Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
Maximum Alerts / Albania
Level published by the State Department on 25.08.2026 · read 16 October 2026 · source checked daily
Albania — official level as of 16 October 2026: Level 2/4 ("Exercise Increased Caution"), from the U.S. Department of State. Maximum Insurance covers this country: hospital settled directly, unlimited repatriation, EUR 1.5M, certificate on payment.
Every country has its own scale, so we ask them all the same question: is the whole country advised against?
An advisory covering only areas of the country does not raise the answer: it stays “No”, and the area is shown in the relevant column.
The level shown on this page — and across this site — is the one published by the U.S. State Department, from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). France and the United Kingdom publish their own advisories, with their own rules: they add to that level, they do not replace it.
You will be alerted only on the day the official level of this country changes.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
What I say on the phone
What to do, in this order
In immediate danger, call local emergency services first. Then contact assistance without delay; before engaging a service, seek approval under your policy. Cover is confirmed by the insurer.
Ask assistance where to get care and whether direct cover can be arranged. It confirms the facility and seeks the insurer's approval under your policy. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Even for a pain you meant to shrug off. Without a medical certificate written on the spot, the same day, the insurer cannot cover the event — a certificate written after you return does not count.
The hospital desk sends the request to assistance. Direct payment depends on the insurer's approval and the policy; the call alone does not guarantee it. Have the response confirmed before relying on no up-front payment.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services immediately. For an arranged transfer or repatriation, contact assistance: the insurer's medical team decides on measures under the policy. A medical flight booked without approval may not be reimbursed.
Even if everything went well on the ground. Send your invoices and the medical report within 30 days; after that, compensation may be reduced or refused.
Reading hospitals, doctors and pharmacies around this point…
Rruga e Barrikadave
Mo-Fr 14:00-21:00; Sa 09:00-14:00
Rruga Donika Kastrioti
Rruga e Barrikadave Tirana
general
Rruga Reshit Petrela Tirana
Rruga e Kavajës Tirana
Mo-Su 07:30-20:10
Rruga Muhamet Gjollesha
Mo-Fr 08:00-20:00
near Rruga Kongresi i Manastirit
Rruga Bardhyl
near Rruga e Dibrës
oncology
Rruga e Dibrës Tirana
Rruga Petro Cani Tirana
near Rruga Petro Cani
gastroenterology
near Rruga e Dibrës
near Rruga Kongresi i Manastirit
child_psychiatry
near Rruga Kongresi i Manastirit
near Rruga Besim Zyma
child_psychiatry;psychiatry
Millosh Shutku
Mo-Su 08:00-22:00
near Rruga Teodor Keko
Sokrat Miho
Mo-Su 09:00-20:00
Rruga Princ Vidi Tirana
Rruga Myslym Shyri
Rruga Xhorxh W. Bush
Rruga Luigj Gurakuqi
Rruga e Barrikadave
26 Rruga Qemal Stafa
near Rruga Qemal Stafa
Rruga e Barrikadave Tirana
Bulevardi Zogu i Parë
28 Rruga Qemal Stafa
Rruga Luigj Gurakuqi Tirana
24/7
near Rruga Qemal Stafa
near Rruga Jeronim De Rada
Rruga e Elbasanit Tirana
near Rruga Islam Alla
Bulevardi Zhan d'Ark
Rruga Myslym Shyri Tirana
Bulevardi Zogu i Parë Tirana
Rruga e Elbasanit
Rruga e Elbasanit Tirana
Rruga Tefta Tashko Koco
Bulevardi Zhan d'Ark
Rruga Tefta Tashko Koço Tirana
Rruga e Kavajës
Rruga Donika Kastrioti
Rruga Ismail Qemali
Rruga Andon Zako Çajupi
Mo-Fr 08:00-21:30; Sa 08:00-20:30
7 Rruga Hoxha Tahsim Tirane
Rruga Petro Nini Luarasi
Rruga Petro Nini Luarasi
Rruga e Dibrës
Rruga Siri Kodra
Rruga Sami Frashëri
Rruga Mahmut Fortuzi Tirana
near Sheshi Ferenc Nopçka
Rruga Andon Zako Çajupi Tirana
Mo-Sa 09:00-07:00
Rruga Kongresi i Tiranës
Rruga Qamil Guranjaku
near Rruga Qemal Stafa
Mo-Sa 08:30-21:00; Su 10:00-14:00
Rruga Siri Kodra
Rruga Siri Kodra
2 Rruga Ukraina e Lirë Tirana
3/1 Rruga Ibrahim Rugova Tirana
42 Rruga Ibrahim Rugova Tirana
8 Rruga Skënderbej Tirana
123 Rruga e Durrësit Tiranë
14 Rruga Skënderbej Tirana
12 Rruga Skënderbej Tirana
Pallati 6/1/10 Skenderbej -- Rruga e Ambasadave Tirana
6/2 Rruga Skënderbej Tirana
10 Rruga Asim Zeneli Tirana
Mo-Th 09:00-12:30,13:00-17:00; Fr 09:00-12:00
116 Rruga e Kavajës Tirana
116 Rruga e Kavajës Tirana
Mo-Fr 09:00-12:00, 13:30-16:00
Rruga Bardhyl Tirana
Rruga Bardhyl Tirana
Tirane
Tirana
near Rruga Venecia
near Rruga Vaskal Todri
near Rruga Ali Riza Kolonja
near Rruga Demokracia
Rruga Kongresi i Tiranës
near Rruga Mine Peza
Rruga Mine Peza
near Rruga Isuf Elezi
Rruga Hasan Alla Tirana
near Rruga Teodor Keko
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
10-16 0.0 · 10-17 0.0 · 10-18 0.0 · 10-19 0.0 · 10-20 0.0 · 10-21 0.0 · 10-22 0.0 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
No geolocated event in this country at this reading.
No geolocated UCDP incident in this country.
No news located around Tirana in this reading.
National numbers (Wikidata, 2026 reading). On site, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: the insurer sends its payment guarantee to the hospital.
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td) Flu (influenza) Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Polio Shingles
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Albania. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series. Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Albania.
Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.
Monkeypox vaccination is recommended for any adult who anticipates any of the following activities during travel: Sexual or intimate contact with a new partner Sexual or intimate contact at a commercial sex venue, like a sex club or bathhouse Sexual or intimate contact in exchange for money, goods, drugs, or other trade Sexual or intimate contact in association with a large public event, such as a rave, party, or…
Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in Albania. If rabies exposures occur while in Albania, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.
CDC recommendations: Vaccine is not recommended. Country entry requirements: Direct travel from United States: Vaccine is not required. Travel from countries with risk for YF virus transmission: Vaccine is required for travelers ≥1 year old. 3 Updated April 23, 2025 See footnotes
CDC Travelers' Health, re-read weekly — the recommendation depends on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm it with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure.CDC ↗read 10.10.2026
Low incidence, comparable to Europe.
Coverage too low to stop the virus circulating: check your two MMR doses before leaving.
World Bank — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Source: France Diplomatie (health advice, in French).
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
WHO: no outbreak reported for this country in the last 24 months (Disease Outbreak News).who.int ↗read 16.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — medical care, in French
Les soins médicaux en dehors de la capitale ne sont que partiellement assurés. Les hôpitaux privés disposent de services de soins complets et sont mieux équipés que les hôpitaux publics. Ils exigent une avance sur le paiement ou une garantie financière avant de commencer un traitement. En cas de maladie ou de blessure grave, il est recommandé de retourner en Suisse pour se faire soigner. Si vous prenez régulièrement des médicaments , emportez-en une quantité suffisante avec vous. N’oubliez toutefois pas que l’importation de médicaments contenant des stupéfiants (p. ex. méthadone) ou l'importation de substances utilisées pour traiter des troubles psychiques est soumise à des prescriptions spéciales dans de nombreux pays. Le cas échéant, renseignez-vous à ce sujet, avant le départ, auprès de la représentation étrangère compétente (ambassade ou consulat) et consultez la rubrique Liens voyages , où vous trouverez, entre autres, de plus amples informations sur ce thème ainsi que sur la médecine du voyage en général. Les informations concernant la propagation de maladies et les éventuelles mesures de protection à prendre sont fournies par le personnel médical et les centres de vaccination. Liens voyages
France Diplomatiesource ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Consulter si besoin son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) pour faire une évaluation de son état de santé et bénéficier de recommandations sanitaires, notamment sur les vaccinations. Consulter éventuellement son dentiste avant le départ.
Constituer sa pharmacie personnelle en conséquence et n’emporter dans ses bagages que les médicaments strictement nécessaires ; ne jamais consommer de médicaments achetés dans la rue (risque de contrefaçons). Les médicaments doivent être dans leur emballage d’origine avec les étiquettes originales, accompagnés d’une ordonnance portant le nom des médicaments en dénomination commune internationale (DCI). Il est indispensable de vérifier que les médicaments concernés sont autorisés dans le pays visité : pour plus d’informations, consulter la fiche Informations pratiques .
Les vaccins recommandés en France sont également indispensables lors d’un séjour à l’étranger : les maladies qu’ils préviennent circulent partout dans le monde, parfois même plus fréquemment qu’en France. Avant tout départ, le voyageur (adulte et enfant) doit donc d’abord s’assurer d’être à jour du calendrier vaccinal français, en particulier des vaccins contre la diphtérie, le tétanos, la poliomyélite, la coqueluche mais aussi contre la rougeole. Le carnet de vaccination peut être demandé à l’arrivée de certains pays.
Des vaccinations complémentaires peuvent être nécessaires :
Il est donc conseillé de consulter son médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccinations internationales (médecine des voyages) suffisamment de temps avant le voyage.
La fièvre typhoïde est une maladie infectieuse causée par des bactéries présentes dans l’eau contaminée par des matières fécales d’origine humaine. L’infection résulte le plus souvent de l’ingestion d’eau ou d’aliments contaminés, ou d’une transmission directe de personne à personne. Les symptômes surviennent en moyenne 3 semaines après la contamination et associent fièvre, maux de tête, perte d’appétit, douleurs abdominales avec diarrhée ou constipation, fatigue et parfois, éruption cutanée. Dans les formes plus graves, la fièvre typhoïde peut être fatale en l’absence de traitement.
Les mesures de prévention reposent sur les règles élémentaires d’hygiène générale vis-à-vis de l’eau, des aliments et du lavage des mains ainsi que sur la vaccination.
Pour plus d’informations , consulter le site de l'Institut Pasteur .
La rage est une maladie virale mortelle affectant le système nerveux et présent dans la salive des animaux infectés, tels que chiens, chats, chauves-souris et autres mammifères sauvages. Le virus se transmet par morsure, griffure ou contact de la salive avec une peau lésée ou une muqueuse. L’évolution est rapide avec l’apparition de fièvre, maux de tête, anxiété puis de troubles neurologiques (coma). La rage est presque toujours mortelle une fois les symptômes déclarés. Il est recommandé d’éviter tout contact avec des animaux suspects domestiques ou sauvages. La vaccination préventive contre la rage avant un séjour en zone exposée peut être indiquée en fonction du type de voyage et en particulier chez les jeunes enfants dès qu’ils marchent. Il est conseillé de demander conseil à un médecin ou à un centre de vaccinations internationales.
En cas d’exposition à risque, consulter immédiatement un médecin même si la vaccination…
Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site du ministère en charge de la Santé .
Des cas, parfois graves, d’intoxication alimentaire sont constatés à Tirana et en province.
Il est généralement déconseillé de boire l’eau du robinet (caractère potable non garanti). Si certains réseaux urbains d’eau potable (comme par exemple celui de Korça) ont bénéficié de remise aux normes sanitaires et bénéficient de contrôles de qualité, il est généralement déconseillé de consommer l’eau du robinet. Ne boire de préférence que de l’eau et des boissons encapsulées, ou à défaut de l’eau rendue potable (filtration, ébullition ou à défaut pastilles désinfectantes type hydro-clonazone).
Health — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Call 127 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face Albania .
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Albania. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro .
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 .
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.
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 .
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.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .
Places read from OpenStreetMap, within a circle of about 12 km: phone, email, address, website and hours when the source publishes them. No customer reviews, that source has none. Straight-line distances.
Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.
The levels each government publishes, unsummarised: their texts, linked below, prevail.
no region is advised against by these readings; the trip follows the national advice. A new regional advisory would call for a new, written decision.
Global Affairs Canada — Open Government Licence – Canada (15.10.2026) · Foreign Office — Open Government Licence v3.0 · France Diplomatie (02.03.2026) · Natural Earth
No located event in this reading.
Last change: New information about demonstrations in Tirana ('Warnings and insurance' page).
Updated 25.08.2026
Exercise increased caution in Albania due to crime .
10-16 0.0 · 10-17 0.0 · 10-18 0.0 · 10-19 0.0 · 10-20 0.0 · 10-21 0.0 · 10-22 0.0 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.
No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.
Reading: The homicide rate is above Switzerland's, without being out of range. On the road, 5 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
What we locate on the map are events in progress that have real coordinates: USGS earthquakes, GDACS disasters, NOAA storms and open NASA EONET events. Hover a dot for details, click to open it in this briefing.
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
The security page lists no red or orange area.France Diplomatie ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
- Présentation de l'Albanie
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Dernière actualisation le 02/03/2026, information toujours valable à la date du jour
L'ensemble du territoire figure en vigilance normale.
Les accidents de la circulation sont la première cause de décès accidentel en Albanie (400 par an en moyenne), notamment en raison du comportement dangereux de certains automobilistes (non-respect des limitations de vitesse, usage répandu du téléphone au volant, etc.). De plus, malgré le contrôle technique, de nombreux véhicules peu ou mal entretenus sont en circulation. Afin de limiter ces risques, il est impératif de respecter strictement la réglementation en vigueur et il s'avère plus prudent de circuler de jour. L’axe routier Fusha Kruja – Shkodra est le plus accidentogène au niveau national. De même, de nombreux travaux d’infrastructures routières sont engagés, notamment sur l’axe Elbasan – Macédoine du Nord. Une vigilance renforcée est donc particulièrement recommandée sur ces deux voies importantes de communication. La conduite de nuit nécessite une attention particulière (chaussées déformées, défaut d’éclairage, travaux non signalés, etc.), particulièrement sur les axes secondaires. Elle est déconseillée sur les routes de montagne ou chemins vicinaux si on ne connaît pas la région. La vigilance s’impose à l’égard des piétons ou des animaux régulièrement présents sur les routes, y compris les voies rapides. Les piétons doivent tenir compte du fait que les voitures leur accordent rarement la priorité ; ils doivent en outre faire attention à l’état des trottoirs ou des accotements (pavage irrégulier, absence possible de plaques d’égout, etc.). Les cyclistes et motocyclistes doivent faire preuve d’une vigilance renforcée et porter une attention particulière à leurs dispositifs de protection et de visibilité. De nombreuses offres de locations de véhicules par des particuliers existent. Pour des raisons de sécurité et de défaut d’assurance, il est expressément…
L’Albanie se trouvant dans une zone d’activité sismique régulière, il est vivement conseillé de prendre connaissance des recommandations d’usage en la matière : https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/fiches-pratiques/risques/la-conduite-a-tenir-en-cas-de-seismes
Une application du Centre sismologique euro-méditerranéen permet d’avoir des informations en temps réel sur l’activité sismique dans la région où l’on se trouve : https://www.emsc-csem.org/
Simple et gratuite, l’application peut être téléchargée sur un téléphone Android. Il existe également une version pour iOS.
Il est aussi utile de consulter le site de l’Association française de génie parasismique (AFPS) .
La petite délinquance demeure moins élevée que dans la plupart des grandes villes occidentales. Le nombre d’agressions dans la capitale est relativement faible. Les touristes ne sont pas concernés par la grande criminalité.
La détention, le commerce et la consommation de drogue (y compris de cannabis, dont celui désigné communément sous l’appellation CBD) sont sanctionnés par des peines pouvant aller de 5 à 15 ans d’emprisonnement.
L’Albanie est un pays où le tourisme balnéaire est en plein essor, mais c’ est également un pays montagneux qui attire de plus en plus de touristes venus pour randonner, même en l’absence de sentiers balisés. Il est fortement recommandé de :
Le numéro d’urgence est le 112.
Full text of the Security pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland), in French
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
FDFA update note — Ces conseils pour les voyages ont été publiés avec des modifications marginales. L’appréciation de la situation reste valable de manière inchangée. (published 23.07.2026)
Les voyages en Albanie sont en principe considérés comme sûrs. Des manifestations ont souvent lieu dans la capitale Tirana et dans d’autres grandes villes. Pendant les manifestations, des affrontements violents entre manifestants et forces de l’ordre peuvent se produire. Ces derniers peuvent aussi entraîner des perturbations du trafic. Avant et pendant le voyage, informez-vous au travers des médias et par le biais de votre tour-opérateur sur la situation actuelle. Conformez-vous aux directives des autorités locales. Tenez-vous à l'écart des rassemblements de foule et des manifestations de tout genre. Dans ce pays comme ailleurs, le risque d’attentats terroristes ne peut être exclu. La rubrique terrorisme et enlèvements attire l'attention sur les risques liés au terrorisme. Terrorisme et enlèvements
La petite délinquance (vols à l'arraché et vols à la tire) existe principalement dans les grandes villes. Des cambriolages isolés et des agressions violentes sont possibles. Observez les précautions d’usage.
L'Albanie se trouve dans une zone d’activité sismique. Des tremblements de terre de moindre intensité se produisent parfois. Dans le bassin méditerranéen, il n’est pas exclu qu’un séisme ou une éruption volcanique provoque un tsunami qui atteigne toutes les zones côtières de la Méditerranée. Il existe un important risque d’incendie de forêt à de nombreux endroits. Protection civile albanaise Après de fortes pluies, il faut s'attendre à des inondations. Plus particulièrement dans le nord de l’Albanie, des routes peuvent par conséquent être affectées. Des informations concernant des risques naturelles en Albanie sont disponible sur le site web suivant : Institute of GeoSciences Si une catastrophe naturelle devait se produire durant votre séjour, prenez immédiatement contact avec vos proches et suivez les instructions des autorités. En cas d’interruption des communications avec l’étranger, vous pouvez vous mettre en liaison avec l’Ambassade de Suisse à Tirana.
FDFA travel advice, in French, valid on 16.10.2026eda.admin.ch ↗updated 23.07.2026 · read 16.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Demonstrations have been held in central Tirana, with some reported incidents of violence and property damage.
You should:
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
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.
Safety — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
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 .
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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 .
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…
American passport — U.S. Department of State
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Albania - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution 2026-08-25travel.state.gov ↗updated 25.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Exercise increased caution in Albania due to crime .
Global Affairs Canada — additional reading
Exercise normal security precautions
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 15, 2026 15:47 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all
You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences and heavy fines. Drugs, alcohol and travel
Authorities may request to see your ID at any time. You must also present a passport upon check-in at a hotel or to rent a car.
Photography of military installations and critical infrastructure is regulated. Request permission from local authorities before taking photographs of such installations.
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Albania. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Albania, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Albanian court. If you are in this situation:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
Albanian law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex. However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
You must carry an international driving permit. The legal alcohol limit is 0.01 percent. Police have taken drastic measures to decrease the number of accidents. They strictly enforced:
Respect the rules of the road to avoid heavy fines and confiscation of your driver’s licence. If you are involved in a road accident, even a minor one, wait for the police to arrive. International Driving Permit
The currency of Albania is the lek (ALL). Credit cards are accepted in major cities. Cash is required for small purchases and for purchases over 1000 lek. Carry cash in rural areas. You must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have more than €10,000, or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum includes:
Cash declarations - Customs of Albania
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 15, 2026 15:47 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Foreign Office — laws and cultural differences
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.
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.
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.
Open Government Licence v3.0gov.uk ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — laws and customs, in French
Le transport de réfugiés par véhicule constitue une infraction relevant de la traite d’êtres humains et est passible d'une peine d’emprisonnement. Ne prenez par conséquent aucune personne inconnue avec vous, même pour les trajets effectués à l’intérieur du pays. Les infractions à la loi sur les stupéfiants, y compris la détention de minimes quantités de drogue quelle qu'elle soit, sont passibles de peines de prison. Les infractions à l’interdiction d’exporter des biens culturels de toute nature sont passibles de peines de détention. Les conditions de détention sont précaires.
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 23.07.2026 · read 16.10.2026
What it changes for you: Air acceptable at this hour: nothing special to plan.
Reading 09:00 (Europe/Tirane)Open-Meteo ↗updated 16.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Air quality and UV: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information 2026. Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
Reading: With 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people (58% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 591 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
World Bank — latest published value, year per indicatordata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
- Présentation de l'Albanie
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Il est impossible d’entrer en Albanie avec un passeport ou une carte d’identité précédemment signalé(e) volé(e) ou perdu(e). Les autorités albanaises refusent systématiquement dans un tel cas l’entrée sur le territoire albanais, avec une réadmission immédiate vers le pays de provenance. En fonction de la fréquence des vols et de la compagnie aérienne utilisée, cette réadmission peut contraindre le voyageur à une attente de plusieurs jours en zone de transit (sans structure d’accueil dédiée).
IMPORTANT : un document d’identité déclaré perdu ou volé et retrouvé ultérieurement ne doit plus être utilisé. Le document, invalidé de manière informatique et signalé au niveau international (Interpol et Système d’information Schengen), ne permet plus le passage des frontières. Le document retrouvé doit être restitué à l’administration.
Les voyageurs munis d’une carte nationale d’identité ou d’un passeport individuel français en cours de validité sont dispensés de visa pour un séjour ne dépassant pas 90 jours. Ils doivent disposer d’un passeport ou d’une carte nationale d’identité valables 3 mois après la date de retour prévue. En cas d’installation en Albanie, il convient de solliciter un permis de séjour dans les 30 jours suivant l’arrivée auprès du commissariat de police de la ville dont dépend le lieu de résidence. Il communiquera la liste actualisée des documents à fournir. Il est vivement recommandé de se munir d’une copie intégrale de son acte de naissance ainsi que de l’extrait B2 de son casier judiciaire, traduits en albanais et apostillés.
Les ressortissants français sont autorisés à entrer en Albanie sur présentation d’une carte nationale d’identité (CNIS) ou d’un passeport français en cours de validité. Ils peuvent ainsi séjourner 90 jours sur une période de 6 mois en Albanie sans autres formalités.
Attention : le décret 2013-1188 instaurant un allongement de 5 ans de la validité de la CNIS n’est pas reconnu par tous les pays. Pour les autorités albanaises, la validité de la CNIS française s’arrête à la date indiquée sur votre carte.
Les enfants mineurs non accompagnés munis uniquement d’une carte nationale d’identité sécurisée ou d’un passeport ne pourront pas être admis sur le territoire national albanais. Pour entrer en Albanie, ils doivent en outre être en possession d’une autorisation parentale ou d’une autorisation du tuteur légal.
En matière de transport de devises, le seuil de l’obligation déclarative en Albanie est fixé à 1 million de LEK (soit environ 10 000 €).
Tout animal de compagnie voyageant avec son propriétaire vers l’Albanie depuis l’Union européenne doit remplir les conditions suivantes :
L’Albanie fait partie des pays tiers à situation défavorable au regard de la rage (voir la page " Voyager en provenance de pays tiers "). Il convient d’être en mesure de présenter :
Dans le cas d’une réintroduction sur le territoire de l’Union européenne, le certificat peut être remplacé par le passeport de l’animal.
Entry and stay pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland)
The FDFA does not publish entry requirements: they are set out by the destination's embassy or consulate in Switzerland — check them before booking, passport in hand. As a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.eda.admin.ch ↗updated 23.07.2026 · read 16.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Entry requirements — rules for a British passportForeign Office ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Albania set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Albanian Embassy in the UK .
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Albania.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement . See Dual Citizenship .
You can visit Albania without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, for tourism or business.
If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply in advance for a long-stay visa or apply for a residence permit from within Albania .
To enter Albania, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk .
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Albania guide .
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Albania. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
American passport — U.S. Department of State
The State Department publishes the requirements ("Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements") on its country page, which our servers cannot read. Read it before you go; as a guide, the French and British requirements below describe the same rules as seen by two other governments.travel.state.gov ↗updated 25.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026
For each risk, the official texts themselves: what is happening, then, where they say so, what to do.
What the texts say · Crimes of opportunity and petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occur. Organized crime-related violence occurs.
What the texts say · Driving can be very hazardous and often aggressive and erratic. If you are travelling at night, watch out for unmarked roadworks, potholes and vehicles without lights.
What the texts say · There is a risk of earthquakes – tremors are common. Heavy rains, particularly during winter, can cause flooding and landslides including in Tirana.
What the texts say · Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Authorities may request to see your ID at any time.
What the texts say · Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.
What the texts say · Demonstrations take place, especially in central Tirana. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time.
Sentences copied word for word from the official texts cited, chosen for the destination; the level is our reading. The full texts, at each source:Global Affairs Canada ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026 (updated 15.10.2026 · read 27.09.2026)Foreign Office ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026 (updated 15.10.2026 · read 27.09.2026)
Reading: The homicide rate is above Switzerland's, without being out of range. On the road, 5 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Time zone: IANA and timezone-boundary-builder (ODbL) · RESTCountries · EmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · European Central Bank
Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Photon search by komoot.
FDFA (Switzerland) — transport and specific advice, in French
Les routes principales et les autoroutes sont en bon état. Les véhicules tout terrain sont recommandés sur les routes secondaires, notamment au nord de la ligne Shkoder-Kukes. La conduite dangereuse augmente les risques d'accident (même en cas de voyage en autocar). Renoncez aux déplacements interurbains la nuit.
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 23.07.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Maximum policyholder: before paying anything, call the 24/7 number. If you are admitted for more than 24 h, Maximum sends its direct payment guarantee to the hospital (art. 2.12).
+41 22 ••• •• •• — Full number in your client areaThe hospital list has not been read from OpenStreetMap for this page yet: the medical-network map loads it when opened. Maximum's assistance directs you to the right facility, 24/7. The medical-network map ↗
CDC Travelers' Health recommendations, most important first. They depend on your age, vaccines and itinerary: confirm them with a doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Details, disease by disease ↗cdc.gov ↗read 10.10.2026
The health system — With 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people (58% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 591 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
Back home — a fever in the following weeks should be told to a doctor, naming the country.
Forecast: MET Norway (Norwegian Meteorological Institute, CC BY 4.0), grouped by day and formatted by Maximum.
French passport — French embassy and consulates
14 Rruga Skënderbej, 1001, Tirana
+355 44540703 · France Diplomatie
https://al.ambafrance.org/-Ambasada-e-Fran ↗
Useful contacts listed by France Diplomatie (in French)diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Updated: 15 September 2026
OpenStreetMap
Swiss passport — Swiss embassy and consulates
3/1 Rruga Ibrahim Rugova, 1019, Tirana
phone not published
https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/albania ↗updated 23.07.2026 · read 16.10.2026
Numéro d’urgence: 112 Dispositions douanières d’Albanie Représentations suisses à l’étranger: En cas de situation d’urgence à l’étranger, vous pouvez vous adresser à la représentation suisse la plus proche ou à la Helpline DFAE. Centre consulaire régional Balkans occidentaux à Pristina, Kosovo Ambassade de Suisse en Albanie Helpline DFAE Représentations étrangères en Suisse: Pour obtenir des informations sur les prescriptions d'entrée (documents d'identité admis, visa, etc.), veuillez vous adresser aux ambassades et consulats étrangers compétents. Ceux-ci peuvent également vous renseigner sur les dispositions douanières pour l'importation et l'exportation d'animaux et de marchandises: appareils électroniques, souvenirs, médicaments, etc. Représentations étrangères en Suisse
OpenStreetMap · DFAE
British passport — British embassy and consulates
12 Rruga Skënderbej, Tirana
phone not published
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/bri ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
OpenStreetMap
American passport — U.S. embassy and consulates
14 Rruga Stavro Vinaju, Tiranë
(+355) 4 2247 285
https://al.usembassy.gov/ ↗updated 25.08.2026 · read 16.10.2026
OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap
Getting help — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Ambulance: 127
Fire: 128
Police: 112
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
For emergencies. If pronunciation fails, show the screen — or the printed page.
| Help! | Ndihmë! |
| Call an ambulance! | Thirrni urgjencën! |
| I need a doctor. | Më duhet një mjek. |
| Where is the nearest hospital? | Ku është spitali më i afërt? |
| Call the police! | Thirrni policinë! |
| I am allergic to penicillin. | Jam alergjik (alergjike) ndaj penicilinës. |
| I have international medical insurance. | Kam sigurim shëndetësor ndërkombëtar. |
| I want to contact my embassy. | Dua të kontaktoj ambasadën e vendit tim. |
| Please take me to this address. | Ju lutem, më çoni në këtë adresë. |
| Do you speak English? | A flisni anglisht? |
Translations by Maximum Insurance, original script and transliteration.
Actions to take before each professional trip abroad.
Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.
Suite à la manifestation et aux violences constatées les 13 et 14 octobre 2026 à Tirana, il est recommandé d’éviter, aujourd’hui et dans les prochains jours, les alentours du Ministère de l’Education, la route de Durrës, les abords de la place Skanderbeg, ainsi que les attroupements qui pourraient avoir lieu en centre-ville et aux abords de tous les bâtiments officiels. Il convient de suivre l’évolution de la situation, ainsi que les recommandations des autorités locales.
France Diplomatie (in French) · posted 14 October 2026diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 16.10.2026Safety and security – added information on demonstrations in Tirana
October 15, 2026 15:47 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 15.10.2026 · read 16.10.2026No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.
Level 2/4 — Exercise Increased Caution, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 16 October 2026.
Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 25.08 · read 16.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10DFAE · updated 23.07 · read 16.10207-country comparison
An area advised against does not rule out the country.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 15.10 · read 16.10State Department · updated 25.08 · read 16.10
The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 15.10 · read 16.10State Department · updated 25.08 · read 16.10
For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).
SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479
VIP Pack — €990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 11.10
Six steps, in this order.
SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Local emergency services: single number 112 · police 129 · ambulance 127 · fire 128
SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 11.10
At today's level 2/4, card by card:
SourcesAmex Platinum France T&Cs, 01.2025 — general exclusion n° 11BNP Paribas Visa Infinite notice (policy PT7), 04.2025 — comFortuneo World Elite Mastercard notice, 01.2026 — art. 5.5 '
A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
The page reads hospitals, pharmacies and doctors from OpenStreetMap, around the point you choose.
The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.
SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10OMS · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 15.10 · read 16.10
1.9 physicians per 1,000 people (2020) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.
SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479
1.4 homicides per 100,000 people (2023) versus 0.6 in Switzerland and 1.3 in France.
The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):
SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 11.10DFAE · updated 23.07 · read 16.10
No region is advised against by the official readings checked (Global Affairs Canada, Foreign Office and France Diplomatie): the national advice applies everywhere.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 15.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 15.10 · read 16.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 16.10
Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 15.10 · read 16.10Foreign Office · updated 15.10 · read 16.10
Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.
Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 15.09 · read 16.10eda.admin.ch · updated 23.07 · read 16.10
Emergency phrases, to show if pronunciation fails:
SourcesMaximum Insurance
Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Cancellation or change up to EUR 20,000, special risk EUR 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
A question not answered here? Ask Maximum below, or call the support number: every question gets a clear, actionable answer.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
Same advisory level: Armenia · Bahamas · Bangladesh · Belgium · Belize · Bolivia
The displayed level comes from the State Department, checked every morning. Before departure, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.
The level shown is the official U.S. Department of State level, checked daily. Maximum Insurance is an insurance distributor — general information, not personal advice.
The destination is already Tirana. A few choices, then the reading of your cover, here.
Destination · Tirana
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