Albania Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

All travelers entering Albania must have at least six months' validity remaining on their passport as well as Visitor must hold onward/return tickets, all documents for their next destination and sufficient funds for the duration of stay. Travelers who are visa exempt for one month must pay the visa/entry fee of EUR10 at the border.

Americans

United States passport holders require a valid passport as well as a visa for a stay of more than 90 days.

UK Nationals

British passport holders require a valid passport as well as a visa for a stay of more than 90 days.

Canadians

Canadian passport holders require a valid passport as well as a visa for a stay of more than 90 days.

Australians

Australian passport holders require a valid passport as well as a visa for a stay of more than 90 days.

South Africans

South African passport holders require a valid passport as well as a visa.

Irish Nationals

Irish passport holders require a valid passport as well as a visa for a stay of more than 90 days.

New Zealanders

New Zealand passport holders require a valid passport as well as a visa for a stay of more than 90 days.

Healthcare

Medical facilities (including those for accident and emergency use) are very poor in Albania, particularly outside Tirana. Comprehensive medical insurance, including evacuation by air ambulance is essential before traveling to Albania. There are high levels of Hepatitis in Albania and rabies is also a matter of concern as there are large numbers of stray dogs. Tick borne encephalitis has been reported in the north of the country and it is advisable to receive vaccinations for these diseases. Tap water is not safe to drink and travelers should only drink bottled water. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers older than one year of age arriving from a yellow-fever infected area in Africa or the Americas.

Safety

Albania boasts a very low crime rate and the area around Tirana, and most of the larger cities are relatively trouble-free, but visitors should avoid traveling at night. It is also prudent to bear in mind the widespread ownership of firearms. Crime against tourists is virtually non-existent although there have been recent incidents of luggage being stolen from hotel rooms and public transport, particularly in the coastal resorts of Vlore and Saranda. Travelers should therefore remain vigilant about their personal security.