Travel Report for Albania

Country Profile for
Albania

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: September 14, 2006 13:44 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:03 EST

Albania

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Sections 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 have been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)

You are advised against all travel to the northeastern border area with Kosovo. You are also advised against travel to the district of Tropojë, the city of Bajram Curri and the city of Kukës, where government control is limited. Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a problem along the Albania-Kosovo border. Use caution in areas bordering the Former Yougoslav Republic of Macedonia, as security is very poor.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The crime level in Albania is high. Economic hardship and easy availability of firearms increase the risk of violent incidents. Street crime, such as pickpocketing and mugging, occur, especially after dark. Pickpocketing is more frequent on buses than on city streets. Do not show signs of affluence. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure and carry a photocopy of your passport’s identification page at all times. Avoid travelling after dark in remote areas. Carjackings and armed attacks have been reported. Criminal gangs operate along roads in remote areas. Northern districts of Has, Kukës and Tropojë are still considered dangerous. In Tirana, dial 129 for police. Police assistance and protection are not consistent with Canadian standards.

Women should exercise caution when travelling alone. Avoid secluded areas, parks, local bars, and restaurants in remote areas, especially after dark. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

Demonstrations should be avoided, as they may escalate and turn violent with little or no warning.

Carry identification and present yourself as Canadian to local authorities at all times. The Albanian government considers any person born in Albania of Albanian parents to be an Albanian citizen. This policy could limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services to Canadians who also have Albanian citizenship.

Frequent power cuts occur during winter. Carry a small flashlight and a supply of candles.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Buses and minibuses operate between most major cities, but can be unreliable and uncomfortable. Approved, privately owned vehicles, with drivers, can be hired for travel throughout the country. Pre-negotiate fares and schedules. Use a four-wheel-drive vehicle, even in urban centres. Travel outside the capital should be carefully planned and undertaken with the assistance of a reputable guide/interpreter or driver.

There are no commercial domestic flights. Rail service is available within Albania, but it is unreliable and trains are uncomfortable. You can hire a helicopter from the Albacopter company. The service is reliable, and the helicopters are new.

Driving is hazardous. The traffic fatality rate in Albania is seven times higher than the rest of Europe. Major roads are passable, but secondary roads are often in very poor condition. The presence of erratic and aggressive drivers also poses risks. In winter, travellers may encounter dangerous snow and ice conditions on the mountainous roads in northern and southeastern Albania.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Albania is subject to destructive earthquakes, floods, and drought, as well as tidal waves along the southwestern coast. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Rome, Italy, and of the Consulate of Canada in Tirana (see Section 7 below) in the event of an emergency.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. However, Canada and Albania are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, which enables a Canadian imprisoned in Albania to request to be transferred to Canada to serve the remainder of his sentence in a Canadian prison. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Albanian authorities.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

The penalty for all drug offences is strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Canadians with dual Canadian-Albanian nationality may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Albanian law. Holding a dual nationality may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should check their status at the Embassy of the Republic of Albania.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Albania - TIRANA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Rruga "Dervish Hima", Kulla, No. 2, Apt. 22, Tirana, Albania
Tel.: 355 (4) 257 274 or 25 7275 or 355 (68) 20 29364
Fax: 355 (4) 257 273
E-mail: canadalb@canada.gov.al

The Embassy of Canada in Rome, Italy, has consular responsibility for Albania. The address is as follows:

Italy - ROME, Embassy of Canada
Address: Via Zara 30, Rome, Italy 00198
Tel.: 39 (06) 85 444 2911 or 39 (06) 85 444 1
Fax: 39 (06) 85 444 2912
E-mail: rome.citizenservices@international.gc.ca
Internet: www.canada.it

For emergency assistance after hours, contact the Embassy of Canada in Rome and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Albanian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on September 7, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Albanian Embassy and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Albania. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Not required

There is an entry permit fee of EUR 10 upon arrival in Albania, which grants permission to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days. If you intend to remain in the country for longer than 90 days, it is recommended to obtain a visa from the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Canada, prior to departure.

If you are already in Albania and you decide to stay for more than 90 days, you must contact the local authorities (Ministry of Public Order or General Police Directorate) to extend the validity of your entry permit. Travellers could be subject to a fine of approximately C$600 for every month they stay in the country without a proper extension of the entry permit. There is a departure tax of EUR 10.

If you plan to live or work in Albania for an extended period, you will need to apply for "Permission of Stay," issued by the General Police Directorate. Your local contacts (employer, non-government organization, educational institution, etc.) should provide you with a list of documents you need to bring from Canada, all legalized by the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Canada. This documentation is necessary to apply for "Permission of Stay."

If you are marrying an Albanian citizen, your partner should provide you with the list of documentation required to get married in Albania. This documentation should be legalized by the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Ottawa. If you have any questions regarding this matter, contact the Consulate of Canada in Tirana (see Section 7 above).

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The economy primarily is cash-based. The currency is the lek (ALL). Traveller's cheques and credit cards are not widely accepted. Some international hotels in Tirana accept American Express, Visa, Diners Club, and Mastercard. Traveller's cheques and eurocheques can be exchanged at the National Bank of Albania in Tirana. Euro is used as a benchmark for the currency. U.S dollars and Swiss francs are also accepted. ATMs are available in major cities.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Republic of Albania (capital: Tirana) is located in the Balkans in southeastern Europe, bordered by the Adriatic Sea, Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia's southern province of Kosovo. Tourist facilities are not well developed, and many goods and services are not available. Albanian is spoken throughout the country. Greek is spoken in the South. The majority of Albanians have knowledge of Italian, and most young people speak basic English.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to closely monitor and report on occurrences of avian influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu", in humans and in birds. Further information on avian influenza A (H5N1) and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site as well as on the World Health Organization's Web site. For more information, see our Current Issues on Avian Influenza.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases your chance of illness. Do not drink tap water. Travellers should drink only bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most food sold in the streets.

It is best to avoid government hospitals as they often lack basic drugs and equipment, and have poor hygiene standards. Bring your own medical supplies, including a first aid kit and prescription medicine. Dental facilities are available, but standards of dental care may differ from those in Canada. Contact the Consulate of Canada in Tirana to obtain a list of good-quality medical/dental clinics.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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