here was that article I talked with someone about
Post# of 487
http://shqiptarja.com/lajm/qeveria-britanike-...ni-makines
Editorial
30 April, 10:43
Over 80,000 British citizens visit Albania every year, according to British Foreign Office data. Most of the visits are trouble-free, this office cites, but for all the British who will travel this year in Albania, the MJB office gives some advice.
"From December to February, bad weather can cause flooding, especially in northern Albania. Heavy snow in mountainous areas can lead to interruption of transportation and services. Monitor local and international media for the latest information before you leave. Public security is generally good, especially in Tirana. Crime and violence occur in some areas, but are not usually addressed to foreigners. Ownership of weapons is widespread.
When you visit hilly towns on the northern border with Kosovo, you should be careful and pay attention to warning signs for unexploded landmines and other unexploded ordnance. Terrorist attacks in Albania can not be excluded. Caution: In Albania there have been some cases of credit card fraud. "
Great care is recommended when driving a car:" Driving can be very dangerous. Traffic disputes can escalate quickly, especially as some drivers may be armed. Avoid reacting to provocative behavior by other road users "
Before '
Credit and debit cards are accepted in most banks, major supermarkets and international hotels. Small businesses and taxis often only accept cash. There are multiple ATMs in Tirana and major cities, as well as Exchange offices where sterling, US dollars and euros are widely accepted. Although street money changers operate openly, they do so illegally. Use only banks or established exchange offices. There have been some cases of credit card fraud.
Health
Medical and dental equipment (including those for accidents and emergencies) are very poor, especially outside Tirana. Make sure you have adequate health insurance and affordable funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, evacuation from the air ambulance and repatriation. Tap water in Albania can cause illness - you should drink only bottled water. If you drink milk, make sure it is UHT (pasteurized).
Natural Disasters
Albania lies in a seismically active area and vibrations are commonplace. Serious earthquakes are less frequent, but can happen.
Visas
British citizens can enter and stay in Albania for a maximum of 90 days in any 6-month non-visa period. The Albanian authorities demand that someone staying longer than 90 days to apply for a residence permit at a local police station. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 3 months from the date of entry into Albania.
Local laws and customs
English is not widely spoken, but more and more is spoken by young people. Homosexuality is decriminalized. Anti-discrimination and anti-corruption legislation is in place. Tirana has some friendly bars for homosexuals and a number of LGBT support groups. Sentencing for drug-related crimes is severe. Albanian authorities do not always inform the British Embassy when British citizens are arrested. If you are detained, you can insist on your right to contact a British consular employee.
Terrorism Terrorist
attacks in Albania can not be ruled out. Attacks can be indiscriminate, including places visited by foreigners. Terrorists can target religious sites, including churches. There is an increased threat of terrorist attack globally against the interests of the United Kingdom and British citizens by groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You need to be alert at this time.
Security and protection
Crimes
Public security is generally good, especially in Tirana and Albanians are very welcoming to visitors. Crime and violence occur in some areas, but crime reports aimed specifically at foreigners are rare. There have been cases of minor shootings and explosions, but these appear to be related to internal disagreements over criminal, business or political interests.
Landmines
In December 2009, Albania officially declared that it had fulfilled its obligations under the "Ottawa Convention 5" and had reached the status of mines. However, when visiting hilly towns on the northern border with Kosovo, you should take care, especially if you walk and follow the warning signs for unexploded landmines and other unexploded ordnance. Demining on the side of Kosovo is taking place.
Driving on the road
Driving can be very dangerous. Roads are poor, especially in rural areas. Street lighting in urban areas is subject to power outages. Elsewhere, even on the main inter-urban arterial roads, there is no street lighting. If you are traveling by night, be careful of unmarked roads, holes and unattended vehicles.
Albanian driving can often be aggressive and disordered. Deaths from road traffic accidents are among the highest in Europe. Police have taken some measures to reduce the number of accidents. Traffic disputes can escalate quickly, especially as some drivers may be armed. Avoid reacting to provocative behavior by other road users. If you are involved in a traffic accident, even a minor, you have to wait until the police arrive.
This will usually happen quickly in urban areas. If you plan to import a vehicle in Albania, make sure you have all the necessary documents after arriving at the border. Consult with the Albanian Embassy in London before leaving. The British Embassy will not be able to help anyone who tries to bring a vehicle to Albania without proper documentation. An International Driving License (IDP) is recommended.
Air
Transport The International Air Transport Association publishes a list of registered airline companies that are audited and meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not complete and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe. In 2014, the International Civil Aviation Organization conducted an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safe oversight in Albania.
Traveling
There are several reports from the local press that ships that have been leased along the coastline may lack precautions and security equipment. The National Environmental Agency in Albania reported in 2016 that 83% of the beaches in Albania are of a very good or good standard, but the report raised concerns about a small number of beaches, including the beaches in Durres, Vlora and Saranda are polluted as a result of inadequate removal and sewage.
Political Situation The
two main opposition parties held a major demonstration in central Tirana on January 27, 2018. On March 31, a demonstration on the Kukes highway turned into scuffles of violence between protesters and police. Further large-scale protests are possible. You should check the local media for the latest information, be vigilant, and avoid any demonstration. The tension between religious groups and the expression of extremist views is very rare. Attitudes towards Western countries are extremely positive.