Albania

Political protests take place regularly in central Tirana.

Demonstrations can occur with little or no warning.

Most demonstrations are peaceful. However, public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• monitor local media and other sources
• avoid areas where these events may happen
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Albania, they can still happen. 

Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Theft from vehicles is common.

Take care of your belongings on public transport. Petty crime happens.

More information:

• theft and robbery

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information: 

• Kidnapping 

Severe weather

Albania may experience severe weather from December to February.

Severe weather can cause flooding, particularly in northern Albania. It may also disrupt local travel and transport services.

Heavy snowfall in mountain areas can affect travel.

Monitor local media for updates.

Forest fires

Forest fires often occur during dry and hot weather, usually from April to October. Forest fires can be unpredictable and dangerous. Smoke from fires can reduce air quality and can be harmful to your health.

Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Albania. Penalties could result from fines to imprisonment.

Earthquakes

Earth tremors are common. Significant earthquakes can also occur.

Significant earthquakes can cause: 

• landslides or avalanches
• damage to infrastructure, homes and property
• injury
• death

If a natural disaster or severe weather occurs:

• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• stay in contact with friends and family
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Mountain activities, such as hiking and rock climbing, can be dangerous, especially if you're unprepared. Trails aren't always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer. If you intend to hike or rock climb in Albania:

• never do so alone, and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• use a global position system (GPS)
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that you're properly equipped and well-informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out, and don't venture off marked trails
• pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of landmines

More information:

• Going overseas for adventure

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Albania. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

•  Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Ticks in forests and country areas can carry encephalitis. Ticks are active from spring to autumn.

Diseases spread by sandflies are common in coastal regions. Sandflies can carry:

• sandfly fever
• leishmaniasis (World Health Organisation)

To protect yourself from disease:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

During and after travelling in forested areas:

• check your body for ticks
• remove ticks from your body as soon as possible

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:

• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• brucellosis
• rabies
• COVID-19

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• boil drinking water or drink bottled water
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't go near dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Standards of hygiene and medical facilities are lower than in Australia.

There's limited access to medical equipment, medicine and specialist doctors.

Medical facilities outside Tirana are limited.

Medical facilities can rarely handle serious trauma or major medical care cases.

Ambulances are limited. Patients often take taxis or other vehicles to the nearest major hospital.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be expensive and hard to organise.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include jail sentences and heavy fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

You must always carry identification.

It's illegal to photograph military installations and personnel.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law

The Albanian Government considers you to be an Albanian national if:

• you were born in Albania, or
• you have an Albanian parent

You may be subject to compulsory military service if you're a male Australian-Albanian dual national. Contact the embassy or consulate of Albania for details before you leave Australia.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are legal in Albania but aren't widely accepted.

Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

You can visit Albania for 90 days without a visa. You'll need a visa for longer stays.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Albania for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply for transit or short stopovers.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with X gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The local currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL).

You must declare if you're carrying amounts equivalent to $US 20,000 when you arrive or leave. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

ATMs and credit card facilities are available in larger cities and in tourist areas.

Many shops and service providers prefer cash.

You can change major currencies at banks and authorised exchange bureaus.

Credit card fraud can happen. Take care not to expose your PIN. Check your bank statements often.

Landmines

Landmines are a hazard in the north-east border areas of Albania.

They are a particular hazard in hill towns along the north-eastern border with Kosovo.

To protect yourself from landmines:

• avoid locations displaying landmine or unexploded weapons warning signs
• seek advice from local authorities

Driving permit

To drive in Albania, you need both:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• a current Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted)

Get your IDP before leaving Australia. 

More information:

• Driving or riding

Road travel

Driving in Albania can be dangerous, particularly on mountainous roads in northern and southeastern Albania. Hazards include:

• aggressive driving
• poorly maintained roads
• Low-speed farm equipment, horse-drawn carts and wandering livestock
• power outages and poorly lit roads
• icy and slippery roads

If you plan to drive in Albania:

• carefully plan any travel outside the capital
• check if your travel insurance will cover you
• be aware of the local road rules
• be vigilant for pedestrians walking along roadsides, including on major highways
• use snow chains in winter

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and authorised limousines.

Ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for you.

Avoid flagging down taxis in the street.

Sit in the back seat.

Public transport

Bus and rail travel is unreliable.

Safety standards on public transport can be poor. 

Sea travel

Before boarding a ferry or boat, check whether appropriate safety equipment is available.

More information:

• Going on a cruise
• Travelling by boat

Air travel

There are no commercial domestic flights within Albania.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, you could contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 128.

Medical emergencies

Call 127 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 129.

Traffic police

Call 126.

Sea emergencies

Call 125.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Albania.

If you need consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Rome, Italy.

Australian Embassy, Rome

Via Antonio Bosio 5 
00161 Rome, Italy
Phone: +39 06 85 2721 
Email: consular-rome@dfat.gov.au
Website: italy.embassy.gov.au 
Facebook: Australian Embassy, Italy 
X: @AusAmbRome

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

You can get limited consular assistance from the British Embassy in Tirana. However, they can't issue Australian passports.

British Embassy 
Rruga Skenderbej 12 
Tirana, Albania
Phone: (+355) 42 34 973 

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia