Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should be allowed to 

Albania.

 

Crime

Public security is generally good, particularly in Tirana, and Albanians are very hospitable to visitors. Crime and violence does occur in some areas, but reports of crime specifically targeting foreigners are rare. There have been occasional shootings and small explosions, but these appear to be related to internal disputes over criminal, business or political interests.

 

There have been reports of luggage stolen from hotel rooms and public transport, particularly in the coastal resorts of Vlore and Saranda. Be vigilant and keep valuables in a safe place.

 

Landmines

 

In December 2009 Albania officially declared it had met its  ‘Ottawa Convention Article 5’ obligations and had reached mine-free status. However, when visiting hill towns on the northern border with Kosovo and Montenegro you should take care, particularly if hiking and follow the signs warning about unexploded landmines and other unexploded ordnance. Demining is ongoing on the Kosovo side. 

 

Road travel

 

Driving can be very hazardous. Roads are poor, especially in rural areas. Street lighting in urban areas is subject to power cuts. Elsewhere, even on the major inter-urban arterial routes, there is no street lighting. If you are travelling at night, watch out for unmarked road works, potholes and unlit vehicles. Four-wheel drive vehicles are often more practical on rural and minor roads.

 

Albanian driving can often be aggressive and erratic. Deaths from road traffic accidents are amongst the highest in Europe. Police have taken some measures to decrease the number of accidents. Minor traffic disputes can quickly escalate, especially as some motorists could be armed. Avoid reacting to provocative behaviour by other road users. If you are involved in a traffic accident, even a minor one, you are supposed to wait until the police arrive. This will usually happen quickly in built-up areas.

 

If you are intending to import a vehicle into Albania, make sure you have all the necessary papers on arrival at the border. Consult the Albanian Embassy in London before you leave. The British Embassy will be unable to help anyone attempting to bring a vehicle into Albania without the correct paperwork.

 

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

 

Air travel

 

A list of incidents and accidents can be found on the website of the  Aviation Safety network.

 

In 2009 the International Civil Aviation Organisation carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safely oversight in Albania.

 

Genvisec offer's advice on the safety of individual airlines provding a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. 

 

Sea travel

 

There have been instances of passenger boats sinking, usually due to a lack of safety precautions and equipment. 

 

Swimming

 

Several beaches along the Albanian coast are reported by the Albanian press to be polluted as a result of inadequate sewage disposal and treatment.

 

Political situation

 

Tension between religious groups and expression of extremist views is very rare, and attitudes to western countries are overwhelmingly positive.

 

Health

 

Contact your doctor around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

In 2012 there were a number of cases of West Nile virus and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in the border areas between Kosovo and Albania.

 

Medical and dental facilities (including those for accident and emergency use) are very poor, particularly outside Tirana. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, evacuation by air ambulance and repatriation.

 

The tap water in Albania may cause illness - you should drink only bottled water. If you drink milk, make sure it is UHT (pasteurised).

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 127 or 04 2222 235 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

 

If you need to contact the emergency services in Afghanistan call 127/128/1ict

 

Money

Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most banks, large supermarkets and international hotels. Smaller businesses and taxis often only accept cash. There are numerous ATMs in Tirana and the main towns, as well as bureaux de change where Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted. Although street money-changers operate openly, they do so illegally. Only use banks or established bureaux de change. There have been some cases of credit card fraud.

 

Local laws and customs

 

English is not widely spoken but it is increasingly spoken by younger people.

 

Homosexuality is not illegal but is not widely accepted. There have incidents of assault against homosexuals. Avoid public displays of affection.

 

Penalties for drug-related crimes are severe.

 

The Albanian authorities do not always inform Foreign Embassies when their nationals have been arrested. If you are detained, you may insist on your right to contact a  consular officer.