Emergency Number Albania | Best Travel Safety Tips (2024)
In recent times, Albania has emerged as one of Europe’s most up-and-coming travel destinations, with around 10 million international tourists visiting in 2023.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who are well aware of its brilliant beaches, UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, historical cities and breathtaking landscapes such as the spectacular Albanian Alps.
But for those who aren’t familiar with it, visiting the nation for the first time is like receiving a gift that keeps on giving.
However, just like anywhere in the world, accidents, disasters and urgent situations can arise. Therefore, it’s worth having essential information on hand that can help you deal with any crisis situation you might find yourself in.
While you can’t legislate for every eventuality and shouldn’t approach any foreign trip with the fear that something might go wrong, as the Boy Scouts advocate, ‘it is good to be prepared’.
With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of emergency numbers in Albania, along with some general information about what to do if the unexpected happens.
Hopefully, you will find it a useful resource to call upon, should you ever need it during your visit to the Balkan country that is officially called ‘Shqipëri’.
Overview of Main Emergency Number Albania Contacts
The most important emergency number Albania contact you need to know when visiting the country is 112.
This centralised emergency number is the primary contact for most emergencies in the country, including police, medical, and fire services.
Should you need to, you can call it for free on your own or any other phone in the country at any time of the night and day. If you do so, you will be connected to an operator who can assist you in the most appropriate way.
As it is the European Electronic Communications Code, the number also works in the following countries:
All EU Member-States
Georgia
Moldova
Iceland
North Macedonia
Montenegro
Liechtenstein
Norway
Serbia
Switzerland
Turkey
UK
In addition to the 112, Albania’s public services can also be reached directly through these numbers below:
129 – Police
128 – Fire and Rescue Services
127 – Medical Emergency
126 – Traffic Police
125– Sea-related Emergencies
However, as 112 is designed to streamline the process of contacting an emergency service, it is recommended that international visitors use this number in most situations, particularly if they’re unsure about what specific department they need assistance from.
Language and Communication
As an international tourist, one of the challenges you might face when needing to call the 112 emergency number in Albania is a language barrier.
While the first language of most of the emergency operators in the country is Albanian, they pretty much all understand English and/or Italian. That said, it might take them a little longer to grasp what you are saying than a native of those countries would.
For this reason, when calling, try to speak slowly and clearly and quickly provide them with the following essential information:
What service you require, i.e. police, ambulance, fire brigade
Your location. (If you are unsure, describe nearby landmarks or share GPS coordinates if possible).
If anyone is injured or under the immediate threat of danger.
When relating this information, it is important to stay as calm as you can, as this will help the operator to quickly initiate the help you require.
112 App Where ARE U
If you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to or would rather not speak to an operator, a good alternative way of getting the help you need is by using the 112 App Where ARE U.
This app is available on the Google Play and Apple Stores and has been specifically developed for contacting the European Emergency Number 112.
It enables all citizens of Europe to contact police, ambulance and fire services via the same PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point).
Additionally, it automatically pings your GPS coordinates to them so they know exactly where you are and can even send them information you have put on the app, including blood type and any allergies you might have.
In addition to the 112 App, you should also consider downloading the Red Cross First Aid app, which offers basic first aid instructions and advice on handling medical emergencies.
Major Hospitals
Like many other countries in Europe, Albania’s public healthcare service operates at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
Overall, there are approximately 42 public hospitals offering tertiary healthcare services and 413 public healthcare clinics that provide primary and secondary healthcare services.
If you find yourself in the situation of having to contact a hospital, the main one in the country is the Mother Teresa Hospital in Tirana, which is the largest and most advanced hospital in the country. You can reach it directly on +355 4234 9209.
Should you happen to be in the southern region and coastal areas of the country, your best bet is the Saranda Hospital, which is contactable at +355 8522 2312.
Alternatively, if you are in the northern region, the Shkodra Regional Hospital is a major facility reachable via +355 2224 7289.
While basic care is available at most hospitals in Albania, you should be aware that the standard of medical facilities can vary.
Subsequently, for those who are travelling with existing health conditions, it’s advisable to bring any necessary medications with you to Albania. It is also worth getting comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation in case of severe emergencies.
Sea and Water Emergencies
Due to its proximity to the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania is a great destination for sailing.
But if you fancy taking a boat out into these waters, you should be aware that accidents, persons falling overboard, and general issues with your vessel can leave you in need of calling emergency services.
If you find yourself in this situation, you can still call 112. However, you might prefer to phone 126 to speak to the Coast Guard directly.
Typically, the coast guard patrols popular tourist beaches, especially during peak season. However, if you are sailing around a less populated area, assistance may take longer to arrive.
When boating, you should always make sure you have enough life jackets on board for all passengers and a working means of communication to contact the authorities.
Mountain and Hiking Safety
Aside from its breathtaking coastline, Albania has a series of dramatic mountain ranges that attract hikers and skiers.
Like any mountain, the terrain can be challenging. Additionally, weather conditions can change rapidly, which can sometimes catch you out.
If you encounter an emergency while hiking or climbing, such as an injury due to a fall or find yourself snowed in, contact 112. They will direct you to the most appropriate rescue services.
That said, make sure you have plenty of warm clothing and food with you because it might take them a while to get to you.
Internet and Phone Connectivity
Whatever number you have to contact in an emergency, you are going to need a phone to be able to do so.
Thankfully, Albania has a number of eSim providers that will enable you to enjoy seamless connectivity during your travels in the country.
It is worth having an eSim set up on your phone before you arrive in the country. That way, you will enjoy connectivity immediately and also be able to deal with any issues you might experience without incurring big data roaming charges from your home country’s network provider.
Final Thoughts
Ask any seasoned traveller, and they will tell you accidents and emergencies can happen anywhere.
That is why, if you ever find yourself in any trouble when visiting Albania, you must remember the 112 emergency contact number.
Dialling this free number is the fastest way to get the help you need for any crisis situation number you find yourself in.
Alternatively, using the 112 App is an excellent option if you don’t know where you are in the country.
Not only will it immediately alert ambulance, firefighters or police to your plight, but it will also automatically send them your exact GPS location and any other personal information you have included in the app, e.g. allergies and blood type, that can literally save your life.
FAQs
Here are some answers to questions many people have when Googling ‘Emergency Number Albania’.
Is Albania a safe country to visit?
Generally speaking, Albania is a very safe country for travellers to visit. That said, you will still need to be as vigilant as you would be in any other travel destination or even your hometown.
Subsequently, you should always be aware of your surroundings and try not to be alone in isolated areas at night.
What is the emergency phone number for the police in Albania?
The emergency phone number for the police in Albania is 129.
