Driving Permit for Albania
Do you need an IDP to drive in Albania? Albania accepts the 1968-convention IDP; Latin-alphabet licences work for up to 12 months. Right-hand traffic, near-zero alcohol limit, and rental rules explained.
- Drive on
- Right
- Convention
- 1949 + 1968
- IDP validity
- 12 months
- Processing time
- 24-48 hours
Do you need an IDP to drive in Albania?
Albania recognises the International Driving Permit under the 1968 Vienna Convention, and in practice most visitors whose licence is printed in the Latin alphabet - including EU, UK and US licences - can drive on their home licence for up to 12 months from entry. Enforcement of the IDP is uneven: plenty of travellers are never asked for one, while others meet rental desks or police checkpoints that expect it. The UK Foreign Office specifically advises carrying a 1968-format IDP alongside your licence and notes the older 1949 format is not accepted, and if your licence uses a non-Latin script such as Arabic, Chinese or Cyrillic, an IDP or official translation is effectively mandatory.
Traffic drives on the right. Rental desks in Tirana and on the coast normally accept a Latin-script licence plus passport and credit card; the legal minimum driving age is 18, though rental companies commonly set their own floor at 21 or higher. Carry proof of third-party insurance - the FCDO recommends a Green Card for foreign-plated vehicles - and pack the compulsory kit: warning triangle, first aid kit and reflective jacket, with snow chains carried between 1 November and 30 April.
A few rules catch visitors out. The drink-drive limit is 0.01% BAC - effectively zero. Speed limits generally run 40 km/h in towns, 80-90 km/h outside built-up areas and 110 km/h on motorways. There is no vignette; the only significant toll is on the A1 highway to Kosovo at the Kalimash tunnel, about EUR 5 for a car. If you have an accident, stay at the scene until police arrive - leaving early is an offence. Road surfaces can be rough outside main corridors and local driving styles are assertive, so allow extra time.
Albania recognises the IDP under both the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions.
Albania is a signatory to both the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. In practice, an IDP issued by another signatory country is recognised for your permitted visitor stay — in Albania, plan on 12 months.
What you need to drive in Albania
Have these ready before you pick up the keys.
Valid national driving licence, carried whenever you drive
1968-convention IDP recommended; effectively required if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet
Minimum driving age 18 (rental firms often require 21 or older)
Third-party insurance valid in Albania - a Green Card is advised for foreign-plated vehicles
Speed limits are generally 40 km/h in built-up areas, 80-90 km/h outside them, and 110 km/h on motorways.
The drink-drive limit is 0.01% BAC - effectively zero tolerance; a single drink can put you over.
There is no vignette; Albania's only significant toll is the A1 Milot-Morine highway to Kosovo, about EUR 5 per car at the Kalimash tunnel.
Compulsory in-car equipment: warning triangle, first aid kit and reflective jacket; snow chains must be carried from 1 November to 30 April.
After any accident you must remain at the scene until police arrive - leaving can result in charges under Albanian law.
The 1949-convention IDP is not accepted in Albania; carry the 1968 format, per UK FCDO advice.
What to know before you turn the key
Albania drives on the right — the driver sits on the left, and roundabouts flow anti-clockwise.
Carry your IDP and your original license together — rental desks and police checks will ask for both documents.
Enforcement is uneven: many travellers are never asked for an IDP, but rental desks and police checkpoints can request one - the UK FCDO advises carrying a 1968-format IDP alongside your licence.
Get your IDP before you travel; it cannot be issued inside Albania.
Roads off the main routes can be poor and local driving assertive; the FCDO describes conditions as hazardous, so drive defensively.
Police issue on-the-spot fines: the RAC lists speeding fines of roughly 1,000-15,000 lek and up to 200,000 lek (about GBP 1,450) for serious driving offences. Leaving an accident scene before police arrive can lead to charges, and the near-zero 0.01% alcohol limit is strictly applied.
Local rules to watch in Albania
Low-emission zones, tolls, and city-specific rules that catch visiting drivers out.
Tirana: dense, assertive traffic and scarce parking - many visitors pick up rental cars at Tirana airport rather than drive in the city centre.
Albanian Riviera: the SH8 over the Llogara Pass between Vlore and Sarande is spectacular but steep and winding - allow extra time and drive cautiously.
Driving to Kosovo: the A1 'Rruga e Kombit' is the main route north-east; budget for the Kalimash tunnel toll and confirm your rental contract allows cross-border travel.
Signs you'll meet on the road
Eight internationally recognised signs — including which side of the road Albania keeps.
Common questions about driving in Albania
Drive Albania, confidently.
Apply online in minutes and get instant digital access to your IDP translation — with an IDP PVC card option if you want one in your wallet.