The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area. The EES may take each passenger extra time, so it is important to be prepared to wait longer than usual at EU country borders and allow more time for immigration controls if travelling to and from the Schengen area.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nYour passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Albania.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.
\n\nYou can visit Albania without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, for tourism or business.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nTo 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.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Albania guide.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"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.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Albania cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks 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.
\n\nRelations 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.
\n\nPolitical 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.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nTake sensible precautions to protect yourself from street crime, particularly in larger cities and late at night.
\n\nWatch out for pickpockets and bag thieves in tourist areas, on buses and trains and major public transport hubs, including airports.
\n\nPenalties for drug-related crimes are severe.
\n\nYou should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nPossession 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.
\n\nAirports in Albania have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nSame-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.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nThere are some local press reports that jet skis and boats being rented along the coasts may lack adequate safety precautions and equipment.
\n\nIf 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.
\n\nSee watersports safety abroad from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
\n\nTake note of warning signs, follow instructions from lifeguards and observe the flag indicators on beaches. Take local advice if jellyfish or urchins are present.
\n\nThe 2023 European Environment Agency report noted that a small number of beaches are polluted because of inadequate sewage disposal and treatment.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Albania, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Albania guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
\n\nYou may find it useful to have a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK licence. The 1949 IDP is not accepted any more. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
\n\nYou must carry a green card as proof of vehicle insurance to drive your car in Albania. If you’re planning to hire a car, check with your car hire company for information on their requirements before you travel.
\n\nCheck if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
\n\nIf you stay longer than one year, or live in Albania, you will need to apply for an Albanian driving licence.
\n\nTo import a vehicle into Albania, make sure you have all the necessary papers on arrival at the border. Consult the Albanian Embassy in the UK before you leave. The British Embassy will be unable to help anyone attempting to bring a vehicle into Albania without the correct paperwork.
\n\nDriving can be very hazardous and often aggressive and erratic. Deaths from road traffic accidents are amongst the highest in Europe. Police have taken some measures to decrease the number of accidents.
\n\nMinor traffic disputes can quickly escalate, especially as some motorists could be armed. Avoid reacting to provocative behaviour by other road users.
\n\nIf you are involved in a traffic accident, even a minor one, remain at the scene until the police arrive. This will usually happen quite quickly in built-up areas. Failing to wait could result in charges under the Albanian Penal Code and you could get a fine.
\n\nRoad surfaces are poor, especially in rural areas. If you are travelling at night, watch out for unmarked roadworks, potholes and vehicles without lights. Four-wheel drive vehicles are more practical on rural and minor roads.
\n\nPower cuts can affect street lighting in towns and cities. Elsewhere, even on the major routes, there is no street lighting.
\n\nThere are still unexploded landmines in some remote areas around hill towns on the northern border with Kosovo. Take care, particularly if hiking, and follow any warning signs. Do not walk on uncultivated land or step off the marked paths. If in doubt, seek local advice.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThere is a risk of earthquakes – tremors are common. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but do happen.
\n\nThe US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\nFrom December to February, severe weather may cause flooding, particularly in northern Albania. Heavy snowfall in mountainous areas can lead to disruption to transport and services. Monitor local and international media for the latest information.
\n\nWildfires are common in Albania from April to October due to the dry and hot weather. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. You should:
\n\ntake care when visiting or driving through countryside
\nmake sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished
\nnot light fires or barbecues except in designated and marked areas
\nnot leave any rubbish
\nCausing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Albania. Penalties could result from fines to imprisonment.
\n\nBe cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires. During the event of a wildfire, you should:
\n\ncall the emergency services on 112
\nfollow any advice from the local emergency services
\ncontact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK
\nif you need consular assistance call +355 4 223 4973/4/5 during working hours or +44 207 008 5000 out of hours
\nBefore you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 127 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face Albania.
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Albania. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nDo 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.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nMedical 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.
\n\nFCDO has a list of list of medical providers in Albania where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"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.
\n\nAmbulance: 127
\n\nFire: 128
\n\nPolice: 112
\n\nContact 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.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n