Europe

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from international terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  

For more general information see terrorism abroad.

Crime

Public security is generally good, particularly in Tirana, and Albanians are very hospitable to visitors, but crime and violence still represent a serious problem in some areas. Criminal elements have in the past used small explosive devices, including in central Tirana, to intimidate and threaten. These do not usually result in injury, and appear to be specifically targeted against specific criminal, business or political interests.  The last such incidents were in July 2009 when a car exploded in front of the National Assembly in Tirana (no injuries), and another in June 2009 when a local politician was killed when his car exploded close to Shkodër. Although reports of crime specifically targeting members of the expatriate community remain rare, in February 2008 a British Citizen was robbed and murdered. There has also been recent incidences of luggage being reportedly stolen from hotel rooms and public transport, particularly in the coastal resorts of Vlore and Saranda. You should therefore remain vigilant about your personal security.

You should bear in mind the widespread ownership of firearms.

 

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political Situation

Albania Country Profile

Local Travel

We advise against all travel to the north east Border areas (i.e. the districts of Kukes, Has and Tropoje) between Albania and Kosovo because of the risk of unexploded ordnance placed near the border during the 1999 Kosovo crisis and the poor condition of the roads (as is the condition of many rural roads around Albania).  The area around Tirana, and most of the larger cities, are relatively trouble-free, but you should avoid travelling in the night.

On 15 March 2008, there was a major explosion at an ammunition depot in Gerdec, near Tirana and close to the main Tiaran-Durres motorway (a section of which was temporarily closed). It is estimated that up to 100,000 tonnes of munitions remain stockpiled at depots throughout Albania. Until surplus, old and degraded munitions are dismantled, they will continue to present a safety risk in areas near such depots.

Road Travel

Driving can be very hazardous. Roads are poor, especially (but not only) in rural areas. In winter, mountain roads are snowy and icy. During hot spells, the tarmac can melt and become slippery. Flash flooding is possible throughout the year. You should stay alert for large, unmarked potholes. Street lighting in urban areas is subject to power cuts. Elsewhere, except on the major inter-urban arterial routes, there is no street lighting, so night travel is best avoided. We suggest using four-wheel drive vehicles in Albania. There is no national recovery system, so cars should be self-sufficient, carrying minor repair equipment including jack, spare wheel, fan belts, wiper blades, local phrase book, first aid kit, water and overnight food when in remote areas.

Drivers with foreign plated vehicles draw particular scrutiny from the Road Traffic Police.  You should adhere to road traffic law at all times as committing even minor offences may result in you being fined.

Albanian driving can often be aggressive and erratic. Fatality rates from road traffic accidents are amongst the highest in Europe. Minor traffic disputes can quickly escalate, especially as some motorists could be armed. If you intend to drive you are advised to avoid reacting to provocative behaviour by other road users. If you are involved in a traffic accident, even a minor one, you are required to wait until the police arrive. This will usually happen quickly in built-up areas.

You should expect queues at all border crossings, especially at weekends and during the summer months.

Visitors intending to import vehicles into Albania should ensure they have all the necessary documentation on arrival at the border. Information on documentary requirements should be sought from the Albanian Embassy in London before departure. The British Embassy is unable to offer any assistance to individuals attempting to bring vehicles into Albania who do not have the correct documentation on arrival at the border.

For more general information see driving abroad.

 

Air Travel

Security arrangements at Tirana’s Mother Teresa airport meet the required UK standards.  Direct flights now operate between the UK and Albania.

 

Swimming

Albania does not have a blue flag operator, and there is no recognised similar system of assessment of beaches. However, several beaches along the Albanian coast are reported by the Albanian press to be polluted as a result of inadequate sewage disposal and treatment.

Sea travel

There have been a number of instances of passenger boat sinkings, usually due to a lack of safety precautions and equipment.  In March 2008 a boat capsized on Farka Lake (south of Tirana) killing a number of passengers.

 

For more general information see river and sea safety.