Is Albania safe for tourists? It is one of the most common questions we hear at RakiYa Travel, and the answer is a reassuring yes. Albania offers dramatic mountain landscapes, a stunning Adriatic and Ionian coastline, UNESCO-listed old towns, and prices that still feel like a bargain compared to the rest of Europe. For most visitors, the trip passes without incident. But going informed makes all the difference, so here is a clear, practical breakdown of what to expect.
Is Albania Safe? The Overall Picture
Albania is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime targeting visitors is rare, and the country’s crime index in 2024 sits at around 45, roughly equivalent to Canada and lower than many popular European destinations. The US State Department rates Albania at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, the same category applied to dozens of countries across Europe. The UK FCDO and the Australian Government’s Smartraveller issue similar advice. Reports of crime specifically targeting foreign visitors remain low.
That said, a few specific areas warrant careful preparation.
Petty Crime: Low Risk but Stay Alert
Pickpocketing and bag snatching do occur in Albania, though less frequently than in cities like Paris, Rome, or Barcelona. The main hotspots are busy markets, public transport, crowded tourist sites, and transport hubs including airports. As the US State Department’s Albania country page notes, street crime occurs mostly in urban areas at night.
Practical steps to reduce your risk:
- Keep bags zipped and valuables out of sight in crowded areas
- Use ATMs attached to banks rather than standalone machines, and cover your PIN
- Agree on taxi fares before you get in, or use a reputable app-based service
- Do not leave drinks unattended in bars or clubs
Credit and debit card fraud has been reported, so notify your bank before travel and check your statements regularly while you are away.
Road Safety: the Biggest Practical Risk
Road safety is the area that genuinely deserves the most attention. Road traffic deaths in Albania are among the highest in Europe. Signage can be inconsistent, rural roads are often poorly lit, and wandering livestock are a real hazard outside of cities. The CDC’s Albania travel page specifically recommends avoiding driving at night due to poor street lighting in certain parts of the country.
If you plan to drive:
- Avoid driving at night, especially on mountain or rural roads
- Drive defensively and do not react to provocative behaviour from other road users
- If you are involved in an accident, however minor, stay at the scene until police arrive, as leaving can result in charges under Albanian law
- Check road conditions before heading into mountainous areas in winter, when landslides and heavy rain can close routes
Buses and minibuses known as furgons are generally safe, though services can be cash-only and schedules unpredictable. For airport arrivals, booking a reputable transfer in advance is the smoothest option. RakiYa Travel can arrange reliable transfers and tailored itineraries so you do not have to navigate this alone.
Health and Medical Care: Get the Right Insurance
Medical facilities in Albania are improving, but outside Tirana they remain limited. The Australian Government’s Smartraveller warns that medical facilities outside Tirana can rarely handle serious trauma or major medical cases, and that tourists must pay for all medical care including evacuation, which can be very expensive. Serious cases may require transfer to Tirana or evacuation abroad.
Travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation cover is essential, not optional. Make sure your policy covers all activities you plan to undertake, whether that is hiking in the Albanian Alps or water sports along the Albanian Riviera.
Additional health notes to keep in mind:
- Drink bottled water throughout Albania. The WHO country profile for Albania and multiple travel health bodies flag waterborne and foodborne illness as a genuine risk
- Bring any prescription medications you need, as specific brands may not be available locally
- Wildfires are common from April to October; follow local guidance when travelling through rural areas in summer
- Albania is seismically active, with a notable earthquake in 2019, a background risk rather than a reason to avoid travel but worth knowing
Emergency numbers: 112 (all emergencies), 129 (police), 127 (ambulance).
Solo Travellers and Women Travelling Alone
Albania has a strong and growing reputation among solo travellers, including solo women. Street harassment is less prevalent here than in several neighbouring countries. The cultural tradition of Besa, a code of honour centred on hospitality and the protection of guests, is genuinely felt across the country. Locals are widely described as helpful, warm, and welcoming to visitors.
Standard precautions apply: stick to well-lit areas after dark, avoid isolated places at night, and let someone know your plans when heading into remote areas. City centres and coastal towns like Sarandë and Vlorë are generally safe to walk in the evening.
Other Risks Worth Knowing
Crime linked to organised networks does exist in Albania, and there have been isolated incidents involving firearms. The US State Department notes that attacks involving small improvised explosive devices occur but are almost always connected to organised crime disputes rather than anything targeting tourists. Remain aware of your surroundings in any major city, as you would anywhere in Europe.
Political demonstrations have taken place in central Tirana with some turning disruptive. Avoid large gatherings and monitor local news if you are in the capital.
Outdoor Activities: Safe with the Right Preparation
Some of Albania’s greatest draws are its outdoor landscapes. Hiking in the Albanian Alps, relaxing on the Albanian Riviera, and exploring UNESCO heritage cities like Berat and Gjirokastra are all genuinely safe with reasonable preparation.
Mountain trails can be remote and poorly marked, and phone signal drops quickly in highland areas. For serious routes such as the Theth-to-Valbona trail, going with a local guide is strongly recommended. Always check weather forecasts, carry enough water, and inform your accommodation of your plans before setting off.
Is Albania Safe? The Bottom Line
Albania is a welcoming, affordable, and genuinely safe destination. Violent crime against tourists is rare, the hospitality is exceptional, and the combination of history, coastline, and mountain wilderness is hard to match in Europe right now. The main areas to plan carefully are road safety, travel insurance, and outdoor preparation.
Go informed, take sensible precautions, and you are set for one of Europe’s most rewarding trips.
Planning a visit to Albania? Get in touch with the RakiYa Travel team and let us take care of the details, from transfers and accommodation to fully guided itineraries across the country’s most spectacular destinations.
Travel advisories can change. Always check the latest guidance from your government before departing: US State Department | UK FCDO | Australian Smartraveller | CDC Travellers Health