Albania

Albania is a parliamentary democracy with a market-oriented economic system. Albania's per capita income is among the lowest in Europe, but economic conditions in the country are slowly improving as Albania's economy integrates into broader European markets. Tourist facilities and hotel accommodations are plentiful in Tirana but are limited in smaller towns. Albanian is the official language; English is limited except for Tirana’s main tourist areas. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Albania for additional information on U.S. - Albania relations.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Albania, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The most dangerous aspect of living and working in Albania is the unsafe driving that is regularly encountered on roads nationwide, and the generally poor condition of the roads. Road conditions are especially poor in rural areas in winter months and during inclement weather. Sporadic electricity shortages sometimes result in blackouts affecting road lighting and traffic signals. Travel at night and outside the main urban areas is particularly dangerous as road hazards are unpredictable and can be more difficult to see. Disregard for traffic laws is widespread. Traffic accidents are frequent occurrences and often result in serious injury or death. If you choose to drive in Albania, please exercise strong caution and drive as defensively as possible.

Buses travel between most major cities almost exclusively during the day and do not always run according to the schedule. No public bus routes exist between cities; travelers seeking intra-city transit may use privately owned vans, which function as unofficial system of bus routes and operate almost entirely without schedules or set fares. These private operators may not have permission to operate as a bus service and may not adhere to accepted safety and maintenance standards or driver training. You should consider the condition of the van before you choose to travel in one. In January 2013, vans carrying passengers were robbed at gunpoint near the city of Tepelene on the route from Saranda to Tirana. In the same city in January 2014 a passenger was killed when armed gunmen robbed a bus traveling from Athens to Tirana. Personal vehicles have been robbed in the same fashion. There are no commercial domestic flights and the rail conditions are poor, connections limited, and service unreliable.

You can only use an international driver’s license for one year in Albania. If you wish to drive in Albania for a period of time in excess of one year, you must apply for an Albanian driver’s license.

It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol and, if caught, the police may seize your driver’s license and vehicle, and impose additional penalties such as a fine or up to six months in prison.

Using a cell phone while driving is only permitted when the driver utilizes a Bluetooth or other hands-free device. Failure to use such a device can result in a fine.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Albania’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Albania, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Albania’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Public demonstrations are frequent in Albania and often occur with little or no notice. They can cause serious traffic disruptions, roadblocks and/or the blocking of public facilities. Although most demonstrations are peaceful, in the past demonstration have turned violent and resulted in deaths and injuries to many others, including Albania State Police Officers. Travelers should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. U.S. citizens should stay up to date with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Information regarding demonstrations in Albania can be found on the U.S. Embassy Tirana website.

The use of small improvised explosive devices in targeted attacks against individuals who are involved in contentious business or personal disputes has increased in the past year. Rocket propelled grenades have also been used to target vehicles as well as residences of individuals involved in feuds. Although the U.S. Embassy has no specific information regarding threats directed against U.S. citizens, we encourage U.S. citizens to remain vigilant when parking vehicles in unattended parking areas and avoid parking overnight in non-secure areas. Please visually inspect your parked vehicle for any suspicious items. If any anomalies are found, do not tamper with the vehicle and contact the Albanian police immediately.

Organized criminal activity and corruption occur in many regions of Albania. Police and news outlets often report small-scale, sporadic incidents of violence. U.S. government employees are currently prohibited from travelling to the southern town of Lazarat, which has historically been one of the largest marijuana producing regions in Europe. In June 2014 police conducted a large-scale counternarcotics operation in Lazarat that spanned for several days. During the operation, police came under fire from residents with financial and criminal interests in marijuana cultivation. The security situation has improved since the June operation but remains volatile, and police ability to protect and assist travelers in and near Lazarat is still limited.

Power outages occur frequently throughout Albania. Regular outages may also disrupt other public utilities, including water service, and interfere with traffic lights and the provision of normal business and public services.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Albania’s American Citizen Services on Twitter and visiting the Embassy’s website.
•  In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: High unemployment and other economic factors encourage criminal activity. Use caution and protect your valuables in Tirana just as you would in any major U.S. city. Violent crime aimed at U.S. citizens is rare and criminals do not appear to target U.S. citizens or other foreigners, but rather seek targets of opportunity, selecting those who appear to have items of value. Crime statistics indicate a steady increase in violent crime throughout Albania since 2009. Organized crime is present in Albania and occasionally results in violent confrontations between members of rival organizations.

Pick-pocketing, theft, and other petty street crimes are widespread, particularly in areas where tourists and foreigners congregate. Pickpockets use various diversionary tactics to distract victims, and panhandlers – particularly children – may become aggressive. U.S. citizens have reported the theft of passports and portable electronic devices by pick-pockets. Victims of pick-pocketing should report the crime to the police and cancel their credit cards as soon as possible. Exercise caution in bars and clubs in Tirana, where violent incidents involving the use of firearms have occurred in the past.

Vehicle theft and theft from vehicles is common in Albania. Carjacking also occurs. You should avoid leaving valuables, including cell phones and electronic items, in plain view in unattended vehicles and lock windows and doors. In the event you are a victim of a carjacking, you should surrender your vehicle without resistance.

Travelers should take standard safety precautions when using Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). Use ATMs located inside of banks and check for any evidence of tampering with the machine before use. Be cautious when using publicly available Internet terminals, such as in Internet cafes, as sensitive personal information, account passwords, etc., are subject to compromise. Theft of personal items from hotel rooms also occur.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport;
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape;
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends; and
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Albania is 129; however, emergency response support is unreliable.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.