U.S. Embassy Tirana

Rruga Stavro Vinjau, 14
Tirana, Albania
Telephone: +(355) (0) 4-2247-285
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(355) (0) 4-2247-285
Fax: +(355) (0) 4-2374-957; +(355) (0) 4-2232-222
Email: ACSTirana@state.gov

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Visit the Embassy of Albania’s website for the most current visa information. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months from the date of your arrival. 
• You may enter the Republic of Albania as a tourist without a visa. 
• U.S. citizens may stay up to one year in Albania without applying for a residency permit. If you wish to stay in Albania longer than one year, you may apply for a residency permit once you enter the country. For more information on residency permits in Albania, please see the Embassy website. Find the nearest office of the Regional Directorate of Border and Migration Police that has jurisdiction over the place of residence.
  

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Albania.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Terrorism:  Some terrorist groups, and those inspired by such organizations, are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are using less sophisticated methods of attack. Those include knives, firearms, and vehicles to target crowds. U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to take special caution at: 

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)
  

For more information, see our Terrorism page. 

Crime: Street crime occurs in urban areas, mostly at night. Burglaries, theft, and domestic violence are most common. U.S. citizens can become victims due to circumstance or proximity. Anti-American sentiment is rare in Albania and the international community is generally well regarded. 
Attacks involving small improvised explosive devices (IEDs) occur often and are usually connected to disputes related to organized crime or drug trafficking. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant when parking in unattended parking areas. Avoid parking overnight in non-secure areas and inspect vehicles for suspicious items. If you find something strange, do not tamper with it. Contact the Albanian Police immediately. Carjacking is rare in Albania, but vehicle theft may occur. Make sure your vehicle is locked and keep your possessions well hidden in the trunk. Incidents of violent crime include:

• attempted murder,
• robberies by force and 
• armed robberies.

Law enforcement’s ability to protect and assist travelers is limited in some areas, especially in remote regions.  Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and be vigilant in areas without police or emergency services.  

Demonstrations occur frequently. Protests are generally peaceful but have become violent in the past. Molotov cocktails are common during demonstrations, though they are generally thrown at buildings and not people.
Demonstrations and protests may take place in response to: 

• political or economic issues,
• on politically significant holidays, and
• during international events. 

Be aware of your surroundings: 

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information. 

Victims of Crime:  Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Report crimes to the local police by dialing 112 or 129 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(355) 4 224 7285. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should seek medical attention if needed and are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

The Embassy may be able to assist crime victims with the following: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information about the victim’s role during the local investigation.
• Follow the investigation until its conclusion.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. 
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States. And provide limited medical support in cases of destitution. 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. 

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated, but rules may be unevenly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signs. In the event of an injury, access to appropriate medical treatment may be sporadic due to limited hours or physical distances. Outside metropolitan areas, it may take more time to reach first responders or medical professionals who can provide assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be fined, arrested, imprisoned, or deported. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website. 

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information. 

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Counterfeit and pirated goods may still be illegal according to local laws.  You may have to pay fines or give up such goods if you bring them back to the United States. The import and export of goods infringing on intellectual property rights is prohibited by law. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. 

Special Circumstances:

• Albania's customs authorities enforce strict regulations on the import or export of particular items from Albania, including:
• weapons,
• endangered wild fauna and flora, and
• narcotics,
• Contact the Embassy of Albania in Washington, D.C. in the United States for customs requirements. 
• Albanian law allows for dual citizenship. Albanian citizenship may be acquired at birth. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, Department of Citizenship, handles citizenship issues. Foreigners can submit the requirements for obtaining citizenship to Albanian embassies abroad or to the regional police in the district they reside in Albania. For full details, please visit the website for the Agency for the Delivery of Integrated Services Albania: https://www.adisa.gov.al/albanian-citizenship/ . 
• Albania is primarily a cash economy and most businesses do not accept credit cards, but ATMs are widely available in cities. 
• Sporadic blackouts throughout the country can affect food storage capabilities. 
• Air pollution is a problem throughout Albania, particularly in Tirana.
• If you wish to start a business, the National Business Center provides business registration and licensing services.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details: 

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report– see country reports. 
• Human Rights Report– see country reports. 

International Volunteers: 

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Albania, but Albanian law does not permit same-sex marriage, and it does not legally recognize other countries’ same-sex marriage certificates. Albania will not issue family residency permits to same-sex married couples, but will accept individual registrations. Homophobic attitudes remain despite the law and official support for LGBTI rights. 

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details. 

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Albania prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities. Newer buildings may offer accessible facilities, but public buildings are mostly inaccessible. Accessibility is limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. There are limited accessible options for travelers outside of Tirana. Aids, equipment, and devices, and rental, repair, or replacement services, are not generally available. Service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants, are not generally available. Contact the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation for more information. 

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips. 

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

For emergency services in Albania, dial 112 for an ambulance. Dial 127 or 128 for the Fire Department. Dial 112 or 129 for police. Not all operators speak English, but they will attempt to connect you with an English-speaking responder when possible. 

Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. 

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for insurance information before traveling overseas.

We strongly recommend you obtain supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for visitors to Albania. 

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

Air Quality:  Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality. Air quality varies throughout Albania. Pollution can be a problem particularly in Tirana. During certain times of year, such as winter, wood or coal may be burned for heat. 

Health Facilities: The U.S. Embassy maintains information on doctors and hospitals here. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

• Adequate health facilities are available in Tirana. In rural areas health care may be below U.S. standards. 
• Public medical clinics lack many basic resources and supplies. 
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always accepted. 
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. 
• Medical staff may not speak English. 
• Most public hospitals are minimally staffed overnight in non-emergency wards. If you are caring for someone who is hospitalized overnight, consider hiring a private nurse or have family spend the night with the patient, especially children. 
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in cities. Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions. 

Pharmaceuticals: 

• Carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Albanian law prohibits the import and export of narcotic medications and psychotropic substances. For more information, visit the General Directorate of Customs website. 
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication in Albania. Many medicines are available without a prescription. However, some medications may require a prescription from a physician and are sold only at specialized pharmacies.  Some medications may not be available locally.
• Make sure to purchase medication from a reputable establishment recommended to you by a medical professional.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Food and Drug Administration have strict rules for transporting medication to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their legal requirements to be brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information. 

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:  If you are considering to have a child using Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page

Water Quality: Tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are safe. Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.  

Adventure Travel:  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Road Conditions and Safety: Driving conditions in Albanian can differ significantly from those in the United States. Reckless driving is common. Drivers do not pay attention to traffic regulations. Many do not pay attention to signals, lane markings, pedestrians, or other drivers. The number of fatalities from traffic accidents is higher than other European countries. Road conditions vary. They are poor in rural areas in winter months and during inclement weather. Older sections of the roadway system are poorly lit. Minor traffic disputes can quickly escalate, especially as some motorists could be armed. 

• All international driving permits (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention are accepted. An international driving permit can only be used for one year. If you wish to drive in Albania for more than one year, you must apply for an Albanian license. 
• In Albania, driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt. Mobile phones can be used while driving, but only with a hands-free set. Third-party insurance is required. 
• Be aware emergency response services are inadequate. First responders have limited medical training and equipment. Accident victims are often transported to the nearest hospital in the car of a passerby. 
• Do not travel at night. Travel outside of urban areas is particularly dangerous. 
• Fuel and repair services are common in populated areas. There is no formal roadside assistance. Tires and replacement parts may not be available. 

Traffic Laws:  You may be asked to show your passport in addition to a U.S. or international driver’s license if stopped. Police should provide you with a written ticket citing any fine issued. Procedures vary by district. You should not pay fines directly to police officers. Fines will be collected at a local police precinct or court. 

• If you have an accident, do not move your car, and wait for police to arrive.
• Disregard for traffic laws is widespread.
• You can use a U.S. or international driver’s license while in a non-resident status in Albania. U.S. citizens residing in Albania longer than one year must register and apply for resident status. They must also apply for an Albanian driver’s license.
• It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol at any detectable level.  Albania practices a zero-tolerance policy.  The police will seize your driver’s license and vehicle if caught. You may also be fined or receive up to six months in prison.
• It is against the law to use a mobile phone without a hands-free device while driving. You will be fined if caught. 

Public Transportation: Public transportation options are limited. Uber and other ride-hailing services do not exist; however, marked taxis are considered safe and recommended for use. 

• There are no commercial domestic flights. 
• Rail conditions are poor, limited, and service is unreliable. 
• Intra-city and inter-city buses are regulated by the Albanian authorities and are generally considered safe, though it is recommended that travelers complete inter-city travel during daylight hours.  

See our Road Safety page for more information. 

Aviation Safety Oversight:  There is no direct commercial air service to the United States from Albania. The U.S. 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. 

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Albania should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.