Orientation briefing in Albania

After declaring independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, Albania experienced a period of political upheaval that led to a short-lived monarchy, which ended in 1939 when Italy conquered the country. Germany then occupied Albania in 1943, and communist partisans took over the country in 1944. Albania allied itself first with the USSR (until 1960) and then with China (until 1978). In the early 1990s, Albania ended communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. 

Government-endorsed pyramid schemes in 1997 led to economic collapse and civil disorder, which only ended when UN peacekeeping troops intervened. In 1999, some 450,000 ethnic Albanians fled from Kosovo to Albania to escape the war with the Serbs. Albania joined NATO in 2009 and became an official candidate for EU membership in 2014. 

Relations between the majority Muslim population and other ethnic groups in Albania are generally good. The expression of extremist or anti-western views is very rare.    

Political and other demonstrations have been held in central Tirana, with some reported incidents of violence. Demonstrations can cause traffic diversions and other disruption. Demonstrations could happen elsewhere, and may take place outside the capital city.

You should:

• check local media for the latest information
• avoid any demonstrations, large-scale gatherings or political rallies
• follow the advice of the local authorities

Demonstrations

Demonstrations have been held in central Tirana, with some reported incidents of violence and property damage. 

You should:

• check local media for the latest information
• stay away from any demonstrations, large-scale gatherings or political rallies
• follow the advice of the local authorities

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Albania

Terrorist attacks in Albania cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Relations between the majority Muslim population and other ethnic groups in Albania are generally good. The expression of extremist or anti-western views is very rare.    

Political and other demonstrations have been held in central Tirana, with some reported incidents of violence. Demonstrations can cause traffic diversions and other disruption. Demonstrations could happen elsewhere, and may take place outside the capital city.

You should:

• check local media for the latest information
• avoid any demonstrations, large-scale gatherings or political rallies
• follow the advice of the local authorities

Crime

There is crime and violence in some areas, but reports of crime targeting foreigners are rare. There have been occasional shootings and small explosions related to internal disputes over criminal, business or political interests.    

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself from street crime, particularly in larger cities and late at night.

Watch out for pickpockets and bag thieves in tourist areas, on buses and trains and major public transport hubs, including airports.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs

Penalties for drug-related crimes are severe.

You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Possession of illegal drugs could result in a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years. The penalty for supplying drugs is up to 15 years in prison.     

Airports in Albania have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Being arrested

The Albanian authorities do not always inform the British Embassy when British nationals have been arrested. If you are detained, you may insist on your right to contact the British Embassy in Tirana.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are legal in Albania. Anti-discrimination and anti-hate-crime legislation is in place. Tirana has several gay-friendly bars and a number of LGBT+ support groups.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Water sports and swimming safety   

There are some local press reports that jet skis and boats being rented along the coasts may lack adequate safety precautions and equipment.

If you are considering taking part in water sports activities, do so through a licensed water sports centre and make sure paperwork is completed before starting the activity.

See watersports safety abroad from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Take note of warning signs, follow instructions from lifeguards and observe the flag indicators on beaches. Take local advice if jellyfish or urchins are present.

The 2023 European Environment Agency report noted that a small number of beaches are polluted because of inadequate sewage disposal and treatment.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Albania, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Albania guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You may find it useful to have a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK licence. The 1949 IDP is not accepted any more. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

You must carry a green card as proof of vehicle insurance to drive your car in Albania. If you’re planning to hire a car, check with your car hire company for information on their requirements before you travel.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

If you stay longer than one year, or live in Albania, you will need to apply for an Albanian driving licence.

To import a vehicle into Albania, make sure you have all the necessary papers on arrival at the border. Consult the Albanian Embassy in the UK before you leave. The British Embassy will be unable to help anyone attempting to bring a vehicle into Albania without the correct paperwork.

Dangers of driving in Albania

Driving can be very hazardous and often aggressive and erratic. Deaths from road traffic accidents are amongst the highest in Europe. Police have taken some measures to decrease the number of accidents.

Minor traffic disputes can quickly escalate, especially as some motorists could be armed. Avoid reacting to provocative behaviour by other road users.

If you are involved in a traffic accident, even a minor one, remain at the scene until the police arrive. This will usually happen quite quickly in built-up areas. Failing to wait could result in charges under the Albanian Penal Code and you could get a fine.

Road conditions

Road surfaces are poor, especially in rural areas. If you are travelling at night, watch out for unmarked roadworks, potholes and vehicles without lights. Four-wheel drive vehicles are more practical on rural and minor roads.

Power cuts can affect street lighting in towns and cities. Elsewhere, even on the major routes, there is no street lighting.

Landmines

There are still unexploded landmines in some remote areas around hill towns on the northern border with Kosovo. Take care, particularly if hiking, and follow any warning signs. Do not walk on uncultivated land or step off the marked paths. If in doubt, seek local advice.    

Extreme weather and natural disasters     

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes – tremors are common. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but do happen.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Flooding and snow

From December to February, severe weather may cause flooding, particularly in northern Albania. Heavy snowfall in mountainous areas can lead to disruption to transport and services. Monitor local and international media for the latest information.

Wildfires

Wildfires are common in Albania from April to October due to the dry and hot weather. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. You should: 

• take care when visiting or driving through countryside 

• make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished 

• not light fires or barbecues except in designated and marked areas  

• not leave any rubbish

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

Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires. During the event of a wildfire, you should:

• call the emergency services on 112 

• follow any advice from the local emergency services 

• contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK 

• if you need consular assistance call +355 4 223 4973/4/5 during working hours or +44 207 008 5000 out of hours

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 127 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Albania
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face Albania.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Albania. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Air pollution

There can be high levels of air pollution in Albania. You can find further information and advice on air quality on the World Health Organization (WHO) website and check air quality levels on the World Air Quality Index website.

Tap water and milk

Do not drink the tap water in Albania, as it may cause illness. Only drink bottled water. If you drink milk, make sure it is UHT (ultra high temperature) or pasteurised milk.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Albania

Medical and dental facilities, including accident and emergency facilities, are very poor, particularly outside Tirana. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, evacuation by air ambulance and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of list of medical providers in Albania where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.