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?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Albania
Do I Need Vaccines for Albania?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Albania. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Albania: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, rabies, tickborne encephalitis and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Tickborne Encephalitis –
Ticks or Unpasteurised Products –
Transmission is widespread. Spread is most common from early spring to late autumn.
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 to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
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-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Tickborne Encephalitis | Ticks or Unpasteurised Products | Transmission is widespread. Spread is most common from early spring to late autumn. |
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, ensure 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?
Visas are not required for stays under 90 days within a 6-month period. Passports must have at least three months validity at entry. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
Albania Entry Requirements |
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Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Albania? | |
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Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Albania and GOV.UK
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, whilst 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 seaside holiday.
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 motoring 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.
- Phone Case – Waterproof carrying cases come in handy for when you go to the seaside or on hikes near rivers or lakes.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Albania
If you are in Albania and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Tirana
Rruga Skenderbeg 12
Tirana, Albania
Telephone: +355 4 223 4973/4/5
Fax: +355 4 224 7697
Email: british.embassytirana@fco.gov.uk
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