Albania

Last updated: 21 January 2008

Current at: 18 November 2008

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to Albania. Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For entry requirements for Albania, please contact the nearest Albanian Embassy or Consulate.

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

SAFETY & SECURITY

We advise against all travel to the northeast border areas (i.e. the districts of Kukes, Has and Tropoje) between Albania and Kosovo because of the very poor condition of the roads and the risk of unexploded ordnance placed during the 1999 Kosovo crisis.

Please be aware that ownership of firearms is widespread in Albania.

Along with other European countries, there is potential for Albania to experience international terrorism.

CRIME

Public security is generally good, particularly in Tirana, and Albanians are very hospitable to visitors. However, crime and violence still represent a serious problem in some areas. You are advised to be vigilant about personal security, dress modestly and not display expensive items such as watches and cameras.

LOCAL LAWS & CUSTOMS

Penalties for drug related crimes are severe.

ROAD SAFETY

Driving can be very hazardous in Albania. Roads are poor, especially 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. Drivers 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. 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.

Albanian driving can often be aggressive and erratic. If you intend to drive, you are strongly 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.

HEALTH

The Albanian authorities have confirmed that there have been outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in domestic poultry in the village of Cuka near the Butrint Lagoon in south west Albania and in the village of Peze-Helmes, 14km from the capital Tirana. No human infections or deaths have been reported.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

For further information and advice, please see our section on Avian Influenza.

There are high levels of Hepatitis in Albania. Rabies is also a matter of concern as there are large numbers of stray dogs, although there have been no reports of the disease in Tirana at present. Cases of tick borne encephalitis have been reported in the north of the country. Vaccination is available but we advise travellers to keep all areas of the body covered when close to shrubs or bushes, and to inspect themselves regularly for ticks.