An honest look at security in Albania for families and groups from Israel, and how we welcome them.
When a family from Israel writes to us for the first time, the question of safety often comes before the question of price. I completely understand. When you travel with children, with elderly parents or with a group of friends, you want to know that the people waiting for you on the other side are trustworthy. That's why I wanted to write this article with honesty: what is really safe in Albania, where you need to be a little more careful and how we work.
Many Israelis are surprised by the warmth with which they are welcomed here. There is a reason for this. During World War II, Albanian families sheltered Jews in their homes and did not give them up, even when the danger was great. They did it for Besa, for the promise given, which for an Albanian is unbreakable.
Albania is a peaceful country. The city streets are full of families until late at night, children play in the squares, and people stop to help you when they see you confused with a map. Violent crime against tourists is rare.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. On crowded beaches and in crowded places, keep your wallet and phone close. At the airport entrance you’ll find people offering taxis. Some are honest, some are not. And before any trip, as always, take a look at the guidelines of the Israeli National Security Staff (NSC).
If I were to give you just one piece of advice, it would be this: don't underestimate the road. Albania is beautiful precisely because it is mountainous. But that means curves, narrow roads and, in the summer, unexpected traffic. Driving at night on unlit roads is tiring even for those who know them well.
For a family with children or a group, this is the main reason why they choose a minibus with a driver. You don't need to think about the map, about parking or about fines. The driver knows the route, and you look out the window.
Minibus.al is part of Take Transfers & Tours SHPK. We are licensed to transport passengers in Albania, the Balkans and Europe. I say this at the beginning, because for me it is the basis. If something happens on the road, a licensed company has insurance, has documents and is responsible.
The rest are the little things, which are actually not small. The driver will wait for you in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name on it, even if the plane is delayed. We confirm the price in writing in the offer, so that you don't have any surprises at the end. Our drivers drive calmly, because they know that children and the elderly are sitting behind them. Our minibuses are checked regularly. And our office responds 24/7, even on WhatsApp, because travel problems don't just happen during business hours.
To me, safety means a family doesn't have to think about transportation for even a minute.
Many flights arrive in Tirana late at night or early in the morning. This is not a problem. We track the flight and the driver is there when you leave, at any time. If you want to know more, read What to do when the flight is delayed.
If your group observes Shabbat, let us know when you book. We will build the itinerary so that you are at the hotel before it starts and so that you do not have any travel on Friday evening or Saturday.
For kosher food, the main point in Tirana is the Chabad Center. We take you there and, when you are in a villa or a hotel outside the city, we can pick up the ordered meals and bring them to you. More details can be found at our guide to kosher food.
When booking, let us know everything that is important for your group: Shabbat, food, strollers, large luggage. The more we know from the start, the less you will have to explain during the trip.
Make sure your passport is valid for the entire stay and do not travel without travel insurance, especially with children. The official currency is the lek. The euro is accepted in many tourist destinations, but it is good to have some lek in your pocket.
Book your airport transfer before you leave and save our WhatsApp number on your phone. That way, when the plane lands in Tirana, the first thing you'll do is text us: "We've arrived.".
Look. our transfers from Tirana Airport OR How does the reservation work?.
No, you don't need a visa for short breaks. Israeli citizens can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The rules change from time to time, so check before you go.
Yes. Albania is a peaceful and welcoming country, and violent crime against tourists is rare. Extreme caution is required on the roads, which is why many families choose a minibus with a driver.
Yes. You tell us when you book and we arrange transportation so you are at the hotel before the start of Shabbat, with no travel on Friday evening or Saturday.
Yes, mainly through the Chabad Center in Tirana. We take you there and can deliver the ordered meals to your hotel or villa.
The driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name on it, at any time. We track the flight, so you don't need to notify us of any delays.
We are waiting for you at the airport at any time. We respond 24/7.
Leonard works every day with groups of travelers from all over the world visiting Albania and the Balkans. On the Minibus.al blog, he shares practical tips on transportation, routes and destinations, so that your trip is safe and stress-free.
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