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Albania
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July 14, 2009
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Albania is a parliamentary democracy that is transforming its economy into a market-oriented system. Albania's per capita
income is among the lowest in Europe, but economic conditions in the country are steadily improving. Tourist facilities are
not highly developed in much of the country, and though Albania's economic integration into European Union markets is slowly
underway, many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available. Hotel accommodations
are limited outside of major cities. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Albania for additional information
REGISTRATION: U.S. citizens living or traveling in Albania are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate at the
Department of State travel registration page, so that they can obtain updated information on local travel and security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register
directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration is important; it allows the State Department to assist U.S.
citizens in an emergency.
ENTRY/EXITREQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. All travelers entering or exiting Albania must have six months or more validity on their passport.
Customs officers strictly enforce this law. U.S. citizens do not require a visa prior to entering Albania, but those traveling
without a visa may be charged a fee for an entry stamp at the point of entry, which is valid for a stay of up to 90 days.
This fee has recently been waived, but Albanian law allows for collection of an entry tax up to 10 Euros, or the equivalent
in any easily convertible currency, including U.S. dollars, and may be reinstated without notice. Travelers without a visa
who intend to stay in Albania for more than 90 days should be aware that Albanian law allows a traveler without a visa to
remain in Albania for 90 days only within a specific 180-day period. That 180-day period is defined from the first day of
entry. For example, a traveler entering without a visa on January 1 may remain in Albania for 90 days total during the period
of time between January 1 and June 28. Departing Albania during this time period does not "restart the clock." Travelers attempting
to reenter Albania without a visa and within 180 days of a previous entry and after an aggregate stay of 90 days may be denied
entry. For stays exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period, those interested must apply for a Residency Permit at the police
station with jurisdiction over the city of residence. Information on how to apply for a residency permit is available on the Embassy of Albania website, as is the most current visa information.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Albania.
THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY: Although the overall security situation in Albania has improved in recent years, organized criminal activity continues to
operate in all regions, and corruption is pervasive. U.S. Government employees need permission to travel to the northern administrative
districts of Shkoder, Malesi E Madhe and Tropoje (with the exception of the route along the national road to Montenegro and
the city of Shkoder) and to the southern town of Lazarat, with such travel restricted to secure vehicles with escort. Travel
restrictions for U.S. Government employees have been lifted for overnight stays in the city of Shkoder. In most cases, police
assistance and protection is limited. A high level of security awareness should be maintained at all times. Photographing
anything that authorities regard as being of military or security interest may cause travelers problems. All gatherings of
large crowds should be avoided, particularly those involving political causes or striking workers.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s, Bureau of Consular Affairs website. It contains current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada,
or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m.
to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see
the Department of State’s tips and advice on traveling safely abroad.
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CRIME: In the latest State Department assessment, Albania’s crime rating is “medium.” Crime against foreigners is rare in Albania,
as targeting foreigners is often viewed as too risky. Visitors should maintain the same personal security awareness that they
would in any metropolitan U.S. city. Caution should be exercised in bars in Tirana where violent incidents, some involving
the use of firearms, have occurred in the past, particularly in the early morning hours. Within the last year there have been
fewer cases of carjacking compared with previous years. Anyone who is carjacked should surrender the vehicle without resistance.
Armed crime continues to be more common in northern and northwestern Albania than in the rest of the country. Street crime
is fairly common in Albania, particularly at night. Criminals do not seem to deliberately target U.S. citizens or other foreigners,
but do seek targets of opportunity, and select those who appear to have anything of value. Vehicle theft is still one of the
biggest problems in Albania. Pick-pocketing is widespread; U.S. citizens have reported the theft of their passports by pick-pockets.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products
may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
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VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you are the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see
end of this sheet or see the Department of State list of embassies and consulates). This includes the loss or theft of a U.S. passport. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, help you find appropriate
medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and
prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the
local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Albania is 129, though coverage is inconsistent at best.
Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for
breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Albania’s laws, even
unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Albania
are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children
or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.
Under Albanian law, police can detain any individual for up to 10 hours without filing formal charges. U.S. citizens are encouraged
to carry a copy of their U.S. passport with them at all times to show proof of identity and U.S. citizenship if questioned
by local officials. Persons violating Albanian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties
for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Albania are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail
sentences and heavy fines.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Albania's customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Albania
of some items. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Albania in Washington, D.C. or one of Albania's Consulates in the
United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.
The Albanian government considers any person in Albania of Albanian parents to be an Albanian citizen. In addition to being
subject to all Albanian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may be subject to Albanian laws that impose special obligations.
Male Albanian citizens are subject to compulsory military service regulations. See our information pertaining to dual nationality.
Albania is a cash economy. Credit cards and travelers checks are not generally accepted, except at the major new hotels in
Tirana and some international airline offices. Travelers' checks can be changed at banks in larger towns. Automated Teller
Machines (ATMs) are widely available in Tirana and in most larger towns.
Please see our Customs Information.
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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities and capabilities in Albania are limited beyond rudimentary first aid treatment. Emergency and major medical
care requiring surgery and hospital care is inadequate due to lack of specialists, diagnostic aids, medical supplies, and
prescription drugs. Travelers with previously diagnosed medical conditions may wish to consult their physicians before travel.
As prescription drugs may be unavailable locally, travelers may also wish to bring extra supplies of required medications.
Electricity shortages have resulted in sporadic blackouts throughout the country, which can affect food storage capabilities
of restaurants and shops. While some restaurants and food stores have generators to properly store food, travelers should
take care that food is cooked thoroughly to reduce the risk of food-borne illness. Water in Albania is not potable. Visitors
should plan to purchase bottled water or drinks while in country.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the infectious diseases section of the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.
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MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad.
Important questions are whether the policy applies overseas and whether it covers emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.
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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States.
Major roads in Albania are often in very poor condition. Traveling by road throughout Albania is the most dangerous activity
for locals and tourists. Vehicle accidents are the major cause of death, according to police statistics. Electricity shortages
have resulted in sporadic blackouts throughout the country that can happen any hour of the day or night. Such outages affect
traffic signals and street lights, making driving increasingly treacherous at any time of day. Travel at night outside the
main urban areas is dangerous and should be avoided due to deplorable road conditions. During the winter months, travelers
may encounter dangerous snow and icy conditions on the roads throughout mountainous regions in northern Albania. Buses travel
between most major cities almost exclusively during the day, but they are often unreliable and uncomfortable. Many travelers
looking for public transport prefer to use privately owned vans, which function as an alternate system of bus routes and operate
almost entirely without schedules or set fares. Please note that many of these privately owned vans may not have official
permission to operate a bus service and may not adhere to accepted safety and maintenance standards. Persons wishing to use
privately owned vans should exercise caution. There are no commercial domestic flights and few rail connections.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Albania’s national tourist office.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Albania, the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Albania’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA safety assessment page.
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CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
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EMBASSY LOCATION/REGISTRATION: U.S. citizens living or traveling in Albania are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate at the
Department of State travel registration page, so that they can obtain updated information on local travel and security. U.S. citizens without Internet access may register
directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration is important; it allows the State Department to assist U.S.
citizens in an emergency. Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State list of embassies and consulates.
Embassy Tirana
Rruga Elbasanit 103
Telephone: (355)(4) 2247285
Facsimile: (355)(4) 2232222
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 4, 2008, to update sections on Entry and Exit Requirements.
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