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Do I Need an International Driving Permit in Albania?

To answer this, you would need to know if your driver's license is from the UK or not. UK driving license is permitted in Albania even without an International Driving Permit (IDP), so if you have a UK driving license, an International Driving Permit (IDP) will not be necessary. But if not, getting an International Driving Permit (IDP) is part of your requirement if you want to drive in Albania.

What are the requirements for International Driving Permit in Albania?

To apply for an International Driver's Permit in Albania, you would need to provide requirements such as a passport-style photo, signature, a copy of your driver's license (front and back), credit or master card for payment, and form. For any further questions about your International Driver's License in Albania, having the contact number of your International Driving Permit (IDP) provider can help you if you don't have access to the internet. And if you lost your International Driving License in Albania, call your provider's contact number right away if you have it to report it missing so that they can replace your missing International Driving Permit (IDP).

Most Important Driving Rules in Albania

Driving here can be challenging if you're not extra careful since many roads are being repaired inside and outside major cities. Learning some of their important road traffic rules is a big help during your drive inside the country since it can help you avoid any major accidents and penalties once you adapt to Albania's driving rules. Also, knowing the requirements when driving in the country is a must since you will be penalized or be sent to jail if you're caught driving illegally.

Law on Drunk Driving

Authorities in the country have zero-tolerance when it comes to drunk driving. Their maximum amount of blood alcohol concentration is so low (about 10mg in 100ml of blood or 0.01%) that it is compared to less than a can of beer or a glass of wine. If you are suspected of having drunk more than the blood alcohol limit, you will need to complete a breath test. If you refuse, you would be automatically fined around 5,000 to 20,000 Albanian Lek or ALL ($40 - $190), and you will be suspended from all driving privileges.

Law on Speed Limits

Albanian roads have four types of speed limits, and you would see them posted on the side of the roads as kilometers. In major cities, the maximum speed is 40km/h (25mph); outside major cities is 80km/h (50mph); on expressways, it's 90km/h (56mph) and; on freeways, it's 110km/h (68mph). It's easy to get caught overspeeding here since there are speed cameras all around the country's streets. If you get caught, you would be fined for 500 - 10,000 ALL ($5 - $100). Always drive within the speed limits.

Minimum Driving Age

An Albanian driving minimum age for Albanian drivers within the country is 18 years old. However, the minimum age for renting a vehicle for foreign drivers is 21 years old. Motorists that are under this age are not allowed to rent a vehicle, regardless of their driving experience.

Driving On the Right

Albanian and foreign drivers are required to drive their motor vehicles on the right hand-side of the road. Other than that, their seatbelt must also be fastened.

Using of Mobile Phones While Driving

Unlike many other countries that do not allow driving while distracted, this country is a different case. Driving whlie using mobile phone is allowed, as long as drivers use a hands-free set while driving. As for the handheld devices itself, it is certainly not allowed.

Top Destinations of Albania

This foreign country is slowly becoming a popular tourist destination every year, despite being isolated for so long. With its historical sites, stunning sceneries, and welcoming people, travelers will indeed have a great time traveling across the country.

Tirana

Tirana is the capital and was modified in the early 90s. Right now, the city is full of life and has bright-colored pedestrians around the town that displays some Ottoman-era buildings and Italian architecture that highlights the country's rich history. There are numerous museums and art galleries inside the city worth visiting, like the BUNK'ART. It was once a government bunker, but it now hosts art installations.

Aside from art galleries, it is also a great place to shop for souvenirs, and in the Blloku area, there are endless bars, restaurants, and cafés that you can go to relax at the end of the day.

Butrint National Park

Butrint National Park, one of Albania's hidden gems and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. It is a popular tourist destination since it is home to numerous ecosystems, stunning archeological sites and is close to Corfu's Greek Island. When visitors visit the national park, they will discover an impeccable combination of history and nature.

The park became a part of the World Heritage in 1948 and is still currently protected by the Law on Cultural Heritage. If you plan to visit the Butrint National Park, make sure to be careful not to interact with any of the animals except when the guide tell you to do so. And since it is part of the World Heritage, it is illegal to take souvenirs from the park, unless it is being sold or a guide says otherwise.

Driving Directions:

• Take the roads Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta, Rruga Muhamet Gjollesha/Unaza, and Rruga Dritan Hoxha to Rruga 29 Nëntori/SH2.
• From SH2, take SH4, E853, and SH4 to SH78 in Jorgucat.
• Then exit from SH4 and continue on SH78.
• From SH78, continue your drive to SH99 to Qarku I Vlorës.
• Drive to SH81 for 20 minutes, and once you see the Bar Wine Corner and gas station, the park will be on the right.

Kruje

Kruje or Kruja in English became famous for being the home of Albania's national hero Gjergj Skanderbeg. Locals call it Adriatic Balcony since Kruje's castle, where Skanderbeg made his base, looks over the city at the top of the steep mountain. If you visit the castle today, a museum about Skanderbeg and a 15th-century church is seen inside.

In the center of the town, you will find little cafes, restaurants, and shops selling souvenirs, artesian goods, antiques, and leather products, a perfect place to end or start your day.

Driving Directions:

• From Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta, take Rruga Teodor Keko.
• Then take SH1 to Arrameras.
• From Arrameras, take SH38, and once you see the Restaurant Krone, take a left turn, then slightly right, and take a left turn at Rruga Pengile. You will see your destination straight ahead.

Gjirokaster

An old town located in the south part of the country, Gjitokaster is known as the City of Stone since it has over 500 homes and buildings protected and preserved as cultural monuments. The Gjirokaster Castle, above the Old Bazar, has a reputation of being the second largest castle in the Balkans. The Gjirokaster Castle was once a part of the Cold War bunker, but now tourists can enjoy the impressive fortifications and ruins of an Armaments Museum.

Driving Directions:

• Take Rruga e Elbasanit/SH3 and Unaza e Madhe.
• Then straight to Autostrada Tiranë to Elbasan/E852.
• Continue on E852.
• From E852, take Tirana–Elbasan Highway/A3, SH7, SH4, E853, and SH4 to Rruga Gjin Zenebisi in Gjirokastër.
• Continue on Rruga Gjin Zenebisi.
• Take Rruga Pazari I Vjetër Pllake, Rruga Evlia Celebi, and Rruga Jace Braja to Rruga Bule Naipi.
• You will see the Gjirokaster Castle from Rruga Bule Naipi.

Himare

If you want to enjoy a day at the beach, Himare would be a great place to visit. With the beautiful surroundings of the Albanian Riviera and the beach's gleaming waters, visitors in the area will surely be in awe of the scenery. The historic old town outside the beach is an excellent location for you to experience the full Mediterranean atmosphere and try some local seafood delicacies.

Want to have a nice view of the town, sea, and sunset? The Monastery of the Cross and Athaliostissa has a beautiful overlooking place where you can relax and have a peaceful moment in the Old Town.

Driving Directions:

• Take Rruga e Elbasanit/SH3 and Unaza e Madhe, to Autostrada Tiranë and Elbasan/E852.
• Continue on E852 and merge with Tirana–Elbasan Highway/A3, SH7, SH4, A2, and SH8.
• From Tirana–Elbasan Highway/A3, SH7, SH4, A2, and SH8 to Himarë.

Berat

Berat is well-known as 'The Town of a Thousand Windows' and it is one of Balkan's prettiest towns. The windows face at the front of the hillside structures and are closely grouped. The city has numerous Ottoman-era mosques and Byzantine churches scattered around the area where visitors can enjoy and explore. There are also museums with remarkable local costumes, artifacts, and 16th-century icons.

Want to rest after a long exploration around the town? Numerous cafes and restaurants are located around the city to unwind and to watch the nightlife sets in. If you want to get some souvenirs from the town, local shops around town find the best souvenir for yourself or your loved one.

Driving Directions:

• Take Rruga e Elbasanit/SH3 and Unaza e Madhe.
• Then take Autostrada Tiranë - Elbasan/E852.
• Continue driving to E852, Tirana–Elbasan Hwy/A3, and SH7 to Qarku I Elbasanit.
• From Qarku I Elbasanit, take SH59, Rruga Cerrik Belsh, Rruga e Elbasanit, Rruga Marinez, and Rruga Belsh Deshiran to Rruga Naftetari Kuçovë.
• Take SH91 to Rruga Antipatrea/SH72 in Berat.
• Continue on Rruga Antipatrea. Drive to Rruga Shkembi.
• Once you get to Rruga Shkembi, you'll see the town of Berat.

Ionian Beaches

Ionian Beaches or the Albanian Riviera is one of the most popular tourist places in the country. The Albanian Riviera is a rapidly growing location for local and international music festivals, and the nightlife in the area has the charm of pulling people from across Europe. With the loud music playing from multiple bars like the Folie Marine and Havana Beach Club, this location can make sure that your night would be as eventful.

Driving Directions:

• Drive to Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta to Rruga Teodor Keko.
• Then follow SH2, SH4 and E853 to EO Kalpakiou Sinoron in Kakavia.
• Continue on EO Kalpakiou Sinoron to EO Kozanis Ioanninon/EO20 to EO Artas Ioanninon/E951/EO5 in Anatoli.
• Follow Egnatia Odos/A2/E90 to Igoumenitsa.
• Take the exit toward Margariti, Parga, Sivota, Perdika, and Preveza from Egnatia Odos/A2/E90.
• Take EO Prevezas Igoumenitsas and Epar.Od. Morfis-Anthousas to your destination in Parga.

Butrint Lagoon

Butrint Lagoon is a great place for sailing, adventure, and meeting wildlife. The lagoon has an exit to the sea by the Vivari canal, so you can expect some fishes to come and go in the lagoon. If you don't like sailing, you can spend time meeting animals around the area. There are rare species of frogs and insects that you will only get to see in this country, and there are also numerous kinds of birds.

Driving Directions:

• Take Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta, Rruga Muhamet Gjollesha/Unaza, and Rruga Dritan Hoxha to Rruga 29 Nëntori/SH2.
• Continue on SH2, then take SH4, E853, and SH4 to SH78 in Jorgucat.
• Follow SH78 and SH99 to take Rruga Skënderbeu in Sarandë.
• Take a left turn at Vlashi Express Karrotrec onto Rruga Skënderbeu.
• Continue on Rruga Lefter Talo to Corfu to Saranda/Saranda, AL to Corfu, GR.
• Take the Corfu - Saranda/Saranda, AL - Corfu, GR ferry.
• Once you got off the ferry, take Palaiokastritsas and Epar. Od. Pirgiou-Korakiana to your destination in Kalami.

Dhermi

Dhermi is a beach where local teenagers go in the summer because of its crystal waters, with the beach stretching into the distance. Dhermi is located on a mountain slope overlooking the sea, so it's a great place to watch the sunset. Watching the sunset with a drink on your side on Dhermi will give you a beautiful and relaxing moment before the nightlife kicks in. And when night comes, you'll get to see bars opening, and lively music will start playing, so whatever time you plan to go to Dhermi, it's sure that you'll have a great time. If you're planning to drive, make sure not to exceed the imposed blood alcohol limit or, better yet, don't drive if you're under the influence of alcohol.

Driving Directions:

• Drive to Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta to Rruga Teodor Keko.
• From Rruga Teodor Keko, head to SH2, SH4, A2, and SH8.
• From SH8, take a sharp right from Market Neco.
• Continue straight past Berber Sandri, ELVOA Exchange, and Guesthouse Vila Druri - Dhermi.
• Then continue driving until you see Diego Bar Pizzeri Restorant. Your destination will be on the left.