
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Albania
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ALBANIA - CAUTION
  January 31,1992

The Department of State advises United States citizens to exercise
caution in Albania.  Although the United States Embassy in Tirana
has reopened, routine consular assistance to U.S. citizens in
Albania is not yet available.  Services are limited to emergency
assistance only.  A limited appointment system for American
citizenship and passport services began in January 1992.  Immigrant
and nonimmigrant visa services will not begin until renovation of
the consular section is completed; possibly by summer 1992.

Recent economic and political tensions in Albania have led to
several large rallies and some violence.  U.S. citizens should avoid
areas where demonstrations or other incidents are in progress.
Visitors should refrain from photographing or participating in such
demonstrations.

Visitors to Albania should be aware that credit cards are not
widely accepted.  Visitors are encouraged to bring sufficient cash
or travelers checks to cover their expenses.  In addition, hotel
accommodations are very limited and sometimes even confirmed
reservations are not honored.

In addition, medical care in Albania does not meet western
standards.  There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies.
No facilities for testing blood for the HIV virus exist.  The
Department strongly advises tourists in frail health not to visit
Albania.

For emergencies involving American citizens in Albania, please
contact the Citizen's Emergency Center at the State Department in
Washington, D.C.  The telephone number is (202) 647-5225.

 No. 92-115

This advisory replaces the travel advisory dated April 25, 1991 and
notes the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Tirana.  American citizens
are advised to exercise caution because routine consular services
are not yet available in Albania.

