Information For Travelers

Warden Information

June 23, 2009

This Warden Message alerts Americans traveling to or residing in Albania to Albanian parliamentary elections that will be held on June 28, 2009.  The U.S. Embassy in Tirana, Albania, expects greater than normal traffic congestion and large crowds at or near polling stations on that day.  There will also likely be gatherings and political rallies around the country in the days leading up to the elections.  Although there have been reports of limited election-related violence, the U.S. Embassy expects the elections will occur in a peaceful and orderly fashion.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Albania from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website at tirana.usembassy.gov, and the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas, to review emergency procedures and contingency plans, and to remain aware of their surroundings at all times.  U.S. citizens in Albania are advised to avoid large public gatherings, protests, and demonstrations, and are encouraged to report unusual events or activity to the U.S. Embassy immediately.

Updated information on travel and security in Albania may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. Additional details can be found in the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Albania and the Worldwide Cautions, which are available on the Department's website at http://travel.state.gov/.

Americans living or traveling in Albania are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Tirana through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Albania.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Tirana is located at Rr. Elbasanit, No. 103, Tel: +355-(0)4-224-7285; Fax: +355-(0)4-237-4957; E-mail: acstirana@state.gov.