Embassy of the United States Tirana, Albania

If You Are the Victim of a Crime in Albania

1. Contact local police to report the incident and obtain immediate help with safety concerns. The equivalent of the U.S. 911 in Albania is 129. Request a copy of the police report.
2. Contact our office at +355-(0)4-224-7285 thru 89, and ask to speak with consular section regarding this situation; or of an after-hours emergency ask to speak with the duty officer.
   
   

Consular Assistance to American Crime Victims

Consular personnel can provide assistance to crime victims. When a U.S. citizen becomes the victim of a crime overseas, he or she may suffer physical, emotional, or financial injuries. Additionally, the emotional impact of the crime may be intensified because the victim is in unfamiliar surroundings. The victim may not be near sources of comfort and support, fluent in the local language, or knowledgeable about local laws and customs.

Consular officers and local employees at the U.S. Embassy in Tirana are familiar with local government agencies and resources in Albania. We can help American crime victims with issues such as:

• Replacing a stolen passport;
• Contacting family, friends, or employers;
• Obtaining appropriate medical care;
• Addressing emergency needs that arise as a result of the crime;
• Obtaining general information about the local criminal justice process and information about your case;
• Obtaining information about local resources to assist victims, including foreign crime victim compensation programs;
• Obtaining information about crime victim assistance and compensation programs in the United States; and
• Obtaining a list of local attorneys who speak English.

Consular officials cannot, however, investigate crimes, provide legal advice or represent you in court, serve as official interpreters or translators, or pay legal, medical, or other fees for you.

For more information, please visit the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs webpage “Help for American Victims of Crime Overseas (http://travel.state.gov/).”

Crime Victim Compensation for U.S. Residents Who Are Victims of Violent Crime Outside the United States

All U.S. states have victim compensation programs, and many offer benefits to residents who are victims of violent crime overseas.  Most programs require the victim to file a report at the time of the incident, and to provide a copy with the application.  Programs include financial assistance to pay for:

• Medical costs
• Funeral expenses
• Lost income or loss of support

Information about each state’s compensation program and how to apply for benefits is available from the National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards (NACVCB).  For more information please visit the NACVCB website (http://www.nacvcb.org/.)