Update: November 2019
Throughout 2019, Albania has been impacted by a number of earthquakes, the most significant being 6.4 on the Richter scale in November 2019. A number of cities have experienced considerable damage, particularly Durres and Kruja near Tirana. This has been a devastating event for Albania. At this stage, the number of reported deaths has surpassed 50, thousands of people have lost their homes and more then 100,000 continue to be affected.
If you would like to donate to support the Albanian people, the Albanian Red Cross is fundraising via GoFundMe.
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Since returning from an extended stay in Albania and publishing my guide to visiting the country, I’ve been receiving regular emails from readers wanting to know more.
Surprisingly, for me, one of the most common questions I’m asked is whether it’s safe to travel to Albania. I admit to finding this question a little perplexing. Aside from a brief period of unrest in 1997, Albania hasn’t been in a conflict since WWII.
Even during the Communist period when the country was mostly closed to outside visitors, it was still possible to safely travel around the country.
Random acts of violence are practically unheard of and even pickpocketing is uncommon.
As with all European nations (possibly with the current exception of parts of Ukraine) Albania is completely safe and welcoming of tourists. To answer certain reader questions, Albania is safe for children and safe for dogs.
You might find it reassuring that Albania will likely join the EU in the next few years. The only reason they are late to join is due to issues of corruption, not safety.
I would even go as far as to say in recent years, in particular in 2015 to 2019, Albania has changed considerably, becoming safer than ever. Add to that the fact Albania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe, it’s a great time to visit.
In some ways, I feel like Albania is safer than most other European nations. Albanians are not always used to seeing tourists in their country. This spurs a certain curiosity and questions as to what you’re doing there. This is often followed by offers of help and invitations for drinks or meals. It’s not unusual for locals to come and say hello and make sure you’re getting the best out of your visit. This even happens in the capital Tirana.
If you’re concerned about staying in Tirana alone, this neighbourhood guide might put your mind at ease.
That’s not to say you should take unnecessary risks.
The biggest risk in Albania comes from the driving conditions. Albanian drivers aren’t exactly known for their patience and adherence to the law. But to be honest that’s a problem in much of the Balkans and Southern Europe.
Another issue faces adventure travellers who don’t take enough water and other supplies or those climbing in remote mountain areas. There have been a few incidents but these have mostly been caused by unprepared or inexperienced travellers.
Dodgy taxi drivers is a worldwide phenomenon and although annoying can easily be avoided by taking metered taxis.
RELATED: 5 Glorious Beaches in Southern Albania
What about solo women travellers? Admittedly I have never travelled solo in Albania although I know many who have. Most were in their 20s or early 30s but some baby boomers too. All had great experiences and encourage others to travel independently in Albania.
So what is it that makes travellers fear Albania? It could be their reputation for drug smuggling, human trafficking and the mafia. All of which exist in other countries and none of which affect tourists.
I guess more than anything it’s the fear of the unknown. Albania doesn’t often come up in top travel destination lists and many people couldn’t even point it out on a map. Where is Albania? What are the people like? Is it dangerous?
I can’t think of any other reason why people would think Albania isn’t safe. Albania is European. It’s safe.
For more information on travelling to Albania, read my free travel guide and if it makes you feel safer, stay in a hotel or apartment in one of my recommended areas.
READ NEXT: 50 Photos to Tempt You to Visit Albania
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Hi Andrea I love the article about Albania and I want to visit in the near future.I have a question do you need a Visa to get there from Europe.And is it easy to change money there or can u get the Albanian currency before you arrive there.So if they seem silly and trival questions but I am considering going there as what you have written and said about Albania has got me thinking and I am really fascinated about going there.All thanks to you talk soon Andrea
Dear friend…
You do not need a visa to get there if you are a part of the European Union, or from any other country in Europe. It is easy to exchange rate, personal suggestion is to use Euros mostly and not British Pounds or US Dollars as this currencies usually fluctuate and Euro is more stable to ALL (Albanian Lek).
Best
LA
No you do not need to have a visa to enter Albania, just your passport. No need to convert dollars in the USA. You will find exchange booths as soon as you land in Mother Theresa airport. I am glad you want to visit my country.
Hi Lee, as the others mentioned, you don’t need a visa and you can get Lek at the airport either from an ATM (which I recommend) or the exchange booth. I don’t think it’s possible to get Lek outside of Albania (maybe in neighbouring countries) so make sure you change any Lek back into your currency before you leave. I would take euros as a backup currency as a lot of places take them.
As soon as I started reading this I was thinking that these questions came from a general fear of the unknown. I’ve had a few people ask me if Latvia is safe 🙂
I can’t imagine anything bad ever happening in little Latvia. 😀
My love of Albania has continued to grow from visiting there for the first time In 2006. In 2010 I purchased 2 beautiful apartments in the city of vlore, a beautiful coastal city between Fier and saranda; in the South of the country. The hospitality of Albanian people is second to none, people are always willing to help you, but never in your face like in most foreign countries you visit. There are beautiful places to enjoy and visit on days out, and fantastic places to enjoy Albanian cuisine. Since buying property in Albania I’ve travelled by car on numerous occasions from the capital Tirana to vlore by car; along this route I’ve never witnessed any foul behavior on any of the road networks, only some crazy drivers; as you would expect in Balkan countries. Good luck on your visit! It’s a great place!
I agree, Albanian hospitality is outstanding. They really know how to welcome foreigners.
I’m from a small town in Finland, I’m used to extremely safe life and I think Albania is even more safe to tourists than locals. It is an honor to Albanians and also the government to have the country safe for visitors. Of course the traffic is really something but if you want to cross the road safely, just follow the locals. I as a female was going around quite much alone with my 2 teenage kids and we were definitely safe and treated with lots of respect. Of course in Albania we also looked like tourists extremely much as blond Scandinavians but still.
What comes to changing money, they have many little shops for exchange in all cities, perfectly safe also. They probably give little bit nicer rates. 🙂
Loved the country, I’ll go back as soon as possible 🙂
Glad to hear you had a great time. 🙂 I agree that it’s a matter of pride for most Albanian to know that visitors are treated well and have a good time in their country.
Great article. As a person who knows the region well, I would suggest to all of those wanting to visit Albania, please do visit all the Albanian lands in Balkans (Albania, Western Macedonia, Kosovo, Southern Montenegro…), because it`s not just the place, it`s the Albanian people that are the most welcoming, charming and fascinating stories and history.
Yes! Those are some of the most welcoming and beautiful regions in the Balkans.
My husband and I visited Southern Albania last September…we are a mature couple, had only a vague itinery, no knowledge of the language and no map. To say the Albanian people went out of their way to be helpful would be an understatement. It is part of their traditional culture to show hospitality and we had a wonderful visit, swimming in the sea,eating out in style, visiting historical unspoilt sites. We used cheap local buses for transport and even managed a train ride.
When I unfortunately fainted…just due to overdoing it! An ambulance was called and arrived in about 10 mins, I was checked over, offered transport to the hospital if I wished…feeling much better the ambulance then delivered us to our wonderful guest house in Girokaster…where our hosts made me chamomile tea and gave me home grown pomegranates to revive me! There was no questions or bureaucracy. Would I feel safe travelling in Albania? Put it this way…we will be back in May to visit the North. I loved the country, hospitality and, of course it is very affordable for us lucky Europeans.
How nice to hear how well you were treated but of course I’m not surprised. I have always found the Albanians to go out of their way to be helpful on each of my visits. Enjoy your next trip, I hear the north is incredible!
I am so glad reading all these positive opinions about my beloved Albania. North of the country offers as much beauty as does the south. The beautiful sandy beaches of Velipoja in Shkoder (the cultural capital city of Albania) the mountains of Tropoja, Diber and others are amazing.
There are so many amazing spots in your country.
Hey don’t forget the east side as well with Pogradec, Korce and Voskopoje. You have the deepest lake in the Balkan and you get to eat Koran which you can’t find it anywhere else in the world, as well as the cleanest air of Voskopoje forest and it’s freshness in the hottest day of august. Albania is full of places and being a small country you can get as many of it unlikely any other country. Renting a car is as easy as buying cigarettes so you are good to go.
I really don’t like this misconception that traveling in Central and Eastern Europe is dangerous! Actually it is quiet the opposite! I feel so much safer in places like Sarajevo, Kiev or Skopje than in let’s say London! And this might be the reason that you’ve mentioned: this part of Europe is still pretty new in the whole tourism industry and seeing travelers bring curiosity and doesn’t come with too much danger.
I was only for 2 days in Albania so I’m far from being an expert here. But there wasn’t a single situation when I felt unsafe! Actually I found the country to be one of the safest I’ve been to. And I’m so looking forward to return!
Me too I feel safer in Central and Eastern Europe. Someone told me they were going to cancel their trip to Albania due to a small incident in Tirana. But I don’t hear anyone cancelling their plans to visit Paris or Copenhagen after recent events there.
I am so glad reading all these positive opinions about my beloved Albania.
HI Andrea! Great post as always! Hubby and I really want to do a week-long vacation to enjoy some of Albania’s beaches, perhaps in September. Figure the water would be warm then and fewer tourists. We’re even talking to my in-laws about joining us too! I love exploring lesser-known places! 🙂
Please note that as a local I would say that in September the weather in the south might not be that good!
It is true that the number of tourists drops, but still I would recommend to you End of August. Rent a Car and have a great time!
I am thinking about visiting Albania. But like most people who don’t know something you began to think of being unwelcome especially for Americans. I like to visit countries that and cities that most American don’t want to. Could you please tell me about Albania and some cities to visit?
From what I’ve seen and heard Albanians love Americans! I’ve written a travel guide to Albania which should cover everything you need to know. https://www.rearviewmirror.tv/albania/
Thank you Andrea for your kind report end amassing images…..Albania is safe and any traveler will find very god food and beautiful places to visit.
Andrea, what do you think of a solo woman traveller of baby boomer age driving around the country? I’m aware that some drivers are a bit crazy, but you can get that anywhere. It’s more the condition of the roads and the isolation of some areas that are my main concern.
Is hiring a car a safe option, or should I aim for catching buses and trains to see the country?
Thanks, Judi.
Honestly, I think it’s 100% completely safe and would be much easier than catching the bus (there are no trains). I’ve heard many of the roads have been re-done since I was there last year so I wouldn’t worry too much about that, just let the crazy drivers pass you. If you have any problems or need directions etc, the locals are so friendly with foreigners, you’ll always have someone to talk to or get help from. I know of someone your age who travelled in Albania independently and she had a great experience which you can read about here: http://blog.women-on-the-road.com/tag/albania/
Enjoy your trip Judi!
good to have positive press. But optimististic over pickpocketing and mugging. I had my pocket picked, as have others. A friend of mine was mugged right in the town centre, after changing money, and had to have stitches in her head. Inthen heard that Albanians have also been robbed in broad daylight. Though I was surprised when an English friend asked if I needed an escort tomwalkmback 100 metres from the Atm to my car on an earlymSaturday evening. I realised that in that respect Albania is safer than some parts of England.
And walking in the market in Korça after the market had shut down was such an unpleasant experience I now go the long way round.
Safe for tourists, yes. But take precautions.
One serious problem around our village is dogs. Having been badly bitten by a neighbour’s dog, I am now frightened of dogs, which naturally makes me more likely to get bitten.
If a foreigner driving in Albania is involved in a car accident, the foreigner may be blamed, even if innocent. A friend of mine spent months in prison for hitting a child who ran across the road,muntil it was eventually proved that he had avoided the child, who was then hit by an Albanian driver coming in the opposite direction.
In the early 1990s, justbafter the country had opened up, itnwas not safe to visit, as many aid workers could tell you. Again in 1997 it was dodgy, thoughnthe villagers in our area putnup roadblocks to prevent looting. Lots of accidents from children and others playing with guns, gunpowder etc. now it’s advisable to stay clear of crowds that might be staging a demonstration.
And quite safe for a solo woman if she acts and dresses sensibly
Andrea, you’re being far too nice. I’m albanian and even i can admit that it’s basically a shithole. Every part of the country is undeveloped, including the people who are very prone to criminal behavior, especially against tourists. The infrastructure is atrocious and the place stinks. I’m sorry to say that i would not recommend anyone to go there. There are so many better places like the hellhole that is my home country. Stay away for your own safety!
Our problem in Balcan, are greek ans serbs that even online find a way to talk bad about us.
This Martin, for sure isn’t albanian.
Albania for the moment is the safest place on Europe.
You have to be more carefully from the other tourist than from albanians.
We change from the rest of the world, exactly from our unic hospitality.
Best!
Martin,you are not an Albanian.
You are a jealous serbian or a greek.
You can’t fool anyone.
Great article!
Is Albania still safe if your e.g black or just not white?
Albania is welcoming of all travellers.
Albanian speaking here, and I assure you that you will never have a problem with racism and such. You may get some curious looks but never unkindly or disgusted and such. Albanian take pride to being friendly with tourists so ask for help as much as you want and they will never let you down for sure.
Thanks Henri!
Thank you for a great article! I have a rather unusual question. Is it a good 8dea to bring a dog with you to Albania? Is it pet friendly and are there dog friendly beaches?
Hi Marina, I think you should be fine in general although you might be limited when it comes to pet-friendly hotels. As for beaches, I don’t know but I can’t imagine it would be a problem. I’ve found Albania to be quite lax with that kind of thing. There are quite a few stray dogs in Albania so I do suggest keeping your dog on a lead at all times.
We visited Albania (Sarande) for a day-trip on a cruise. The scenery is rich, verdant and unspoiled, but the whole country certainly looks run-down and in need of investment. The rumours and actuality of a Mafia will deter investment, as it has in Sicily for decades.
Out of 2000 tourists from the ship, we heard of one bag being snatched and of a small boy begging, who, when a couple of old ladies failed to give him any money, let rip a tirade of obscenities in fluent English that rather surprised them.
We visited a lovely historic chapel/mosque/church, which was (at other times) under renovation and had the remains of a slaughtered goat in the grass outside. Not for a barbecue, “it’s a ritual, these country folk are superstitious” the guide said. A little offputting!
Yes, it’s true that Albania is in need of investment and corruption and a powerful mafia aren’t helping with that. I’m not sure when you visited but I wonder if the animal remains weren’t from Ramadan or some other event. Either way, Albania still has quite a traditional culture so I’m not surprised you got to experience that. The bag snatching, on the other hand, is unfortunate. Sorry to hear that happened.
Hi in the early 2000 we fostered 4 Albanian boys. In
2016 we started going to albania to visit their parents and to learn about the country. Albanians are the most welcoming and friendly people you will ever meet. And the country is beautiful if you are willing to go of the main areas
We have travelled to many country’s but albania is by far our favourite and we now visit for 3 weeks each year.
Peter
Thanks for sharing your experience. 🙂
Thank you Andrea for this amazing article. It makes me happy that tourists have started to visit my country. As you said the country suffered during communism 1940-1990, thanks to our dictator the country was self-isolated. It was a big damage for our image and reputation in the eye of europe and the world. Its nearly 30 years since that time. Albania keeps developing. Recent governments are trying to give a boost to tourism by taking care of infrastructure and lowering the tax for 5 star hotels.
For all those that are in doubt about safety, i have been living on my own since i was 18 (student) in Tirana, 10 years ago. As a young single woman walking alone at night, nothing bad ever happened to me. As a local i agree about public transport. Its good inside tirana, but the intercity transport is not very good. I suggest people to rent a car or even get a taxi (its not expensive, sometimes its better to get a local driver to take you around, just agree a price before going).
About hospitality, its the main thing in our culture. We treat the guests better than anything. One thing you will notice for sure, the country is not used to foreign tourists, which means that you wont find crowds of different nationalities, you wont find people trying to sell you selfiesticks and other typical touristic things, like you find in Rome, Paris, etc. Theres amazing places you can go and be on your own.
Theres a lot to say. Whoever has a question, you can comment here and i will be happy to help.
Dont hesitate, visit abania
Love
Ortenca
Thank you for your kind comment. 🙂
Great article. Albania really interests me and I’m keen to see it one day. Tirana looks like a fascinating, vibrant and friendly city. The only thing that concerns me, reading the comments above is the mention of stray dogs everywhere and someone seeing the remains of a goat! I can’t bear animal cruelty of any kind and I just want to ask – do you see starving stray dogs all around the city of Tirana or any other animals suffering? It would really spoil my holiday to see anything like that, especially things like animal sacrifices, as someone above mentions! I found it upsetting to see so many stray dogs roaming the streets of Athens when I went there last year, is Tirana like that? In Rome, for example, there are dozens of stray cats everywhere but they are all looked after well by the people of Rome. Lots of volunteers bring the cats food and blankets, provide little houses with shelter created for them and they are protected, not just left to starve or be hurt by anyone. That’s one thing I love about Rome (amongst a million other things, haha!) 🙂
Anyway, other than that I would really like to explore Tirana and other parts of Albania. I don’t drive though, so I’m not sure how I’d get around other parts of the country if the public transport isn’t very good, as some above have said. I would be relying on buses or trains. Are they really that bad there?
Hi Ella,
Stray dogs were a huge problem in Albania in the past but not so much these days. You will definitely see strays but in Tirana they are generally tagged and in good health. People leave out food and water for them. I’ve seen quite a shift in the culture over the years where dog ownership has grown considerably and most people don’t tolerate animal cruelty. That’s not to say it doesn’t happen but I don’t think it’s more of a problem than elsewhere in the region.
I think it’s highly unlikely you would come across an animal sacrifice! Most Albanians eat meat of course but your average person isn’t butchering an animal in the street. Maybe in some village they might do something for a religious celebration but it’s not the norm, especially not in Tirana. But at the end of the day, different countries have different customs and there is a chance you might come across something that makes you feel uncomfortable. I definitely have from time to time! I think that’s a part of travel we have to accept, especially when visiting more traditional societies.
As for getting around, there are no trains in Albania but most people get around using buses or furgons. Regular buses will take you to from city to city with fewer stops and furgons are small vans which go pretty much everywhere including most villages. All you need to do is ask where to catch the bus to your destination and someone will explain where to go or in my experience, walk to the bus stop with you. Furgons can be flagged down wherever you see one (they have a sign with their destination on the front window screen). It seems like a weird system at first but it actually works really well. You can’t be shy about it though, you’ll always have to ask for directions/help and stick your hand out when you see a furgon you want to take. Taxis are also a great option. They are generally inexpensive and will take you anywhere, even longer distances but always agree on a price before you get in.
In my experience, Albanians love to help foreign travellers and people will even offer you lifts for free if you look lost. I think you’ll be fine. 🙂
HI Andrea for your great article! I am traveling this month to Tirana. I am exciting to visit your country with my wife for one week. Also, I would like to rent a car and drive to Medjugore, Mostar, Dubrovnik, Kotor and Skoder. Do you think it will be safe and easy to drive the first day from Tirana to Medjugore or I will need to hired a driver. I am Peruvian and will be my first experience in that area. Please give an advise. Thank you
Hi Juan, Driving would be safe and convenient but in case you don’t know, many car rental companies won’t allow you to drive to other countries or will restrict the countries where you can go. For example, Hertz Tirana only allows you to drive to Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo outside of Albania. But if you can find a company which will allow you to visit all the countries where you want to go then it’ll be fine, just check the fine print carefully.
I think driving from Tirana to Medjurore in one day would be too far especially considering there are multiple border crossings on this drive. I suggest taking the coastal road, even if your GPS suggests going inland is faster, the inland drive isn’t a great drive in my opinion (unless you particularly want to go to Podgorica).
You won’t need to hire a driver but you could take a taxi/driver part of the way if you can’t drive everywhere. I would ask at your hotel if you want to arrange something like that and be sure to agree on a price beforehand.
Enjoy your trip, it sounds like you’re going to stop at some of the top destinations in the region. 🙂
I’m from Pakistan I want to visit Albania what requirements need regarding Visa polices can you help me I’m from Pakistan for visiting Albania.. I’m waiting for your reply thanks.
Hi, I want visit Albania I’m from Pakistan can u help me regarding Visa polices of Albania I’m so thankful to u ..
I can’t help you with that, sorry.