Travel Vaccines and Advice for Albania
Albania is located on the Southeastern tip of Europe’s Balkan Peninsula. The country is home to a plethora of castles and archaeological sites.
Its capital, Tirana, is on the site of the National History Museum in Skandberg Square.
The country is known for its Adriatic and Ionian coastlines and the Albanian alps.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Albania?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Albania
Do I Need a Visa to Enter Albania?
What Is the Climate Like in Albania?
How Safe Is Albania?
Visiting the Llogora Pass
What Should I Bring to Albania?
Canadian Embassy in Albania
Do I Need Vaccines for Albania?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Albania. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Albania: hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Albania |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Albania |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fatigue, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine provides effective prevention against the virus. It is administered in a series of shots, usually starting in childhood, and is recommended for travel to areas with high infection rates.
- Rabies – Rabies is a lethal disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, and vaccination is the key to prevention. Pre-exposure vaccination is advised for individuals at risk, and immediate post-exposure vaccination is crucial if one encounters a potentially rabid animal.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection, is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention includes practicing safe behaviors, but the cornerstone of protection is hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine activates the immune system, generating antibodies that offer potent and enduring defense against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious diseases transmitted via respiratory droplets and touch. Preventing these illnesses is primarily achieved through vaccination, using the MMR vaccine. It’s administered in two doses and provides immunity against all three viruses.
Europe has been vigilant in its efforts to eradicate measles. But, this past March the continent saw over 500 cases of measles be reported. While Albania is not at high-risk for measles, make sure you are vaccinated.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Albania
Prevent Bug Bites In Albania
Prevent bug bites by covering up and using insect repellents with DEET or picaridin. If bitten, wash the bite, resist scratching, and soothe with hydrocortisone or antihistamines. Seek urgent care for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety In Albania
Abroad, practice food safety by avoiding street vendors, washing hands thoroughly, and choosing well-cooked meals. Opt for bottled or canned drinks with unbroken seals. Prevent travellers’ diarrhea by practicing hand hygiene, skipping raw foods, and dining at reputable establishments.
Altitude Sickness In Albania
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), results from oxygen deprivation at high altitudes, leading to symptoms like headaches and nausea. Prevent AMS by ascending slowly, staying hydrated, and considering medication. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately to lower altitudes and seek medical assistance.
Infections To Be Aware Of In Albania
- Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, caused by tick bites and person-to-person contact, requires preventive actions like tick protection and strict healthcare precautions.
- Leishmaniasis – Leishmaniasis spreads via sand fly bites but can also be transmitted through other means. Prevention includes using insect repellents, covering up, and staying indoors during sand fly activity.
Do I Need a Visa to Enter Albania?
Canadian citizens using Canadian passports do not require a visa to enter Albania for tourism or business stays under thirty days. An entry card is issued upon arrival.
Albania Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Albania? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Albania and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Albania?
The climate in Albania has hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters in its lowlands. In the highlands, the mountains are very cold from November to March and tend to have a lot of snowfall. Its Mediterranean climate is best to visit in the summer.
Tirana has a rainy period from October to June with plenty of rainfall. Winters, while generally mild in temperature, are very wet and can become colder at night. The summer features more intense heat with temperatures reaching 30.
The coastal climate varies little year-round. The summers are more breezy and cooler. Winters have more mild temperatures and the nights don’t see as large of a drop-in temperature.
July and August tend to be the best months to visit Albania if you want a relaxing beach vacation.
How Safe Is Albania?
Albania is generally a safe place to visit, but travellers should take some precautions to stay safe. Here are some tips:
- Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in quiet or dark places.
- Keep your important things, like your passport and money, in a safe place.
- Use taxis or buses from well-known companies.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Albanian so you can communicate better with locals.
- Be careful when using ATMs and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Be careful of scams and people asking for money.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
If you follow these tips, you can have a safe and fun trip to Albania!
Visiting the Llogora Pass
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If you’re someone who loves scenic drives, then this is the place for you to visit. The road is over 1,000 meters above sea level and is in the middle of the Llogora National park. At the very top of the road, is a variety of restaurants all with scenic views. While driving through the park, you may get to see various animals such as the golden eagle, fallow deer, and even the European wildcat.
The Llogora Pass even has a resort along the road where you can stay and enjoy the views 24/7. The winding road features spectacular views of the Ionian Coast and Albanian Riviera. The road first opened in 1920 and was officially declared a national park in 1966. All along the road you can peer down to see the beautiful villages and old, historic castles which are being reclaimed by nature.
What Should I Bring to Albania?
Albania is a beautiful destination but does need some preparation. Be sure to bring these items:
- Clothing – If you’re visiting in the wet months, bring snow or rain boots and thick socks to stay dry and warm. The summer can get very hot so bring lightweight, light colored clothing.
- Wall Adapter – Some outlets in European countries are different than those in Canada. Be prepared by bringing an adapter so you will be able to charge your electronic devices.
- Phone Case – Waterproof carrying cases come in handy for when you go to the beach or on hikes near rivers or lakes.
Canadian Embassy in Albania
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Albania, the information for the Canadian consulate is:
Consulate of Canada to the Republic of Albania
Rr. Ibrahim Rugova; Nd 42,
K 5; H7, Tirana, Albania
Tel.: + 355 4 225 7274
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Albania
“They did the research for us for our trip to Albania. Fill out online info prior to visit to save time for questions. You will have plenty. The staff was great with giving us our options.”
“Nurse was knowledgeable, helpful, attentive, and friendly. She was honest about what I needed and what I probably didn’t need for Albania. Location was ideal, and the site was clean and inviting.”
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