From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL ADVISORY -- Albania
Date: 8 Oct 1992 14:18:17 -0500
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Albania
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Albania - Consular Information Sheet
 October 7, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Tirana, Albania, is located 
at Rruga Labinoti 103; telephone (355) (42) 32875.  Although the 
U.S. Embassy in Tirana is open, 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 U.S. 
citizenship and passport services began in January 1992.

Country Description: Albania is undergoing profound political and 
economic change.  Recent economic and political tensions in Albania 
have led to several large demonstrations and some violence.  Persons 
who participate in or photograph demonstrations risk arrest.  
Facilities for tourism are not highly developed, and many of the 
goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are 
not yet available.

Entry Requirements:  The Albanian government no longer requires 
visas of American citizens.  A 10 dollar airport fee must be paid to 
customs upon departure.  Americans planning to travel to Albania can 
contact for specific entry/exit requirements the Embassy of the 
Republic of Albania at 1150 18th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20036, 
tel. (202) 223-4942, or an Albanian mission abroad (for example, the 
Albanian mission to France in Paris or the Albanian Embassy in Rome, 
Italy).

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited.  Medicine is 
in short supply.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside 
the United States.  Travelers have found that in some cases, 
supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has 
proved to be useful.  Further information on health matters can be 
obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international 
traveler's hotline on (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information:  Crime against tourists (robbery, mugging, and 
pickpocketing) is a growing problem, especially on city streets 
after dark.  The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" 
is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.  It provides useful 
information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security 
while traveling abroad.

Other Information: Credit cards and traveler's checks are rarely 
accepted in Albania.  In addition, hotel accommodations are very 
limited, and even confirmed reservations are sometimes not honored.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use, and dealing of 
illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Adoption Information:  On March 19, 1992, the Albanian government 
suspended the adoption process until further notice.  The Albanian 
government intends to draft new legislation governing the 
international adoption process.

Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain 
updated information on travel and security within the country.

 No. 92-001