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:
What Vaccines Do I Need for 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: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - 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. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Albania |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
Routine Vaccinations for Albania |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
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. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
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.
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 32 degrees.
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?
Because of its label as a European country, Albania remains at risk for terrorist attacks. Always be aware of your surroundings. If you see something suspicious, get yourself far away from the area and then report it to local police.
Public demonstrations are common and can result in violence so it is best to avoid them altogether.
Visiting the Llogora Pass
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 the United States. 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.”