Albania - Clearance

ARRIVAL FORMALITIES

You may be approached by an Italian coastguard vessel when nearing the coast, as they patrol this area of the sea.

Advance Notification:

The port authority should be contacted on the VHF (if possible) before entering any of the ports of entry. All ports operate on a different channel - details on the port pages.  English (and Italian) are spoken by Port Control radio operators used to commercial shipping.  It's quite likely, however, that the port will pick you up on their AIS and know you are coming.

Ports of Entry:

Saranda has the best facilities for visiting yachts at this time, but there are not many berths available as it is a small port even though they have extended it. Officials do not board the vessel any more. Vlore and Durres are the only ports with marinas at this time. Always announce your entry into harbour by calling the harbor master.

General Process:

At the majority of ports, the Port Authorities (Captain and Police) may insist that an agent is used for entry/exit.  This now also applies at Vlore, where you will not be given permission to enter at Orikum Marina and will have to first clear at the commercial port.

For a list of agents at Durres and Saranda, see Clearance Agents.

Note: If you are not going ashore, then you do not need to clear in.

Paperwork required includes crew list, proof of insurance, boat registration and passports.

Albania no longer stamps passports.

Domestic Cruising:

It is no longer necessary to check in and out of each port in Albania.

Last updated:  November 2023