Travel Summary
- There are confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) - Swine Flu in Albania. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.
- We advise against all travel to the north east border areas (i.e. the districts of Kukes, Has and Tropoje) between Albania and Kosovo because of the risk of unexploded ordnance placed during the 1999 Kosovo crisis and the poor condition of the roads.
- Although public security is generally good, particularly in Tirana, crime and violence still represent a serious problem in some areas. Gun ownership is widespread.
- There is an underlying threat from international terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- Albanian Border and Migration Police figures showed that 59,659 British Citizens visited Albania between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2009. Most visits are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Albania in 2008 was for replacing lost or stolen passports.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Albania. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is an underlying threat from international terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
Public security is generally good, particularly in Tirana, and Albanians are very hospitable to visitors, but crime and violence still represent a serious problem in some areas. Criminal elements have in the past used small explosive devices, including in central Tirana, to intimidate and threaten. These do not usually result in injury, and appear to be specifically targeted against specific criminal, business or political interests. The last such incidents were in July 2009 when a car exploded in front of the National Assembly in Tirana (no injuries), and another in June 2009 when a local politician was killed when his car exploded close to Shkodër. Although reports of crime specifically targeting members of the expatriate community remain rare, in February 2008 a British Citizen was robbed and murdered. There has also been recent incidents of luggage being reportedly stolen from hotel rooms and public transport, particularly in the coastal resorts of Vlore and Saranda. You should therefore remain vigilant about your personal security.
You should bear in mind the widespread ownership of firearms.
There is an underlying threat from international terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
Public security is generally good, particularly in Tirana, and Albanians are very hospitable to visitors, but crime and violence still represent a serious problem in some areas. Criminal elements have in the past used small explosive devices, including in central Tirana, to intimidate and threaten. These do not usually result in injury, and appear to be specifically targeted against specific criminal, business or political interests. The last such incidents were in July 2009 when a car exploded in front of the National Assembly in Tirana (no injuries), and another in June 2009 when a local politician was killed when his car exploded close to Shkodër. Although reports of crime specifically targeting members of the expatriate community remain rare, in February 2008 a British Citizen was robbed and murdered. There has also been recent incidents of luggage being reportedly stolen from hotel rooms and public transport, particularly in the coastal resorts of Vlore and Saranda. You should therefore remain vigilant about your personal security.
You should bear in mind the widespread ownership of firearms.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Albania Country Profile
Local Travel
We advise against all travel to the north east Border areas (i.e. the districts of Kukes, Has and Tropoje) between Albania and Kosovo because of the risk of unexploded ordnance placed near the border during the 1999 Kosovo crisis and the poor condition of the roads (as is the condition of many rural roads around Albania). The area around Tirana, and most of the larger cities, are relatively trouble-free, but you should avoid travelling in the night.
On 15 March 2008, there was a major explosion at an ammunition depot in Gerdec, near Tirana and close to the main Tiaran-Durres motorway ( a section of which was temporarily closed). It is estimated that up to 100,000 tonnes of munitions remain stockpiled at depots throughout Albania. Until surplus, old and degraded munitions are dismantled, they will continue to present a safety risk in areas near such depots.
Road Travel
Driving can be very hazardous. Roads are poor, especially (but not only) in rural areas. In winter, mountain roads are snowy and icy. During hot spells, the tarmac can melt and become slippery. Flash flooding is possible throughout the year. You should stay alert for large, unmarked potholes. Street lighting in urban areas is subject to power cuts. Elsewhere, except on the major inter-urban arterial routes, there is no street lighting, so night travel is best avoided. We suggest using four-wheel drive vehicles in Albania. There is no national recovery system, so cars should be self-sufficient, carrying minor repair equipment including jack, spare wheel, fan belts, wiper blades, local phrase book, first aid kit, water and overnight food when in remote areas.
Drivers with foreign plated vehicles draw particular scrutiny from the Road Traffic Police. You should adhere to road traffic law at all times as committing even minor offences may result in you being fined.
Albanian driving can often be aggressive and erratic. Fatality rates from road traffic accidents are amongst the highest in Europe Minor traffic disputes can quickly escalate, especially as some motorists could be armed. If you intend to drive you are advised to avoid reacting to provocative behaviour by other road users. If you are involved in a traffic accident, even a minor one, you are required to wait until the police arrive. This will usually happen quickly in built-up areas.
You should expect queues at all border crossings, especially at weekends and during the summer months.
Political Situation
Albania Country Profile
Local Travel
We advise against all travel to the north east Border areas (i.e. the districts of Kukes, Has and Tropoje) between Albania and Kosovo because of the risk of unexploded ordnance placed near the border during the 1999 Kosovo crisis and the poor condition of the roads (as is the condition of many rural roads around Albania). The area around Tirana, and most of the larger cities, are relatively trouble-free, but you should avoid travelling in the night.
On 15 March 2008, there was a major explosion at an ammunition depot in Gerdec, near Tirana and close to the main Tiaran-Durres motorway ( a section of which was temporarily closed). It is estimated that up to 100,000 tonnes of munitions remain stockpiled at depots throughout Albania. Until surplus, old and degraded munitions are dismantled, they will continue to present a safety risk in areas near such depots.
Road Travel
Driving can be very hazardous. Roads are poor, especially (but not only) in rural areas. In winter, mountain roads are snowy and icy. During hot spells, the tarmac can melt and become slippery. Flash flooding is possible throughout the year. You should stay alert for large, unmarked potholes. Street lighting in urban areas is subject to power cuts. Elsewhere, except on the major inter-urban arterial routes, there is no street lighting, so night travel is best avoided. We suggest using four-wheel drive vehicles in Albania. There is no national recovery system, so cars should be self-sufficient, carrying minor repair equipment including jack, spare wheel, fan belts, wiper blades, local phrase book, first aid kit, water and overnight food when in remote areas.
Drivers with foreign plated vehicles draw particular scrutiny from the Road Traffic Police. You should adhere to road traffic law at all times as committing even minor offences may result in you being fined.
Albanian driving can often be aggressive and erratic. Fatality rates from road traffic accidents are amongst the highest in Europe Minor traffic disputes can quickly escalate, especially as some motorists could be armed. If you intend to drive you are advised to avoid reacting to provocative behaviour by other road users. If you are involved in a traffic accident, even a minor one, you are required to wait until the police arrive. This will usually happen quickly in built-up areas.
You should expect queues at all border crossings, especially at weekends and during the summer months.
Visitors intending to import vehicles into Albania should ensure they have all the necessary documentation on arrival at the border. Information on documentary requirements should be sought from the Albanian Embassy in London before departure. The British Embassy is unable to offer any assistance to individuals attempting to bring vehicles into Albania who do not have the correct documentation on arrival at the border.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Air Travel
Security arrangements at Tirana’s Mother Teresa airport meet the required UK standards. Direct flights now operate between the UK and Albania.
Security arrangements at Tirana’s Mother Teresa airport meet the required UK standards. Direct flights now operate between the UK and Albania.
Swimming
Albania does not have a blue flag operator, and there is no recognised similar system of assessment of beaches. However, several beaches along the Albanian coast are reported by the Albanian press to be polluted as a result of inadequate sewage disposal and treatment.
Sea Travel
There have been a number of instances of passenger boat sinkings, usually due to a lack of safety precautions and equipment. In March 2008 a boat capsized on Farka Lake (south of Tirana) killing a number of passengers.
Albania does not have a blue flag operator, and there is no recognised similar system of assessment of beaches. However, several beaches along the Albanian coast are reported by the Albanian press to be polluted as a result of inadequate sewage disposal and treatment.
Sea Travel
There have been a number of instances of passenger boat sinkings, usually due to a lack of safety precautions and equipment. In March 2008 a boat capsized on Farka Lake (south of Tirana) killing a number of passengers.
For more general information see River and Sea Safety.
Local laws and customs
Homosexuality is not illegal but is not yet accepted as a cultural norm. We recommend discretion in relation to public displays of affection.
Penalties for drug related crimes are severe.
The Albanian authorities do not always inform the British Embassy when British nationals have been arrested. If you are detained, you may insist on your right to contact a British Consular Officer.
Fore more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
British citizens are permitted to enter and remain in Albania for a maximum total of 90 days in every 6 month period without a visa. The Albanian authorities require anyone staying longer than 90 days to apply for a Residence Permit at the police station with jurisdiction over the place of residence.
Passport validity
All travellers entering Albania must have at least six months' validity remaining on their passport.
Residence
A family seeking to take up residence must additionally provide notarised birth and marriage certificates to the local police authorities. British nationals working in Albania for charities, philanthropic and humanitarian organisations may be exempt from the residence permit fee.
Entry tax
Since 25 November 2008 foreign nationals have not been required to pay an entry tax.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Albanian Embassy in London.
Health
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. There are confirmed cases of swine flu in Albania. Further information about Swine Flu is available from the World Health Organisation http://www.who.int/disease/swineflu/en/index.html. You should monitor local media reports for any further developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm.
There is no established entry/exit screening policy for travellers arriving by air, sea or across land borders, nor any entry/exit restrictions. An Emergency Unit has been set up at Tirana International Airport, and notices and posters have been displayed at border control points. These contain information on swine flu pathologies and if anyone suspects they have been infected, they should contact the health authorities at the border points, though this is not mandatory.
Quarantine of suspected cases is part of Albania's contingency planning and acts as a precautionary measure in an attempt to contain the possible spread of the disease. An isolation ward has been established at the main Tirana "Mother Teresa" hospital (more wards now being opened), with a similar facility in Shkodër (to cover the north of the country) and Vlorë (the south). Should a British national be quarantined, the Albanian authorities have been advised to inform the British Embassy immediately
Cases of tick borne encephalitis have been reported in the north of the country. Vaccination is available you should keep all areas of your body covered when close to shrubs or bushes, and to inspect yourself regularly for ticks.
Drink only bottled water and UHT milk.
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Albania and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. JFor further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general diseases protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct (0845 46 47.
For more general information see Travel Health.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
In March 2006, the Albanian authorities confirmed outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in domestic poultry in the village of Cuka near the Butrint Lagoon in south west Albania and in the village of Peze-Helmes, 14km from the capital Tirana. No human infections or deaths have been reported.
The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
You should read this advice in conjunction with the Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.
Natural Disasters
In March 2006, the Albanian authorities confirmed outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in domestic poultry in the village of Cuka near the Butrint Lagoon in south west Albania and in the village of Peze-Helmes, 14km from the capital Tirana. No human infections or deaths have been reported.
The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
You should read this advice in conjunction with the Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.
Natural Disasters
Albania lies in a seismically active zone, and earth tremors are common. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but do occur.
General
Insurance
We recommend that comprehensive travel and medical insurance is obtained before travelling to Albania, including evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
Consular registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Issue of passports
The British Embassy in Tirana does not have the facility to issue full passports. You are advised to check the validity of your passport and, if necessary, to renew it before travelling to Albania. You should ensure that you enter next of kin details in the back page of your passport. The Embassy can accept applications for new passports, which will be forwarded to the British Embassy in Paris for processing. You should allow 4 to 6 weeks for receipt of the new passport. If you lose a passport while in Albania, you must report this immediately to the police and obtain a police report. The British Embassy does have the facility to issue you with an emergency travel document.
Money
Major credit/debit cards are accepted in most banks and international hotels. You may prefer to use cash as in the past foreigners have been victims of credit card fraud. There are numerous ATM machines in Tirana and main towns, as well as bureaux de change where Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted for exchange. Although street money changers operate openly, they do so illegally. We therefore advise you to only use banks or established bureaux de change.
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