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:

• Protests 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 a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

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

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 

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

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 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.

If you find yourself in an area that's threatened by a fire front:

• Track the progress of the fire in the local media.
• Follow the advice and instructions of local authorities at all times.
• Identify your local emergency shelter.
• If you have medication for breathing difficulties, keep it on you at all times.

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

Water activities

Water activities, such as jet skiing, boating and parasailing, can be dangerous. Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards.

If you are planning to spend time in or on the water:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers water sports
• only use reputable marine tourism businesses that comply with the safety regulations
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seat belts
• don't overload your vessel capacity
• don't drink alcohol, alcohol affects your judgement, balance and coordination.
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Water safety while travelling overseas

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

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.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Albania for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

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.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

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 laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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:

• Advice for 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

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with X gender identifier

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

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 give advice about how safe different airlines or flight paths are.

Safety risks and weather events may cause flight delays and cancellations. Contact your travel agent or airline to confirm your plans.

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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, Tirana

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