Albania - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Albania due to elections. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Municipal elections in Albania are scheduled to be held on June 30, 2019. Recent localized incidents of violence have targeted election officials and voting materials, raising the prospect of additional violence or other disturbances on Election Day, the days leading up to it, and through vote counting at counting centers.
Exercise increased caution in:
- The southern town of Lazarat due to crime.
Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.
If you decide to travel to Albania:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Crime and Safety Report for Albania.
- U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Lazarat
The security situation in Lazarat remains volatile due to crime and violence associated with marijuana cultivation. Local police have limited ability to protect and assist travelers.
The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Lazarat as U.S government employees are prohibited from traveling there.
Source: Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State