorary Consul:
Selim Hoxhaj
Office in Vlora:
Chamaria Blvd.„
Office in Tirana:
13 Medar Shtyula Street, Villa Sofia„
Email:
sofia_albania@yahoo.com
The Embassy of the Republic of Albania is located in Sofia.
Address:
20 Aksakov Street, 4th floor
Sofia 1000
Phone:
+359 2 943 38 57
Email:
embassy.sofia@mfa.gov.al
Emergency phone number:
+359 894 311 493
Bulgarian citizens do not need a visa for a tourist visit.
If you are traveling with a different type of passport or have a specific residency status, check the specific requirements.
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania – visa regime
Tirana is the capital and largest city in Albania.
Among the main places to visit are:
Skanderbeg Square is the central space of Tirana.
Around it are a number of important institutions and tourist sites.
From here you can easily continue to the historic center, the Ethem Bey Mosque and other major attractions.
Berat is one of the most interesting historical cities in Albania.
The city is famous for its traditional architecture and historic fortress.
It is often called „"the city of a thousand windows"“.
Berat is suitable for both a day trip and an overnight stay.
Gjirokastra is a historic city in southern Albania.
It is famous for its stone houses, old town and fortress.
The city is especially interesting for tourists who want to combine sea, history and local culture.
Durres is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the country and is located near Tirana.
The city offers:
Vlora is located where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea.
The city is a popular starting point for traveling along the Albanian Riviera.
From Vlora you can continue to:
The Albanian Riviera is one of the main reasons tourists choose the country for a summer vacation.
The coastal route offers:
Saranda is one of the most popular resorts in southern Albania.
The city offers:
Ksamil is among the most popular seaside resorts in Albania.
The area is known for:
During the high season, the area can be very busy.
Butrint is one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania.
It is located near Ksamil and Saranda.
Remains from various historical periods can be seen here, including ancient and medieval structures.
Shkodra is located in the northern part of the country and is an important cultural and historical center.
Among the main attractions is the Rozafa Fortress.
The city is also suitable as a starting point to the northern mountains.
Albania offers good opportunities for mountain tourism.
Among the interesting areas are:
For mountain routes, check the weather and the condition of the roads and hiking trails.
The most popular months for a beach holiday are:
June, July, August and September.
July and August are the busiest months.
If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, June and September are usually more suitable.
For a combined trip with cities, nature and sights, the following are particularly suitable:
The temperatures are more pleasant for long walks and car routes.
Albania is a convenient destination for a road trip from Bulgaria.
Depending on the route, you can pass through:
Before traveling, check the transit requirements for all countries along the route.
When traveling by your own car, bring:
If the car is company, leased, or owned by another person, check in advance whether additional documents are required.
Before traveling by car, check whether your car insurance provides the necessary coverage for Albania.
If an international certificate of car insurance is required for the specific policy, carry it with the car documents.
Don't leave before you have checked coverage with your insurer.
There are toll roads in Albania.
When traveling by car, check the current tolls for your specific route.
Some roads are modern and well-maintained, while others, especially in mountainous areas, can be narrow and have slower speeds.
Driving is on the right.
In cities, traffic can be heavy, especially in:
When driving along coastal and mountain routes, allow more time.
Don't underestimate distances – mountainous terrain can significantly increase travel time.
In tourist towns during the summer season, parking can be difficult.
Particularly busy are:
If the hotel offers parking, it is advisable to reserve it in advance.
Car rentals are available at the airport and in major cities.
Before signing the contract, check:
The main international airport is Tirana International Airport – Mother Teresa (TIA).
The airport is the main air gateway to the country.
From there, transfers to Tirana, Durres and other tourist areas are organized.
There are bus and taxi services from the airport to Tirana.
You can use:
For night arrivals, a pre-arranged transfer may be more convenient.
Buses and minibuses operate between the main cities.
There are regular connections to the more popular tourist destinations, but schedules are subject to change.
If you have a scheduled flight or other connection, leave some time to spare.
Taxis are available in all major cities.
Before traveling, it is a good idea to clarify:
Use official taxi services.
Albanian cuisine combines Balkan, Mediterranean, and Ottoman influences.
Popular dishes and products are:
Along the coast, seafood is among the main culinary offerings.
In Saranda, Ksamil, Vlora and Durres you will find numerous restaurants with:
In tourist areas, bottled water is widely available.
If you have a sensitive stomach or are traveling to more remote areas, bottled water is a practical choice.
In Albania you can find:
Popular souvenirs are:
The official language is Albanian.
In tourist areas, the following are also used:
In some tourist places, you can also come across people who understand other European languages.
Greetings – Hello
Good evening. – Good morning
Thank you – Thank you
Please. – Please
Forgive me. – Excuse me.
Yes – Yes
Yes – No
How much does it cost? – How much does it cost?
Where is…? – Where is…?
Water, please. - Water, please
Account, please. - The check, please
Albanians are known for their hospitality.
When visiting a local home or traditional establishment, hospitality is often an important part of the experience.
Respect for local culture and traditions is the best approach.
In resorts and large cities, tourist attire is completely normal.
When visiting religious sites, it is a good idea to choose more modest clothing.
The Albanian coast offers a variety of beaches:
For a more peaceful experience, look for beaches outside the most popular resorts.
Albania offers camping opportunities along the coast and in mountainous areas.
If you are traveling with a camper or caravan, check in advance:
Albania is suitable for a family vacation.
Particularly convenient for families are:
When traveling with small children along the coast, check in advance the access to medical care and the conditions of the specific beach.
If you are traveling with a pet, check the requirements in advance for:
For a summer trip, the following are useful:
For a mountain route, add suitable shoes and warmer clothing.
If you are traveling by car, download offline maps in advance.
This is especially useful for:
An eSIM can also be a practical solution for constant mobile internet. Airalo - eSIM for Albania offers local and other connectivity options.
Before booking, check:
In Ksamil and Saranda, parking is especially important during the high season.
On your first visit you can choose:
Option 1 – capital and history
Tirana – Durres – Berat – Gjirokastra – Saranda
Option 2 – seaside vacation
Vlora - Himara - Keparo - Borsh - Saranda - Ksamil
Option 3 – nature
Tirana – Shkodra – Tet – Valbona
Option 4 – car tour
Tirana - Berat - Vlora - Llogara - Himara - Saranda - Ksamil - Gyrokastra
Albania is often chosen because of the combination of:
When comparing with Greece, however, it is important to keep in mind that infrastructure and tourist services can vary significantly between different regions of Albania.
If you are visiting the country for the first time, a good choice is the combination:
Is a visa required for Bulgarian citizens?
No. Bulgarian citizens can visit Albania without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Can I travel with an ID card?
Yes. Bulgarian citizens can enter Albania with a valid ID card or passport.
How long can I stay?
Up to 90 calendar days within 180 days.
What is the currency?
Albanian lek - ALL.
Do they accept euros?
In tourist areas, euros are accepted in some places, but the official currency is the Albanian lek.
Can I pay by card?
Yes, especially in big cities and tourist resorts. It's always good to have cash.
Is there an eSIM for Albania?
Yes. Airalo offers eSIM packages for Albania.
Do I need a plug adapter?
For standard Bulgarian chargers, usually not.
Can I travel by car?
Yes. Albania is a popular destination for road trips.
Do I need to have travel insurance?
It is recommended that you have medical travel insurance for the entire stay.
What is the emergency number?
112 is the common European emergency number.
Where is the Bulgarian embassy?
In Tirana, at 12 Skenderbeg Street.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria – Albania
I am traveling to Albania – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Embassy of Bulgaria in Tirana
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Albania
Consular messages of the Bulgarian Embassy
Consular Services and Communications – Tirana
Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania
Official information about the visa regime
Official tourist portal
Albania – official tourist portal
eSIM for Albania
Before you leave for Albania, check:
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