Umrah from Tirana

Flying from Tirana

Albania has a Muslim majority, though religious practice was heavily suppressed for decades under communist rule and has only rebuilt significantly since the 1990s, and pilgrims from Tirana typically connect through Istanbul or a Gulf hub for the international leg to Jeddah or Madinah, since Tirana International Airport has no scheduled nonstop route to Saudi Arabia. Albania's Umrah travel trade has grown steadily as religious institutions have rebuilt, coordinated in part through the Albanian Muslim Community organisation, so checking a local agency's affiliation and track record is worthwhile. The Albanian lek is used locally. Tirana's Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, offering a moderate preview of Saudi Arabia's heat, particularly in summer. Given Albania's smaller and more recently rebuilt Umrah travel market compared to Bosnia's, some pilgrims also compare options with agencies in Istanbul directly. Book several months ahead of Ramadan for the best fares and availability on connecting flights.

Umrah visa for Albanians

Albanian passport holders are on Saudi Arabia's eVisa list, so most Albanians can apply directly through Nusuk or Visit Saudi rather than use an agent. The eVisa is multiple-entry, valid a year, covers Umrah as well as tourism, and allows up to 90 days per entry. It must still be used to enter within 30 days of issue, and hotel and transport now have to be booked inside Nusuk before it is issued. For the 1448 AH Umrah season (31 May 2026 to 7 Apr 2027), book early, since rooms and Rawdah or Mataf permit slots fill fast around Ramadan. Albanians who prefer a fully organised trip can still book the same journey through a licensed Umrah company instead.

Full visa guide for Albanians →

When to go

Ramadan carries the greatest reward and the greatest crowds and prices; the weeks after Hajj (late Dhul Hijjah into Muharram) and the winter months (November to February) are cooler and quieter. The 1448 AH season runs from 31 May 2026 to 7 April 2027 for arrivals and departures. See the best time to perform Umrah.

What it costs from Tirana

Your biggest variables are the flight from TIA, the hotel's distance from the Haram, and the season. Use the cost calculator for a range in ALL, then compare operator quotes line by line: visa, flights, hotel nights and category, transfers, and Makkah, Madinah transport.

Before you book

• Check that the operator is contracted through Nusuk Masar (ask for their Saudi partner's name).
• Confirm the hotel name and distance, not just "near Haram".
• Read how to avoid Umrah scams and how to choose an operator.
• Install the offline companion before you fly.