{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624893,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:33"}},"data":{"country-iso":"AL","advisory-state":0,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":1,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Albania","url-slug":"albania","friendly-date":"February 19, 2014 14:14 ","advisory-text":"Exercise normal security precautions; see also regional advisories.","recent-updates":"A minor editorial change was made.","advisories":"
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Albania. Exercise normal security precautions.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against non-essential travel to Tropojë District and Bajram Curri, where limited police assistance and protection are offered, as well as to Lazarat, where Albanian state police and armed marijuana growers have recently engaged in violent altercations. Consult the Security tab for more information.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>","security":"
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.<\/p>\n
Police assistance and protection is limited in Tropojë District and the city of Bajram Curri; incidents of carjacking have recently been reported in these areas. In and around the city of Lazarat, Albanian state police and armed marijuana growers have recently engaged in violent altercations.<\/p>\n
When visiting hill towns along Albania’s northeastern border with Kosovo, you should exercise caution and heed warning signs about unexploded landmines and ordnance from the Kosovo war of 1999. Demining operations are ongoing. This is especially important to note if you are hiking in the area.<\/p>\n
Public security is usually good, particularly in Tirana. Petty crime (pickpocketing, mugging and bag snatching) occurs, particularly on public transportation.<\/p>\n
Women in particular should exercise caution when travelling alone. Avoid secluded areas, parks, bars and restaurants in remote areas, especially after dark.Consult our publication entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Safe-Travel Guide<\/a> for travel safety information specifically aimed at Canadian women.<\/p>\n Exercise caution in the northern districts of Has, Kukës and Tropojë. Criminal gangs operate along roads in remote areas, especially in the north and areas bordering Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia. Use caution in areas bordering Macedonia, as security is very poor.<\/p>\n Economic hardship and easy availability of firearms increase the risk of violent incidents, carjacking and acts of looting. However, these actions do not typically involve tourists.<\/p>\n Demonstrations occur in many Albanian centres and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.<\/p>\n Travel by road can be hazardous and difficult. Road signage and road safety are poor. The presence of erratic and aggressive drivers also poses risks. Major roads are passable, but secondary roads are often poorly maintained. Use a four-wheel-drive vehicle, even in urban centres. In winter, you may encounter dangerous snow and ice conditions on poorly maintained mountainous roads in northern and southeastern Albania.<\/p>\n If possible, hire local drivers or taxis or use public transportation. Approved, privately owned vehicles, with drivers, can be hired for travel throughout the country. Pre-negotiate fares and schedules.<\/p>\n Wait for police to arrive if you are involved in a road accident, even a minor one.<\/p>\n Use only yellow taxis, which are normally parked at street corners in specific areas. Taxis only accept cash payment.<\/p>\n Car rental companies are available in the main cities and offer a variety of services and vehicles.<\/p>\n Travel outside the capital should be carefully planned and undertaken with the assistance of a reputable guide\/interpreter or driver.<\/p>\n Buses, minibuses and trains operate between most major cities, but are unreliable and uncomfortable.<\/p>\n Consult our Transportation Safety<\/a> page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\n Landmines and unexploded ordnance from the Kosovo war of 1999 remain. These areas are clearly identified in Albanian as danger zones or are surrounded by visible tape. Remain on paved roads and avoid ditches, open fields and the shoulders of roads. While most tourist destinations are not affected, you should seek local advice on the presence of unexploded landmines.<\/p>\n Exercise normal safety precautions. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash.<\/p>\n Power cuts occur frequently throughout Albania, in remote areas as well as in main cities. For your safety, always carry a flashlight while walking on the streets. Make arrangements for your well-being during outages and verify the schedule of power cuts with local authorities. Dial 129 for police.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Albanian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Albania<\/a> or one of its consulates<\/a> for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadians must present a passport<\/a> to visit Albania, which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.<\/p>\n The Albanian government considers any person born in Albania of Albanian parents to be an Albanian citizen. This policy may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. You should travel using your Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. Consult our publication entitled Dual Citizenship: What You Need to Know<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days per six-month period<\/p>\n Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days per six-month period<\/p>\n Student visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days per six-month period<\/p>\n If you wish to stay or work in Albania for more than 90 days, you must apply for a resident permit (leje qendrimi) and a work permit (leje pune), if applicable.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tRabies<\/a> is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tTick-borne encephalitis<\/a> is a viral disease that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans by the bite of an infected tick. Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to tick bites (e.g., those spending time outdoors in wooded areas) while travelling in regions with risk of tick-borne encephalitis.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>Demonstrations<\/h3>\n
Road travel<\/h3>\n
Public transportation<\/h3>\n
Landmines<\/h3>\n
General safety information<\/h3>\n
Tourist facilities are not well developed, and many goods and services are not available.<\/p>\nEmergency services<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n
Dual citizenship<\/h3>\n
Visa<\/h3>\n
Children and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Rabies<\/summary>
Tick-borne encephalitis<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>