Albania - Health

Albania has a wide availability of basic medical care and most medicine is easily available at the local pharmacy (barnatore). Medical care is very reasonable by European standards, although prices are higher in private clinics.

Tirana has a large selection of private hospitals with English-speaking doctors serving the large foreign community in the capital. For anything serious, it's best to go here.

Hospitals and doctors often require advance payment before service or admission. Patients are responsible for any fees associated with transfers to or from hospitals.

Travel insurance is recommended.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended for unvaccinated travelers to Albania.

Albania is free of dog rabies. However, bats may also carry rabies-like viruses.

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country, however, proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required if arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Food and Water Concerns:

Drinking water is generally safe, but it's advisable to use bottled water and treated milk.

Mosquito-borne Diseases:

There is a risk of insect or tick-borne diseases in Albania, such as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and Leishmaniasis.

Prescription Drugs:

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. The import and export of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is prohibited under Albanian law.

For more information, visit the General Directorate of Customs website.

Emergency Numbers:
See Emergencies.

Useful link:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Albania Ministry of Health

Last updated:  February 2024