{"slug":"albania","title":"Albania travel advice","updated_at":"2026-10-15T16:44:54+01:00","reviewed_at":"2026-10-15T15:44:54Z","change_description":"New information about demonstrations in Tirana ('Warnings and insurance' page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/albania","entry_requirements_html":"

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.

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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.

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Passport validity requirements

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Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Albania.

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Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

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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.

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Dual nationals

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When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.

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Visa requirements

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You can visit Albania without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, for tourism or business.  

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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.  

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Vaccine requirements

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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.

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For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Albania guide.

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Customs rules

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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. 

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Terrorism 

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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.     

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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.

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Terrorism in Albania

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Terrorist attacks in Albania cannot be ruled out.

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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.

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Political situation

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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.    

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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.

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You should:

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Crime

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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.    

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Protecting yourself and your belongings

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Take sensible precautions to protect yourself from street crime, particularly in larger cities and late at night.

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Watch out for pickpockets and bag thieves in tourist areas, on buses and trains and major public transport hubs, including airports.

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Laws and cultural differences

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Illegal drugs

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Penalties for drug-related crimes are severe.

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You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

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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.     

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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.

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Being arrested

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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.

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LGBT+ travellers

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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.

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Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

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Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

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Water sports and swimming safety   

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There are some local press reports that jet skis and boats being rented along the coasts may lack adequate safety precautions and equipment.

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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.

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See watersports safety abroad from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

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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.

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The 2023 European Environment Agency report noted that a small number of beaches are polluted because of inadequate sewage disposal and treatment.

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See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

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Transport risks

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Road travel

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If 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.

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You 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.

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You 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.

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Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

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If you stay longer than one year, or live in Albania, you will need to apply for an Albanian driving licence.

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To 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.

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Dangers of driving in Albania

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Driving 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.

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Minor traffic disputes can quickly escalate, especially as some motorists could be armed. Avoid reacting to provocative behaviour by other road users.

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If 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.

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Road conditions

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Road 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.

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Power cuts can affect street lighting in towns and cities. Elsewhere, even on the major routes, there is no street lighting.

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Landmines

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There 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.    

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Extreme weather and natural disasters     

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Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

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Earthquakes

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There is a risk of earthquakes – tremors are common. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but do happen.

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The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

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Flooding and snow

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From 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.

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Wildfires

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Wildfires are common in Albania from April to October due to the dry and hot weather. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. You should: 

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Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Albania. Penalties could result from fines to imprisonment. 

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Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires. During the event of a wildfire, you should:

\n\n\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","Airports in Albania have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items, including cannabis.","To import a vehicle into Albania, make sure you have all the necessary papers on arrival at the border.","The British Embassy will be unable to help anyone attempting to bring a vehicle into Albania without the correct paperwork."]}