Albania🇦🇱
Albania is a small country located in Southeastern Europe on the shores of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. It borders Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Greece. Its relations with the neighboring countries are generally stable, with occasional tensions due to border disputes. The country is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the stunning coastlines, dramatic mountain ranges, and the captivating beauty of Lake Ohrid. Albanian culture is steeped with traditions of hospitality and a rich history visible in its ancient ruins, like the Roman Amphitheatre in Durres or the UNESCO-protected Butrint. Albania is particularly known for its preservation of blood feuds – an ancient tradition rooted in the Code of Leke, and for its isolated communist past and transformation to an emerging market economy. Albania offers a variety of activities from beach lounging in the Albanian Riviera to hiking in the Accursed Mountains.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid driving in Albania without familiarising yourself with local driving conditions and customs, roads are often in poor condition and accidents can occur frequently.
- Be cautious when dealing with street vendors and unofficial tour guides, as scams might occur.
- Avoid visiting Lazarat and Tropoja unless absolutely necessary due to the ongoing illegal activities in the area.
- Avoid making comments or jokes about Albania's communist past, as it's a sensitive subject for many locals.
- Do not photograph military installations or government buildings, as it is not allowed without proper permission.
- Avoid displaying flashy items and large amounts of cash, particularly in tourist areas where pickpockets often operate.
- Avoid drinking tap water in rural areas and opt for bottled water instead.
- Do not get involved in local blood feuds, which are rarely but occasionally still practiced in northern Albania.
- Avoid isolated areas or walking alone at night in places with low tourist traffic.
- Avoid discussing religion or ethnicity as it is a sensitive subject in Albania as the country is home to several religious and ethnic groups.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Albania's crime rate is average, with petty crime incidents such as pickpocketing and bag snatching being the most common, especially in crowded areas and tourist destinations. Organized crime, although not frequently affecting tourists, is present particularly in trafficking and smuggling operations. Special attention should be given in the regions of Lazarat and Tropoja, which are associated with cannabis cultivation and blood feuds.
Terrorism 💣
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Albania enjoys a relatively low threat of terrorism, with no significant terror incidents reported in recent years. However, in the past, Albania has been a recruitment base for ISIS fighters, but the government has staged strong counterterrorism efforts, resulting in the containment of the issue.
War ⚔️
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Since its independence from the dictatorship in 1992, Albania has been a peaceful country and hasn't been involved in any wars. However, Albania has a history of isolation and human rights violations from the notorious Hodxa regime, from the end of WWII to the regime's end in 1992.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Albania is prone to various types of natural disasters, especially flooding and earthquakes. The country was hit by a series of earthquakes in 2019, the largest one measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale, causing net loss of lives and damage to infrastructure. The country's vulnerability to natural disasters is exacerbated by limited infrastructure, lack of urban planning and climate change impacts.
Medical Care 🏥
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The standard of healthcare in Albania varies widely. While some medical facilities in Tirana and other larger cities are adequate for routine issues, resources can be severely limited in rural areas. While most healthcare providers speak Italian or Greek, English is less commonly spoken, and medical care can be expensive without comprehensive insurance coverage.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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The tap water quality in Albania can be inconsistent and depends heavily on the area. In Tirana and other major cities, tap water is usually safe for consumption, however, it's recommended to drink bottled water in rural areas or places with older infrastructure due to potential bacterial contamination.
Disease Burden 🤒
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The disease burden in Albania is relatively low compared to other countries with similar economic conditions. Noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are the most common health issues. Infectious diseases like Hepatitis A and E are present but rarely reported in recent years.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption in Albania is pervasive and considered a significant challenge for the country's integration into the European Union. It touches various sectors, including judiciary, public administration, and healthcare. There are frequent reports of bribery and abuse of power, further deepening the public's mistrust in institutions.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Albania is generally safe for women travelers. However, women should still take necessary precautions when traveling alone at night or in remote areas. Albanian society remains quite traditional, and therefore, attention is advised to respect local norms and attitudes.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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While homosexuality is legal in Albania, and there has been progression toward more rights for LGBTQ+ individuals, societal attitudes remain largely conservative. Discrimination, particularly outside of Tirana, can still occur, and much of the LGBTQ+ life remains discreet.
Censorship 📺
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Media freedom in Albania is partly free. While the constitution provides for freedom of speech and press, it faces challenges such as limited editorial independence, smear campaigns against journalists, and opaque media ownership structures.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Albania is affordable but can be quite challenging. Buses and furgons (vans) are the most common means of transportation, often with no set timetable and substandard conditions. Road safety is also a concern due to bad road conditions and poor driving habits of locals.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
While there are challenges such as underdeveloped infrastructure and public services, as well as corruption in Albania, it is overall safe for tourists. Petty crime involving tourists is relatively low and violent crime is rare. However, it's advised to remain cautious, particularly in bigger towns and cities, and avoid isolated areas. With growing urbanization, the country is also susceptible to natural hazards like earthquakes and flooding.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Most European, North American, and Asian countries have embassies in Albania's capital, Tirana. It's recommended to check respective government websites for location information.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Before visiting Albania, it's recommended to be up to date on routine vaccinations like MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and the seasonal flu. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are also recommended due to potential contamination of food and water in Albania.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Albania has a rich faunal biodiversity, including a range of venomous species like the horned viper, the common European adder or the Mediterranean black widow. While encounters with dangerous animals are not common, caution is advised when hiking in remote areas, particularly away from established paths.
📒 Visa Requirements
For many nationals, visiting Albania as a tourist doesn't require a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, requirements may vary based on nationality and purpose of the visit.
💲 Currency
The official currency is the Albanian Lek. Currency can be exchanged in banks, exchange bureaus, and hotels. ATMs are widespread, especially in cities.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in large cities and tourist areas, but less so in rural areas. It's always advised to have some cash on hand.
🧑🌾 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
While the opportunities for work and travel in Albania are not as abundant as in some other European countries, it's possible with the right planning and approach. The tourism industry offers the most opportunities, particularly during the summer months.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Albania is one of the most affordable countries in Europe for travelers. From accommodation and dining to public transportation and attraction fees, prices are very reasonable compared to western European standards.