How safe is Albania for travelers?

The reputation is out of date

• Albania is a safe country for visitors and violent crime against them is rare.
• The 1990s reputation persists in the minds of people who have not been. It does not match the country.
• Albanians are conspicuously hospitable to foreigners, which is a cultural tradition (besa) rather than a tourist-board slogan.

Roads

• This is the real risk. Albania's road safety record is among the worst in Europe.
• Overtaking on blind bends, at night, in the rain is the specific danger.
• Pedestrians, animals and unlit vehicles are all normal on rural roads after dark.
• Do not drive at night outside the main corridors if you can avoid it.

The sea and the mountains

• Beaches have few lifeguards and currents on the open coast are real.
• The northern mountains are remote with limited rescue - tell someone your route.

Crime

• Pickpocketing in Tirana's crowds is the usual level.
• Card skimming has been reported at independent ATMs; use bank machines.