Albania - Formalities
Clearance
According to reports, you may be approached by an Italian coastguard vessel when nearing the coast, as they patrol this area of the sea. While approaching Albanian territorial waters, Channel 11 should be monitored as it is the working channel used by the Albanian Coast Guard.
The port authority should be contacted on VHF radio (if possible) before entering any of the official ports. English (and Italian) are spoken by Port Control radio operators used to commercial shipping. The best facilities are at Durres which is Albania's main port and has regular ferry connections with Italy (Port Control VHF Channel 15). Officials will board the boat on arrival.
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.
When you leave the port you must get another Clearance paper to hand to the subsequent Port Captain on arrival.
Each port will require several copies of the crew list; copies of the Ship’s Registration Papers are also useful.
For a list of agents at Durres and Saranda, see Clearance Agents
Last updated September 2013.
Immigration
A list of countries whose citizen may enter the country without a visa can be found here
The visa issued at the first port of call is valid for the whole of Albania.
Last updated January 2014.
Customs
No special restrictions other than for firearms.
Special export permits are required for precious metals, ancient coins, antiques and works of art, which are considered to be part of national culture and heritage.
Last updated January 2014.
Health
If you are hiking in a forest you should cover your arms and legs with clothing, tucking trousers into socks and boots. You should also wear a hat, use tick repellent sprays and check for ticks at the end of your day.
Visitors are advised against having any unnessesary medical treatment.
It is advisable to use bottled water and treated milk.
Fees
All vessels up to 500 tons pay a $50 clearance fee. Visa fees, plus some port fees.
If an agent is used, this can prove to be quite expensive.
Restrictions
When sailing along the coast, foreign vessels are required to stay at least three miles offshore.
Boats sailing south to Saranda through the Bay of Porto Palermo will pass through a military zone for which permission must be obtained.
It has been reported August 2009 that there seem to be few, if any, restrictions on travel now. Cruising yachts leaving Saranda were told they could anchor anywhere except Sazanit Island.
Last updated March 2010.
