Albania

Use Normal Level of Caution

The Republic of Albania, located in southeastern Europe, borders the Adriatic Sea to the west, the Ionian Sea and Greece to the south, Macedonia and Kosovo to the East, and Montenegro to the North. Since becoming independent on November 28, 1912, Albania has been occupied and allied with many nations. In 1991, after many years of communist rule through its associations with the USSR and China, Albania held its first democratic, multi-party elections. Albania is a parliamentary republic with a president as the chief of state and a prime minister as the head of government. In 2013, Albania’s population was estimated to be 2.8 million people.

As one of Europe’s poorest nations, economic re-development has been slow due to corruption, poor infrastructure and crime. Nevertheless, the Albanian government has acted to improve the economic situation. Albania has become a NATO member and now claims status as a candidate nation for accession into the European Union.

Albania boasts stunning mountain landscapes and beautiful beaches. This small European nation welcomes travellers who seek to explore an undiscovered gem.

Currency	ALL: Albanian Lek
Language	Albanian
Capital	Tirana
Recent Alerts	None
Latest Alert	Not Available

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Albania. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis B in this country.
Rabies Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis There is a risk of TBE in all areas of Albania. The transmission season varies, but ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.
Yellow Fever There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Albania.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in areas where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities).

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Albania.

None required.

Safety and Security in Albania

Emergency Numbers

129

112

127

128

Personal Safety

There is general hospitality towards tourists in Albania. Nevertheless, travellers are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe and to avoid petty crime and theft. Always be alert in your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers, and never leave your drinks out of your sight. Carry identification with you at all times. Do not take photos of military personnel or installations.

Travellers should note that Albania has strict laws on drug possession.

Road travel can be unsafe due to aggressive driving, poor road conditions, weather concerns, and power outages impacting traffic lights. Avoid road travel at night, especially due to the risk of power outages and subsequent reduced visibility. Albania has one of the highest death rates from road accidents in Europe. Avoid using public transportation as it may be unreliable and unsafe.

Travellers should exercise caution when taking public transportation (bus or rail) due to lower safety standards and road conditions. The use of registered taxis instead of public transportation is recommended. Taxis only accept cash payment.

Travellers should avoid unmarked and unfrequented areas, particularly in regions bordering Kosovo as landmines may remain.

Due to Albania’s location in an active seismic zone, small earthquakes are not uncommon.

Although it is safe to swim at most beaches, there are reports of improper sewage disposal affecting beaches, making some waters unsafe for swimming.

LGBTI travellers are advised that although same-sex relations are not illegal in Albania, there is a lack of social tolerance. Same-sex marriage is illegal in Albania.

Areas To Avoid

Travellers should reconsider their need to travel to Lazarat.

Exercise caution in remote regions where security is poor, gang violence is more common, and travellers are at a higher risk of carjacking attacks. Carjacking with the use of small explosives has been reported.

Avoid areas bordering Kosovo, Macedonia, and Montenegro as the security situation may be unstable and where gang activity is likely to occur.

Political Unrest

Travellers should avoid political demonstrations and large public gatherings as some have historically turned violent.

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Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

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Updated: January 26, 2021