Albania
Travel restrictions
Albania’s land, maritime and air borders are now open for travel, but some neighboring countries have travel restrictions in place.
Commercial flights are now available again in Albania from June 15th 2020.
There is no general requirement for travelers returning to Albania to self-quarantine. Quarantine will only apply in specific cases when ordered by health authorities.
Measures taken by the government
Albania has increased the number of medical personnel at all ports of entries.
Enhanced screening and quarantine measures are being implemented. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.
Starting October 15th 2020, wearing a mask in public areas, indoors and outdoors, for any individual 11 years old and above is mandatory.
On November 12th, 2020, the Albanian government announced new restrictions:
— Public movement is restricted during the hours between 10:00pm and 6:00am; except for work reasons, health care emergencies, or urgent needs. e-Albania portal must be used for special permission to move during this time.
— Bars, Restaurants, Fast Food, and other similar activities are prohibited from operating between 10:00pm and 6:00am, except for delivery services.
— Public administration will telework; except for those providing essential services under strict security protocols.
Starting November 17th, 2020, the Ministry of Health announced restrictions for indoor and outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people until further notice.
The Ministry of Health announced updated movement restrictions that will go into effect starting February 11th, 2021, for a period of two weeks.
The Ministry of Health announced updated movement restrictions that will go into effect starting April 12th, 2021, until further notice. There will be a daily curfew from 10:00pm to 6:00am. Bars, restaurants, fast food, and other similar activities are prohibited from operating between 10:00pm and 6:00am, except for delivery services. Public movement is restricted during these hours except for work reasons, health care emergencies, or urgent needs. The e-Albania portal must be used for special permission to move during this time.
Testing
Individuals can arrange private testing by going to a private testing lab. No symptoms or doctor’s order is required to arrange a private test, and no advance appointment is necessary.
According to the Albanian Ministry of Health and Social Protection, there are six private labs authorized to perform SARS-CoV-2 testing for administrative issues:
— American Hospital Laboratory (Tel: +355 4 222 5640)
— Biocheck Diagnostic (Tel: +355 4 242 7025)
— Genius Lab (Cell: +355 69 303 3026)
— German Hospital International (Cell: +355 67 200 4282)
— Intermedica (Tel: +355 4 220 0600)
— Noval Diagnostic (Cell: +355 68 804 2045)
— SALUS Lab (Cell: +355 68 205 3180)
The average cost for testing is: PCR = 8,500 ALL or ~85 USD – Antigen = 4,000 ALL or ~40 USD.
Hard copy letters of test results are provided within 24 to 72 hrs. You can arrange another method of delivery (e.g.: email or text) with the individual labs.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
Medical Emergency Number: 127
Source:
US Embassy in Albania https://al.usembassy.gov/updates_covid19/
Published on May 6th 2021 (checked on May 12th 2021)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx