Set in both the Adriatic and the Ionian coast, Albania’s tourism industry is its heartbeat. We’ve compiled some useful information to get you through your first days in the country.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs in Albania
There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Albania and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.
International Schools in Albania
The International Montessori School of Albania
The International Montessori School of Albania was "born" in 2008 and its mission is Peace Education. Holistic Peace Education consists of providing opportunities and experiences for the children to help them understand and access their spiritual essence, the source of Peace within themselves. It further provides opportunities and experiences for them to learn to relate harmoniously with other people, cultures, and the environment.
Address: Bilal Golemi St., Nr. 16, Tirana, Albania, 1019
Telephone: +355 42 444 014, + 355 42 444 336
Emai: [email protected]
Website: www.montessorialbania.com
Tirana International School
This school is part of Quality Schools International, a non-profit international schools founded in 1971. QSI serves diplomatic, development and business families. They are accredited with Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Curriculum: American
Address: Rruga Vilat Gjermane, Kutia Postare 1527, Tirana, Albania
Tel: +355 42 365239
Fax: +355 42 377 679
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.qsi.org/schoolpages/alb/home
Local News in English
Albanian Daily News
The Albania News Daily is an English-language newspaper published daily. It covers news, business, arts and entertainment.
Website: www.albaniannews.com
Country Information for Albania
Location: Europe
Capital City: Tirana
Currency: Lek (ALL)
Language: Albanian
Calling Code: +355
Internet TLD: .al
Electricity: Albania runs on Electric, Hydro and Nuclear power at 230 Volts 50 Hertz. Electricity is provided by the Albanian Power Corporation (KESH sh.a).
Address: Albanian Power Corporate, Blloku ‘Vasil Shanto’, Tirana
Telephone: +355 4 222 5729
E-mail: [email protected]
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance: 127
Fire: 128
Police: 129
Country Information
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albania
Country Study
lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/altoc.html
Embassy Information
www.embassyworld.com/embassy/Albania/Albania.html
The Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has all the information regarding visas to Albania. Certain countries may enter visa-free and stay up to 90 days. Countries not listed must obtain a visa through a diplomatic representative authority assigned for the specific country. Holders of multiple entry Schengen visa type ‘c’ and ‘d’ may also enter and stay according to the visa’s validity.
Download a list of countries that can enter Albania visa-free
Download a list of countries that must contact a diplomatic representative authority before entry
Documents for visa application:
Note: Documents to be submitted must be translated to Albanian and certified.
- Completed visa application form
- Two recent 2” x 2” photos
- Health Insurance (photocopy)
- Round-trip reservation or ticket
- A statement certified and issued by parent or guardian (for minors)
- Visa processing fee (in Euros)
For more information please visit www.punetejashtme.gov.al
Accommodation
A number of apartments, villas and bungalows are available for rent or purchase.
Driving License
Expats from the EU or EEA can use their driving licenses in Albania. Meanwhile, an international driving permit is required for other nationalities. For more information about driving in Albania please visit www.rac.co.uk/travel/driving-abroad/countries/albania
Healthcare
Public healthcare in Albania is currently underfunded and priorities patients with insurances. Most expats travel outside of Albania for any medical treatments. It is advisable to have a comprehensive medical insurance plan while staying in Albania. Cash payments are also to be expected. There are a number of private medical care and hospitals in the capital, Tirana.
Insurance Companies
Cigna Global Health Options
Cigna provides international insurance coverage for expats. International medical evacuation is also available in cases where emergency treatment must be sought outside of the host country.
Website: www.cignaglobal.com
Hospitals
Hygeia Hospital
This private facility is located in the main road in Tirana and caters to both Albania and neighboring countries. It is a fully comprehensive hospital housing a general clinic, maternity clinic and a children’s hospital, with state-of-the-art equipment and experienced medical staff.
Note: Hygeia accepts insurances from BUPA International, FrontierMedex, HTH Worldwide, MSH International, Vanbreda International and Worldwide Insurance Services.
Address: Mbikalimi i Kamzes, Tirana, Albania
Telephone: +355 423 90000
Emergency: + 355 423 23000
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hygeia.al
American Hospital (Spitali Amerikan)
American Hospital in Albania is located at Marubi Road, Tirana. They offer various services including both In Patient and Out Patient facilities, that cover a range of disciplines like cardiology, general surgery, gynecology and 24 hour emergency services.
Telephone: (Tirana 1 & 2): +355 423 357535
Website: www.spitaliamerikan.com (English)
