Albania: Schengen Guide for UK Travellers
No, Albania is not in the Schengen zone. Days spent in Albania do not count toward your 90-day Schengen limit. Albania has emerged as one of Europe's fastest-growing tourism destinations, offering Mediterranean beaches, Ottoman-era towns, rugged mountains, and remarkably affordable prices. For UK travellers, it combines genuine discovery with the practical advantage of keeping your Schengen clock paused.
The Albanian Riviera along the southern Ionian coast has drawn comparisons to the Greek islands and the Croatian coast at a fraction of the price. Cities like Tirana are vibrant and rapidly evolving, while UNESCO-listed Berat and Gjirokaster offer beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture. Albania is ideal for travellers who want something different from the typical European holiday while strategically managing their Schengen allowance.
Key Facts
- Schengen Member: No
- EU Member: No
- Year Joined Schengen: N/A
- Capital: Tirana
- Currency: Albanian Lek
- Languages: Albanian
Albania is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen zone. It is an EU candidate country. Days spent in Albania do not count toward the Schengen 90-day limit.
Pausing Your Schengen Clock in Albania?
Albania offers incredible value and none of your days here count toward the Schengen limit. Planning to combine Albania with Schengen countries like Greece or Italy? Use Entorii to track your Schengen days and keep your travel plans on track.
How Long Can You Stay?
UK citizens can stay in Albania for up to 90 days without a visa. This is entirely separate from the Schengen 90/180-day rule, as Albania has its own immigration policy. You can spend time in Schengen countries and then travel to Albania without any impact on your Schengen count, or vice versa.
Albania's popularity with UK visitors has surged in recent years, with direct budget flights making it more accessible than ever. A typical visit lasts 7 to 14 days, though the country rewards longer stays. Many travellers combine Albania with neighbouring Montenegro or Greece as part of a wider Balkan or Mediterranean itinerary, using the non-Schengen countries as clock-pause stops between Schengen visits.
Top Destinations in Albania
Albanian Riviera (7-10 days)
The stunning Ionian coastline from Vlore to Saranda, including the beaches of Ksamil, Dhermi, and Himara.
Tirana (2-3 days)
Albania's colourful capital with its Blloku district cafes, Skanderbeg Square, Ottoman bazaar, and lively nightlife.
Berat (1-2 days)
The UNESCO-listed City of a Thousand Windows, with its Ottoman houses cascading down to the Osum River.
Gjirokaster (1-2 days)
A UNESCO-listed stone city with an imposing hilltop castle, Ottoman-era mansions, and views across the Drino Valley.
Theth & Valbona (3-4 days)
The Albanian Alps offering dramatic hiking between two national parks, connected by the Koman Lake ferry.
Getting There from the UK
Direct flights from the UK to Tirana International Airport are operated by Wizz Air, Ryanair, and British Airways. Wizz Air flies from London Luton and London Gatwick, while Ryanair serves the route from London Stansted. British Airways operates from London Heathrow. Flight times are approximately two hours and 50 minutes. There are typically over 20 direct flights per week from London alone. During summer, additional routes may open from regional UK airports. Alternatively, you can fly into Corfu in Greece (a Schengen country) and take a short ferry to Saranda on Albania's southern coast, though the Corfu day counts as a Schengen day.
Travel Tips
Albania uses the lek as its currency, though euros are widely accepted in tourist areas and coastal towns, often at a slightly unfavourable exchange rate. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns. Credit card acceptance is growing but cash remains king in smaller establishments and rural areas. Bring euros or withdraw lek from ATMs for the best rates.
Getting around Albania is part of the adventure. Intercity buses (furgons) are cheap but schedules can be informal. Hiring a car gives you far more freedom, particularly for the Albanian Riviera where public transport is limited. Roads have improved significantly in recent years, though mountain routes require careful driving. Albanian cuisine is Mediterranean with Turkish and Italian influences, and eating out is remarkably affordable. A full meal with drinks rarely exceeds 15 pounds per person, even in popular tourist spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albania in the Schengen zone?
No. Albania is not in the Schengen zone or the European Union. Days spent in Albania do not count toward the 90-day Schengen limit for UK passport holders.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Albania?
No. UK passport holders can stay in Albania for up to 90 days without a visa. This allowance is entirely separate from the Schengen 90/180-day rule.
Is Albania safe for UK travellers?
Yes. Albania is generally safe for tourists. The main tourist areas along the coast, in Tirana, and in the UNESCO-listed cities are well-established. Petty crime is possible in busy areas, as in any European country, but violent crime affecting tourists is rare. The Albanian people are known for their hospitality toward visitors.
Can I combine Albania with Greece in one trip?
Yes. The southern border between Albania and Greece is straightforward to cross. Many travellers combine the Albanian Riviera with the Greek island of Corfu, which is a short ferry ride from Saranda. Remember that Greece is in the Schengen zone, so days there count toward your 90-day limit while days in Albania do not.
What is the best time to visit Albania?
The best months for the coast are June to September, with July and August being the warmest and busiest. For city breaks and cultural sites, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant temperatures without the summer crowds. The Albanian Alps are best visited from June to September when trails are clear of snow.