State Department: Albania - Consular Information Sheet, March 21, 1996
Albania - Consular Information Sheet
March 21, 1996
Country Description: Albania has undergone profound political
change and continues to see significant economic change. Facilities
for tourism are not well developed, and many of the goods and
services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet
available. Hotel accommodations are limited outside of Tirana.
Entry Requirements: A passport is required but a visa is not
necessary for a tourist stay of up to 30 days. An extension may be
granted by applying at the local police station. Please contact the
Embassy of the Republic of Albania at 1150 18th Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20005, Tel: (202) 223-4942, for additional visa
information.
Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited and medicine is
in short supply. Doctors and hospitals generally expect immediate
cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not
always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that
supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage is
useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from
the Centers for Disease Control's international traveler's hotline
at (404) 332-4559.
Crime Information: Albania has a relatively low rate of violent
crime. However, street crime is common and occurs against tourists
both day and night. Crime is generally directed at targets of
opportunity, not at Americans in particular.
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 and traveler's checks are not
accepted in Albania except at the major new hotels in Tirana.
Personal checks are not accepted anywhere.
Other Information: Several Albanian citizens were killed in a
carbombing in February 1996. Following that incident a number of
smaller, widely scattered bombings occurred. No one has claimed
responsibility, and no Americans have been affected or targeted thus
far.
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.
Registration and Embassy Location: U.S. citizens may register at
the U.S. Embassy and obtain updated information on travel and
security within Albania. The U.S. Embassy in Tirana is located at
Rruga E Elbasanit 103; Telephone (355) (42) 32875.
No. 96-074
This replaces the Consular Information
Sheet dated August 18, 1995, to add information about bombings.
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