Albania Country Report
Overview
Executive Summary
Operational Outlook
A major constraint to doing business is the pervasive corruption present in the public administration. The operational environment is less difficult for large foreign companies compared with small or medium-sized domestic companies given Albania's need to attract foreign direct investment. Albania's ambition to join the EU will play a positive role because the pace of accession will be contingent on fighting corruption. The government at the beginning of April extended the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus-related lockdown until further notice, which means that public venues will remain closed and travel severely restricted.
Terrorism
Albania has seen the rise of a small radicalised Islamist community in recent years that has contributed dozens of fighters to Islamic State and other Islamist military formations fighting in Syria and Iraq. However, these groups have so far not conducted any attacks on Albanian soil and have not demonstrated serious intent to do so.
Crime
The greatest threat facing Albania's internal security comes from the influence that organised crime groups wield in the country, including close involvement with political officials and the co-option of law enforcement agencies and customs officials. Combating high-level corruption is hindered by a lack of strategy and co-ordination between law enforcement and government agencies. Law enforcement agencies remain subject to political interference, obstructing efforts to create a fully professional force.
War Risks
Albania's membership of NATO and aspirations to join the EU greatly diminish any risk of violent resolution to outstanding disputes with neighbouring countries.
Health Risk
Vaccines Required to Enter the Country
Yellow fever: There is no risk of contracting yellow fever in Albania. However, the government of Albania requires proof of vaccination for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. A single dose of YF vaccine is sufficient to confer sustained life-long immunity against the disease.
Vaccines Recommended for All Travelers
Routine vaccinations: Consult your doctor to ensure all routine vaccinations - such as for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, influenza, measles, mumps, pertussis, rubella, varicella, etc. - are up to date (include booster shots if necessary).
Vaccines Recommended for Most Travelers
Hepatitis A: The vaccine is given in two doses, six months apart, and is nearly 100 percent effective. The WHO recommends the vaccine be integrated into national routine immunization schedules for children aged one year or older.
Vaccines Recommended for Some Travelers
Hepatitis B: The WHO recommends that all infants receive their first dose of vaccine as soon as possible after birth, preferably within 24 hours. The birth dose should be followed by two or three doses to complete the primary series. Routine booster doses are not routinely recommended for any age group.
Rabies: The rabies vaccination is typically only recommended for travel to remote areas and if the traveler will be at high risk of exposure (e.g. undertaking activities that will bring them into contact with dogs, cats, bats, or other mammals). The vaccination is administered in three doses over a three-to-four week period. Post exposure prophylaxis is also available and should be administered as soon as possible following contact with an animal suspected of being infected (e.g. bites and scratches).
Natural Risks
Natural hazards must also be taken into consideration when traveling to Albania; the entire country is vulnerable to earthquakes and flooding is relatively common, particularly in the northern regions.
Infrastructure
Roads are in poor condition throughout the country, particularly in rural areas. Power outages are frequent and may affect street lighting in urban areas. If involved in an accident, even a minor one, wait for the police to arrive. Public transportation, such as buses and trains, are unreliable and safety standards are poor. It is advised use only yellow taxis or to hire a reputable driver.
Practical Information
Climate
Albania has a Mediterranean climate: winters are wet and mild and summers hot and dry. The center and the west of the country experience very high temperatures (40°C) in the summer due to hot winds coming off the sea. The east and the north (mountainous regions) are cooler in the summer and cold in the winter.
Useful Numbers
| Country Code: | +355 |
| Police: | 129 |
| Fire Department: | 128 |
| Medical Emergencies: | 127 |
Electricity
Voltage: 220 V ~ 50 Hz
Outlets:
Social Stability
Albania has been experiencing regular anti-government protests since December 2018, likely to be further fuelled by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The original protest movement comprised students protesting against increased tuition fees; however, the movement quickly integrated other causes and was joined by the opposition demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation. The protests have the potential for violence, in particular if protesters attempt to storm parliament or other government buildings. On previous such occasions, police have responded with force, using teargas and batons to disperse protesters. Foreign-owned assets or commercial property are unlikely to be directly targeted by protesters.