State Department: Albania - Consular Information Sheet, April 26, 1994
Albania - Consular Information Sheet
April 26, 1994
Country Description: Albania has undergone profound political
change and continues to see significant economic change. The
government has restored stability and public order. Facilities for
tourism are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services
taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available.
Entry Requirements: The Albanian government no longer requires
visas of U.S. citizens. A passport is required. A 10 dollar
airport fee must be paid to Albanian customs officials upon
departure. Americans planning to travel to Albania can contact for
specific entry/exit requirements the Embassy of the Republic of
Albania at 1511 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005, Tel: (202)
223-4942, or an Albanian mission abroad.
Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited and medicine is
in short supply. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash
payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always
valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some
cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas
coverage, including medical evacuation, has proved to be useful.
Further information on health matters can be obtained from the
Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at
(404) 332-4559.
Crime Information: Albania has a low rate of crime. However,
crime against tourists (robbery, mugging, and pickpocketing) do
occur, especially on city streets after dark. The loss or theft
abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the
local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The
Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. It provides useful information on
guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling
abroad.
Currency Regulations: Credit cards, personal checks, and travelers
checks are rarely accepted in Albania. In addition, hotel
accommodations are very limited, and even confirmed reservations are
sometimes not honored.
Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the
country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use
and dealing of illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can
expect jail sentences and fines.
Other Information: On March 19, 1992, the Albanian government
suspended the adoption process until further notice. The Albanian
government has passed new legislation governing the international
adoption process. However, this legislation is not expected to be
implemented until January 1995.
Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can
obtain updated information on travel and security within Albania.
Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Tirana, Albania is located
at Rruga E Elbasanit 103; telephone (355-42) 32875. Although the
U.S. Embassy in Tirana is open, routine consular assistance to U.S.
citizens in Albania is limited by the difficult environment and a
small staff.
No. 94-060
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 1993
to change the name of the street where the U.S. Embassy is located.
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