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General Map

General map of Albania

Medical Summary

The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).

General Information

Albania is a developing nation classified as upper middle income. Located in southeastern Europe along the Adriatic Sea (north of Greece and south of Montenegro and Kosovo), the climate is classified as dry summer.

Vaccinations

Yellow Fever

See also: Library article for Yellow Fever

Although yellow fever does not occur in Albania, an official yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on your itinerary.

  • Requirement: A certificate proving yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers aged ≥ 1 year coming from countries with risk of YF transmission. This does not apply to airport transit stops (no exit through immigration checkpoint) in risk countries.

Other Vaccines

Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, or tick-borne encephalitis. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.

Malaria

See also: Library article for Malaria

The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)

No statement given.

CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)

Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.

Other Concerns

Travelers' Diarrhea

See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea

Moderate risk exists throughout the country, with minimal risk in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures may be inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.

Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.

Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.

Other Food-Borne Illnesses

Precautions to prevent brucellosis may be needed.

Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases

Leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.

Other Disease and Health Risks

Additional concerns include air pollution, anthrax disease, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, hantavirus, hepatitis C, leptospirosis, marine hazards.

Consular Advice

The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.

Terrorism Risk

Risk of attack by transnational terrorist groups exists throughout Europe. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.

Crime

Low risk of violent crime (drug-related violence) exists in Lazarat. Low risk of petty crime exists throughout the country, mainly in urban areas and areas frequented by tourists.

Civil Unrest

Protests and demonstrations frequently occur throughout the country, especially in Tirana, and have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur. 

Unsafe Areas

Landmines and other unexploded ordnance may be present in northern hill towns bordering Kosovo.

Water Safety

Passenger boats may be unsafe, including ferries and small crafts. Decline water transportation in vessels that appear overloaded or lack personal flotation devices or life jackets.

Rent water sports equipment from reputable operators. Scuba dive only with personnel certified by PADI or NAUI, and use equipment only from PADI- or NAUI-certified dive operators.

Transportation Safety

High risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is 12 to 24 per 100,000 population. The rate is less than 10 in most high-income countries.

Speed laws are poorly enforced.

Structural standards for vehicles may not meet international standards.

Natural Disasters

Seasonal flooding frequently occurs, especially in northern areas and Tirana.

Seismic activity frequently occurs.

Consular Information

Selected Embassies or Consulates in Albania

  • United States: [+355] 4 2247 285; al.usembassy.gov
  • Canada: [+355] 4 225 7274; travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates/albania
  • United Kingdom: [+355] 4 223 4973/4/5; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-tirana
  • Australia: Australia does not have an embassy or consulate in Albania.

Albania's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries

  • In the U.S.: www.ambasadat.gov.al/usa
  • In Canada: www.ambasadat.gov.al/canada
  • In the U.K.: www.ambasadat.gov.al/united-kingdom
  • In Australia: www.albanianconsulate.com

Visa/HIV Testing

HIV testing is not required to obtain a tourist, work, or residence visa.