Travel to Europe Through the Former Yugoslavia
Travel to Albania can be an extremely dangerous venture for tourists with little or no experience traveling to these parts of Europe. The political situation in Albania is still at a boiling point with the government on the brink of complete collapse. There have been multiple protests throughout the country by ordinary citizens who are demanding that the government resign and that the politicians be allowed to return to office. The government has cracked down on any form of dissent and has arrested many peaceful protesters. Tourists have been warned to expect serious security precautions when traveling to these regions.
Traveling through much of northern and western Albania, including the cities of Pristina, Albania’s capital, and Skopje, the second largest city, can be very dangerous. Most of the population is illiterate, and there is a significant lack of basic infrastructure in rural areas. There is a high risk of becoming infected with hepatitis B and cockroaches. Tourists are strongly urged to seek out local guides and street lighting that are up to par with the standards seen in larger European cities. Tourists are also advised against traveling to the foothills of the mountains in northern Albania due to the extremely dangerous trek that includes climbing the highest elevations and crossing rough terrain on foot.
There are several different entry requirements related to travelling to Albania. Anyone travelling to this part of Europe will need to fulfil visa requirements. These include the necessary personal data and information such as name and address to verify identity. Tourist are also required to hold a valid passport as proof of identity in some circumstances. The duration of stay is limited to three months, and the validity period may be extended if certain conditions are fulfilled.
Anyone travelling to this part of Europe will need to follow all entry rules to avoid being fined or detained by the appropriate authorities. Any passenger who is travelling to an EU country and fails to have a valid passport or visa when landing in a third country will usually be turned back at the airport. A valid passport is required for all vehicles, including cars and trucks. Tourists will also need to obtain a non-immigrant visa, which will only be granted if the applicant provides evidence of a job offering them a financial return. In most cases, the applicant will have to provide proof of residence in an eligible country.
Travel throughout the country is fairly safe, although there has been an increased caution with border crossings as a result of insecurity in the past. Vehicles are generally not available from the Airport parking areas, so travellers should plan to use buses, minibuses or taxis. As with any neighbouring country, there are potential security risks in Albania, but the increased caution shown by the authorities means that precautions are being taken to reduce this risk.
Travel throughout Albania will remain safe and secure, although there will be increased vigilance at the airports and at the main borders. All travellers wishing to travel to this area of Europe should ensure they have a valid passport and will not be carrying weapons or dangerous items. If you do intend to visit Tirana, you should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date and you have the relevant health requirements. The tourism industry is flourishing in Tirana, so it is often considered a safe destination for tourists.
