Europe
Is Albania safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Albania safe?
Safe for visitors, with friendly locals and little crime aimed at tourists. Driving is the main danger; also watch for pickpockets in Tirana and protests near government buildings.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-08-25.
- Homicide rate: 1.4 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 11.7 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 112 · Ambulance 127 · Fire 128.
- Solo women: Solo women generally feel safe and welcomed; rural areas are conservative and many cafés are male-dominated. Dress modestly in villages.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Aggressive driving and unlit, potholed roads; among Europe's worst road safety
- Pickpockets on buses and in busy parts of Tirana
- Old landmines in remote hills along the Kosovo border
- Poorly equipped jet-ski and boat rentals on the coast
Common scams
- Prices quoted in 'old lek', ten times the current figure
- Taxis without meters; agree the fare first or book through your host
Laws visitors break by accident
- Stay at the scene of any traffic accident until police arrive
- Possessing illegal drugs, including cannabis, can mean 5–10 years in prison
Safety by place in Albania
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Tirana | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Saranda | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ksamil | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Berat | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Gjirokastër | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Shkodër | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Himara | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Durrës | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Vlorë | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Theth | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Dhërmi | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Albania safe for tourists?
Safe for visitors, with friendly locals and little crime aimed at tourists. Driving is the main danger; also watch for pickpockets in Tirana and protests near government buildings.
Is Albania safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women generally feel safe and welcomed; rural areas are conservative and many cafés are male-dominated. Dress modestly in villages.
What is the emergency number in Albania?
Police 112 · Ambulance 127 · Fire 128.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Albania
- e-Albania government services portal
- Speedtest Global Index: Albania
- EF English Proficiency Index 2025: Albania
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.