Info about Covid-19 in Albania

Information you need to know before travelling to Albania. What are the measurements and actual situation regarding Covid-19. The Ministry of Health announced updated movement restrictions in May 3, 2021. 

There will be a daily curfew from 22:00 to 6:00am. Bars, restaurants, fast food, and other similar activities are prohibited from operating between 22:00pm 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.

All travelers coming from different states from ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel.

• The Ministry of Health announced that the movemant restrictions will continue the same. There will be a daily curfew from 22:00pm to 6:00am. Bars, restaurants, fast food, and other similar activities are prohibited from operating between 22:00pm 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.
• The Ministry of Health reopened all direct civilian air traffic to and from Great Britain.

— Public administration will telework; except for those providing essential services under strict security protocols.

— Wearing a mask in public areas, indoors and outdoors, for any individual 11 years old and above is mandatory.

— Preschools and kindergartens reopened.

— All cultural events and other large public gatherings in Albania are cancelled indefinitely.

— Professional sporting events have resumed, with no spectators allowed to attend.

— Malls and shops are open with strict social distancing guidelines in place.

— Hairdressers and dentists are open with strict social distancing guidelines in place.

— Restaurants and cafes are open.

— All indoor activity centers reopened.

— Beaches are open.

— Outdoor exercise is permitted.

— Libraries and museums are open.

— Public transportation has resumed.

— All maritime and air borders have reopened.

COVID-19 Testing:

In Albania PCR and/or antigen tests are available for foreign citizens. Test results are available within 72 hours.

Public Health Labs:

Currently, in order to be tested for COVID-19 by the Albanian public health authority one must have symptoms and a recommendation from the public health authority’s family doctor.  However, private testing labs will perform a test for a fee, and no symptoms or a doctor’s recommendation is required (see details below).

If you have an Albanian social security number you also have an assigned public health family doctor.

To learn who your public health family doctor is, call the IPH green line at 0-800-4040 to find out.

Tests are free of charge if done by the Albanian Institute of Public Health (IPH).

Private Labs:

Individuals can also 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 choose another method of delivery (e.g.: email or text) with the individual labs.

Stay home and contact the Albanian National Medical Emergency line at 127 if you believe that you have contracted the COVID-19 virus.

Wait for guidance before going to a medical facility.

More information can be obtained by calling the national green line at 0-800-4040 to find out.

Visit the website of the Albanian Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Institute of Public Health for additional information.

For information on limited humanitarian exemptions, please review the following page “Covid-19 Testing Required for U.S. Entry”.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

According to Albanian health authorities, the government is currently administering Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca-Oxford, Gamaleya and Sinovac vaccines.

Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.

2021-05-03

According to Ministry of Health 517,000 doses vaccine have been administred. 

Mass vaccination for the elderly has begun in health centers and centralized vaccination centers across the country. 
According to the age group, based on the national vaccination plan, initially follows the age group +85 years and +80 years who will be vaccinated in their health centers, while the age group +75 years and descending to +60 years, will be vaccinated in centralized vaccination centers.

It is expected that this month to be vaccinated people working in the field of tourism, staff of hotels, bars, restaurants, tour operators, travel agencies in order to start the tourist season.
The vaccination process is being carried out according to all safety and quality parameters by trained vaccination teams.

Visit the website of the Albanian Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Institute of Public Health for additional information.