Taking a rental car out of Albania: Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Greece
The company's permission, insurance for the neighbouring country and the main border crossings: what you need before crossing with a rental car.
Albania borders four countries and many travellers want to combine Ohrid, Kotor, Prizren or Corfu in the same trip. With a rental car out of Albania this is possible, but only with the right documents. Cross the border without them and you risk being turned back, or driving uninsured.
Documents you need
- The company's authorisation to take the car abroad, naming the countries you will visit.
- Insurance documents valid for those countries, usually a Green Card or border insurance. See the glossary.
- The car's registration document and the rental contract.
- Passport or identity card, depending on the country, and your licence.
Ask for this when booking: not every company allows trips abroad, and there is usually an extra fee for the documents and insurance.
Main border crossings
| To | Border crossing | Near |
|---|---|---|
| Kosovo | Morinë – Vërmicë | Kukës, Rruga e Kombit |
| Montenegro | Hani i Hotit – Božaj | Shkodër, towards Podgorica |
| Montenegro | Muriqan – Sukobin | Shkodër, towards Ulcinj |
| North Macedonia | Qafë Thanë – Kafasan | Pogradec, towards Struga |
| North Macedonia | Tushemisht – Sveti Naum | Pogradec, south shore of Ohrid |
| Greece | Kakavia | Gjirokastër, towards Ioannina |
| Greece | Kapshticë | Korçë, towards Kastoria |
What to expect at the border
- QueuesIn summer and on holidays queues can be long, especially towards Greece and Montenegro. Set off early in the morning.
- The checkShow the passports, contract, authorisation and insurance documents. Greece is in the European Union and checks are more thorough.
- Border insuranceIf the company does not give you insurance valid for the neighbouring country, border insurance can be bought at some crossings. Ask the company before leaving which option applies.
- Coming backKeep the documents on the way back: the contract and authorisation are needed again.
Popular trips across the border
- Ohrid and Struga from Pogradec: less than an hour.
- Prizren from Kukës via Morinë.
- Ulcinj and Kotor from Shkodër.
- Ioannina from Gjirokastër via Kakavia.
Car rental glossary
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
- Cover that limits what you pay for damage to the car to a fixed amount (the excess). It is not full cover: it often excludes tyres, glass, the underside and keys.
- Excess
- The most you pay yourself after damage or theft, even with CDW.
- Deposit
- An amount blocked on your card or paid at pick-up and returned after the car is checked. It is usually linked to the size of the excess.
- Green Card
- The international insurance certificate that lets the car be driven in the other countries of the system. To leave Albania with a rental car you need the company's permission and this document.
- Fuel policy (full to full)
- You get the car with a full tank and return it full. If you return it with less, the company charges the missing fuel, often with a service fee.
- International Driving Permit (IDP)
- An official translation of your licence, carried together with the original. Recommended when your licence is not in the Latin alphabet or when the company asks for it.
Questions to ask the company
- Which countries is the car allowed in and how much does the authorisation cost?
- Is the car insurance valid abroad and with what excess?
- What happens if the car is damaged or breaks down abroad?
- Is there roadside assistance in the neighbouring country and what is the number?
Keep the answers in writing, by email or in the contract. For insurance terms see the rental glossary, and for general documents the rental guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a rental car to Kosovo?
Yes, if the company gives written authorisation and insurance documents valid for Kosovo. Many companies allow it for an extra fee.
Do I need a Green Card?
You need insurance valid for the country you visit. Usually this is a Green Card from the company, or border insurance. Ask the company which option applies to your car.
Can I return the car in another country?
Rarely. A return outside Albania needs a special agreement and usually a high fee.
Does the Corfu ferry take rental cars?
Usually not. Leave the car in Sarandë and go to Corfu as a passenger.
