Getting in
Albania Land Border Crossings (2026)
Albania shares land borders with Greece, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia. Here is which crossing to use, what papers you need, and how to avoid long queues.
Last checked: October 2026 · by Benard, local guide
All main crossings at a glance
| Crossing | Neighbour | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Kakavijë | Greece (Ioannina) | Gjirokastër, Tepelenë, inland south |
| Qafë Botë | Greece (Igoumenitsa) | Konispol, Ksamil, Butrint, Sarandë |
| Kapshticë | Greece (Kastoria/Florina) | Korçë, Pogradec |
| Hani i Hotit | Montenegro (Podgorica) | Shkodër, the Alps, Lake Shkodër |
| Muriqan–Sukobin | Montenegro (Ulcinj) | Shkodër to the Montenegrin coast |
| Morinë–Vërmicë | Kosovo (Prizren) | Tirana–Kukës–Prishtina motorway |
| Qafë Thanë | North Macedonia (Struga) | Ohrid, Pogradec, Elbasan |
| Tushemisht–Sveti Naum | North Macedonia | Pogradec to St Naum by the lake |
Documents you need
- Passport or national ID card (EU, EEA and several Balkan citizens can enter with an ID card).
- Vehicle registration and, if the car isn't yours, written owner's authorisation.
- Insurance valid in Albania — a Green Card with “AL” not crossed out, or border insurance bought on arrival.
- Rental cars: the company's cross-border letter. Albanian rentals going to Greece, Montenegro or Kosovo usually need it arranged in advance.
Leaving Albania into Greece means entering the Schengen area, where the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU travellers with fingerprints and a photo — allow extra time.
Tips to avoid long queues
- Cross early in the morning, especially on summer Saturdays and Sundays.
- Avoid 1–20 August and the days around Orthodox Easter, when the diaspora travels.
- From Montenegro in summer, Muriqan can be quieter than Hani i Hotit.
- Keep some euros or lek for insurance or tolls — the Kukës motorway (Rruga e Kombit) has a toll at Kalimash.
Rules and opening hours can change. Before you go, confirm with your rental company and the Albanian State Police. Plan the drive times after the border in our trip planner.
FAQ
- Can I take an Albanian rental car across the border?
- Only with written permission from the rental company, usually for an extra fee, plus the car's registration papers and valid cross-border insurance. Without the letter you can be turned back.
- Do I need a Green Card for my own car?
- You need insurance valid in Albania. Check that 'AL' is not crossed out on your Green Card. If it is, buy border insurance at the crossing — there are insurance booths at the main posts.
- Which border is best from Corfu or Greece by car?
- Kakavijë for Gjirokastër and the inland road; Qafë Botë for Sarandë, Ksamil and Butrint from Igoumenitsa; Kapshticë for Korçë.
- How long do border queues take?
- Usually under 30 minutes, but summer weekends and holiday dates (especially August and around Orthodox Easter) can mean waits of one to several hours at Kakavijë, Hani i Hotit and Morinë.
- Are the crossings open at night?
- The main crossings (Kakavijë, Kapshticë, Hani i Hotit, Morinë, Qafë Thanë) operate around the clock. Smaller posts can have limited hours — check before travelling late.