To Albania by car
Basic requirements for renters
- The minimum age is usually 21 (some companies require a minimum of 23).
- Driving experience — at least 1 year. For more powerful or premium cars, 2 years of experience may be required.
- A Ukrainian driver's license is valid and recognized in Albania (you can use it without an international license).
- A foreign passport is required to sign the contract.
- A bank card (credit or debit) is required to freeze the deposit or franchise fee.
Deposit and insurance
- Most companies block a deposit on the card as a guarantee (usually between €300 and €1,000 depending on the class of car).
- Cars are usually rented with basic CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) insurance, which partially covers damages in the event of an accident but has a deductible.
- For an additional fee, you can purchase full insurance coverage without a deductible (Full insurance or Super CDW).
Fuel and mileage
Cars are usually provided with a full tank and must be returned with a full tank.
An unlimited mileage policy is often in place, but some companies may impose a daily limit (e.g., 200 km per day).
Restrictions on leaving the country
The vast majority of companies prohibit rented cars from leaving Albania without prior approval. If you are planning a trip to Montenegro, Greece, or North Macedonia, you will need to obtain special permission and purchase additional insurance.
Returning the car
When you return the car, the condition of the body, interior, and fuel level will be carefully checked. You may be charged extra for damage or missing fuel.
We recommend taking photos or videos of the car when you pick it up and return it to avoid any disputes.
General traffic rules in Albania
- Speed limits: in cities — up to 40 km/h, outside cities — up to 80 km/h, on motorways — up to 110 km/h.
- Seat belts: mandatory for all passengers.
- Headlights: low beams are mandatory in tunnels and in conditions of poor visibility.
- Alcohol: the permissible blood alcohol level is up to 0.1‰. It is better to adhere to zero tolerance.
- Phone: talking while driving without a headset is prohibited.
What to do in case of an accident
If you are involved in a traffic accident in Albania, you must:
- Stop the car, turn on your hazard lights, and set up an emergency stop sign.
- Put on a reflective vest (it must be in the car).
- Call the police at 112.
- Do not leave the scene of the accident until the police arrive.
- If necessary, call an ambulance (also 112).
- Notify the rental company (if the car is rented) and the insurance company.
- The police will draw up a report, which is required for insurance claims and for the return of the deposit in the case of a rental car.
Main fines for drivers
Albania has strict fines for traffic violations. Here are the most common ones:
- Speeding. Up to 10 km/h — a fine of €20, 10–30 km/h — €50, over 30 km/h — €100 or more
- Driving under the influence. The legal alcohol limit is 0.1%. Exceeding this limit will result in a fine of €250 and possible suspension of your license
- Talking on the phone without a hands-free device — fine of around €50
- Running a red light — from €50
- No documents or insurance — fine of €100, possible suspension of driving privileges until the violation is rectified
- Not wearing a seat belt — fine of around €40
- Incorrect parking is another common reason for fines. The amounts can vary from €20 to €80, depending on the city and the violation. The car may be towed away.
Some fines can be paid directly to the police on the spot or later at a bank branch. It is recommended to keep all payment receipts.