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Albania officially reopened its borders for tourism on July 1, 2020 allowing tourists from all countries and nations to enter without restrictions.
Throughout all of 2020 and the first half of 2021, Albania had been one of the only countries in the world to stay fully open during the pandemic with very little rules and restrictions. However, starting on September 1, 2021, Albania is implementing restrictions for the first time since reopening in 2020.
Below we have more detailed information about what’s open in Albania, the health and safety protocols tourists should know about, and any testing/quarantine rules or entry requirements that might be put into effect.
Countries Allowed To Travel To Albania
All foreign citizens are now permitted to travel to Albania.
All normal ‘pre-covid’ entry requirements apply, like having a valid passport or Visa if necessary based on your nationality.
Entry Requirements For Albania
Pre Sept 1, 2021: No tests, no quarantines.
Post Sept 1, 2021: Testing or proof of vaccination
In order to enter Albania, passengers will have to show proof of ONE of the following:
- 72-hour PCR test
- 48-hour antigen test
- Proof of recovery within 6 months
- Proof of vaccination
Masks in Albania:
Starting September 1, 2021 masks are now required once again while indoors or on public transit.
Quarantine Protocols for Albania
If a passenger does not fulfill one of the above testing/vaccination requirements (providing they are still able to board the flight) they will have to complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival.
There is no quarantine for those who provide proof of vaccination or negative test.
What’s Open in Albania
Throughout the summer mostly everything reopened in Albania.
- Curfew is in effect from 11:00pm to 6:00am for non-essential movement
- Restaurants can only operate past the 11pm curfew for delivery services
- Hotels, beaches, museums, and mostly every other tourism based service is open
Have Flights Resumed To Albania?
Yes, commercial fights resumed June 15 from select countries, and reopened to most other destinations by June 22.
There are direct flights to many European cities into Tirana daily.
Some examples of cities Tirana currently flies direct to include: London, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, Zurich, Prague, Vienna, Rome, Athens, Istanbul, Kyiv, Belgrade, and Budapest.
Airlines offering the most availability include: Wizz Air, Air Albania and Albawings.
If you need to transit through the EU to get to Albania, read our EU transit airport guide.
Visiting Albania
Albania is situated between Greece and Montenegro on stunning Adriatic and Ionian coastlines. Visitors will love the variety of beautiful beaches, cities with historical ruins, and towns perched in the mountains.
The official currency is the Albanian Lek, but Euros are widely accepted as well.
All visitors should have valid travel insurance when visiting Albania.
Land Borders in Albania
It has been reported that all land borders have reopened in Albania, with the exception of the Montenegro land border.
Read More: See our complete guide of countries now reopen for international tourism, which countries are open for British, Canadian and American tourists, and travel insurance that covers covid.
Sources: Interview with the Embassy of Albania / Albania Border Police / Iata / US embassy in Albania
Disclaimer: Albania’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.
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Article originally published July 11, 2020 with frequent updates.
Me
Wednesday 21st of July 2021
I appreciate Albania for treating legal foreign tourists like human beings instead of becoming a police state for tourists.
Iconic
Monday 28th of June 2021
I have a question about PCR testing preflight. I see that Albania requires no testing before or after arrival... has anyone seen if airlines are asking for PCR tests to board the planes? Thanks in advance for any clarity there.
Douglas
Tuesday 6th of July 2021
@Kashlee Kucheran, I confirmed with Qatar Airways that they only require the PCR test if the destination country does. Same as with visas, it's not the airline that requires it, but rather the destination country, so they check it.
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 28th of June 2021
The majority of airlines don't require them if the country of destination does not :)
NY-Joey
Wednesday 9th of June 2021
‘Angel’ Kashlee, you’re a saint...and are superbly patient at repeatedly answering all of the same questions ..despite that you’d already repeated “open to all nations”! Kudos to you You’re an embodiment of awesomeness 🙂
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 10th of June 2021
Thank you so much! :)
No name
Thursday 29th of April 2021
Those who come from Greece and North Macedonia are required to self isolate for 14 days from 20th April until 5th May, right for now.
louie
Wednesday 24th of March 2021
which is the current situation in albania?can italian peoples come to albania?
Kashlee Kucheran
Wednesday 24th of March 2021
As the article says, all countries can are welcome to visit Albania for tourism