Tirana - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No more than any other place. - Aug 2016
None - Aug 2015
Snakes on the Ridge. In general, no. Tirana is a very safe city. Last year there were a couple of car bombs, but they had nothing to do with the U.S. Embassy. There are long standing blood feuds and we have been instructed not to go to certain coffee shops owned by certain families. - Aug 2014
No. This was one of the reasons why we selected this post. You can walk around Tirana at any time of day or night without serious concerns. Crime does occur, but Americans are not targeted. It is just a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. We have not heard of any Americans being victims of crime here during our two years, except for perhaps minor issues like a bag being taken that was left on a table in a public place or a cell phone getting swiped while you were distracted. Things like carjackings are unheard of. Albanians LOVE LOVE LOVE Americans, almost to an absurd degree. If you ever need help, you'll have no problem finding someone to assist you. - May 2013
Not really. People love Americans here. There are no "bad" parts of town. Just be as conscious as you would in any major city, and you should be fine. - Dec 2012
There was rioting last January that resulted in 3 deaths revolving around elections. Petty crime is also a concern, I've heard on city buses especially but we never took them. Security here was much more an issue in the past than it is now. I felt relatively safe here as far as crime is concerned. However, Albanians are not particularly safety conscious compared to US standards and driving here is crazy so be prepared for fender benders. - Oct 2011
Crime is low, though like any city, beware of pick pocketing. Corruption is a problem here. - Mar 2008
