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According to locals we talked to in Tirana, the security situation has improved considerably in the last couple of years.The military still patrols some of the formerly most notorious stretches of road, but there's apparently not too much to worry about. It is still recommended, though, not to drive at night, but this has more to do with road conditions than with banditry.
Careful at the best of times. We entered from Corfu, but you need to be wary of the young lads who climb up on the ships and beg for money. That's life, but they can be a bit rough if you turn them down.
Traveling past Tirana and Lezhe towards the north will be dangerous in itself, but traveling on your own northward is particularly foolish unless you know people in the area, as bandits stop buses and cars frequently along the Skoder and Puka roads
Southern Albania seems to be plagued with an electricity shortage. Do not be surprised if the power goes off for a few hours each day. Usually people know when the scheduled blackouts will occur. The unscheduled blackouts only lasted a few minutes. In one new hotel in Sarande, having the heat and TV on at the same time would blow the fuses...so be conscious of your total power consumption.
For tourists (only) on day trips from Corfu Town to Sarande, Albania there are no charges for a visa. If staying overnight or entering through other Albanian border crossings. there is a fee of $10 USD (depending on nationality). Albanian border officials at the port of Sarande would only accept visa fee payments in $USD. However Albanian officials at the Kapshtice, Albania / Kristalopigi, Greece border crossing (near Korce, Albania) were more flexible and accepted Greek Drachmas.
The roads in Albania are no where near as good as the rest of Europe. The road is a one lane highway through the mountains with no side rails.The counrtyis behind the rest of Europe, but is slowly catchingup.The country is the poorest in Europe.Bribing is common.But it is very beautiful, with many high mountains andlakes.and a lot of historic sites.
OFFICIALLY, THE COASTAL BORDER BETWEEN ALBANIA AND YUGOSLAVIA WAS CLOSED. STILL, THERE DIDN'T SEEM TO BE MUCH DANGER CROSSING OVER, ALTHOUGH I DID VISUALIZE SOLDIERS CHARGING TOWARD ME FROM BEHIND THE SAND DUNES!
Albania - Travel WarningJune 12, 2000The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the potential danger of travel to Albania. The security situation throughout Albania remains unstable. During the political and economic unrest in 1997, many weapons were looted from government arms depots and remain in unauthorized civilian hands. All gatherings of large crowds should be avoided, particularly those involving political causes or striking workers. The crime rate is high throughout Albania, with instances of armed robberies, assaults, bombings and carjackings. Armed crime is rampant in Shkoder and other towns in northwestern Albania. Throughout the country, street crime is fairly common and occurs particularly at night. U.S. citizens in Albania are urged to contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tirana to register and obtain updated information on travel and security in...
You don't need to be a very savvy traveller to realise that mention of politics, particularly affecting Albania's immediate neighbours in Kosovo and Macedonia, can be ill-advised and hazardous. Memories run deep in the Balkans - feelings run even deeper.
The list is endless. Absolutely essential, no matter how many times you've travelled anywhere in the world, is to know an Albanian there to help you. Don't go anywhere near the Kosovan borders or into the mountain villages unless you are with Albanians who you trust. You don't need a visa but have to pay about 57USD at the airport. In Tirane itself everything is pretty safe but be careful after dark. it is best to stay inside. Dont plan on taking a car with you a) the roads are impossible and b) the car will probably be stripped by the morning. If you go with an open mind it's all enjoyable but I don't advise speaking Serbian there!
Sheraton Tirana Hotel and Towers Tirana
4 Reviews and 70 Opinions Having spent approximately 5 months in the Sheraton-Tirana, I know the "ins" and the "outs" of the...
Hotel Berati Berat
3 Opinions
Grand Hotel Europa Shkoder
11 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Albania attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Albania sightseeing.
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Q: Hello all I'm planning to visit Albania in 2012 and i need every bit of advice going. There doesn't seem to be a huge amount of...
A: I have been to Albania several times over the years and i would say you should try and make a visit to Berat aswell as Girokaster. These places are very scenic places...
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