Europe

Albania

Since the 1991-1992 period of political upheaval and the serious civil disturbances in 1997, Albania has been in a period of economic transition and steady recovery. Albania ranks among the countries with the lowest per capital income in Europe. The security situation throughout Albania remains somewhat unstable. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and though EU market integration is slowly underway, many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available. Hotel accommodations are limited outside of major cities. The capital is Tirana.

CRIME: Albania has a high crime rate outside Tirana with instances of armed robberies, assaults, and bombings. Carjackings are a matter of considerable concern, especially for drivers of four-wheel drive and sport-utility vehicles. Anyone who is carjacked should surrender the vehicle without resistance. Armed crime is common in Shkoder and frequent in other towns further up north and throughout northwestern Albania. Throughout the country, street crime is fairly common, and it occurs particularly at night.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities and capabilities are limited beyond rudimentary first aid treatment. Emergency and major medical care requiring surgery and hospital care is inadequate due to lack of specialists, diagnostic aids, medical supplies, and prescription drugs. Travellers with previously diagnosed medical conditions may wish to consult their physician before travel. As prescription drugs may be unavailable locally, travellers may also wish to bring extra supplies of required medications.

In principle no risk for infecious diseases.

Water & food transmitted diseases :

• Hepatitis A
• Giardiasis
• E.coli infection

Other diseases:

• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis B
• HIV

Vaccination recommended:

• Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
• Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
• Rabies - if risk for contact with wildor domestic animals
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age entering from infected areas
• A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Prevent illness by:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Drink only water from cans or boiled water
• Avoid using ice or drinking untreated water
• Wash and/or peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating.
• Use uncontaminated water to wash all food that is to be eaten raw.
• Avoid eating uncooked foods
• Traffic accidents are the most common cause of injuries so be careful
• Avoid travelling at night and use safety belts when available .
• Use latex condoms for protection against sexually transmitted diseases

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Updated 17-Jul-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

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