Albania

The RYA would be pleased to receive reports of your experiences by email to cruising@rya.org.uk.

UK Government travel advice

FCDO advice including information on permitted duration of stay and visas for Albania: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/albania 

Standard entry and exit formalities

According to the pilot books for the area, there are five ports of entry: Shengjin, Durrës, Vlorë, Sarandë and Himarë (this last port is summer only).

The information on this page has been compiled based on first hand reports from people who have visited Albania by boat. If you find any information to be incorrect, please email updated information to cruising@rya.org.uk.

Boaters have had pleasant experiences in Albania but the ports can be quite industrial. Albania has limited facilities for yachtsmen and therefore the use of an agent seems to be essential to complete the paperwork for the port police and harbour masters on entry and exit from every port.

You should fly the Q flag on entry and be prepared to show valid passports, the boat's registration and insurance documentation, a radio operator certificate and a crew list (including names, nationality, passport numbers and role on board).  A courtesy flag is also expected.

You may be asked to pay a navigation tax (the amount varies by port and is linked to the tonnage of the yacht) and a lighthouse levy.

Fuelling in Albania is an issue with no fuel stations, so all fuel comes by tanker and has to be pre-ordered.

Sarandë

The harbour is exposed to southerly winds.

To avoid delays, arrival/departure when a cruise ship is in port should be avoided.

Possible agents:

Jelja Serani of Saranda Summer Tours (tel: +355694859383, email: sarandasummertours@gmail.com). Used by a member in 2019. Services provided: Pre-booking of berth and arrangement of berth on arrival, check in with customs, police and harbour master - cost in the region of €50. Arranging re-fuelling (NB cash payment for fuel). On arrival passports, boat registration and insurance documentation were required.

Albania Yachting (web: www.albaniayachting.al).  Used by a member in 2019 for clearance services - cost €50. The member was extremely pleased with the service received. Paperwork and passports were handed to their representative on entry to the port of Saranda. They didn't have to get off the boat. There were no inspections of the boat and within 20 mins they had their in/out clearance papers and could continue the voyage up the Albanian coast.

Fuel deliveries are made in the next bay where there is a fishing fleet.

Marina di Orikum (just south of Vlore)

web: https://www.orikum.it/
email: marinaorikum@hotmail.it
tel: +393402907773 or +355695350233

The marina is sheltered from all weathers.

Fuel tanker delivery possible.

A member reported that the surrounding village was not well served for restaurants etc., but a good choice of restaurants, shops etc. can be found nearby in Vlore centre.

To check-out of Albania go to the main port in Vlore.

Possible agents:

Mikel Hyskaj of Mtsky Yachting & Port Services Albania Ltd (web: www.mtskyachting.com, tel: +355688044929 or +355699252769)

Durres

The main commercial harbour.

Entry straightforward with the assistance of an agent.

Possible agents:

Albania Yachting (web: www.albaniayachting.al)

Ilir Gjerji (mobile no.: +355 682036329, email: adeag@albmail.com (report received from 2017))

Related documents

Sailing highlights in Albania - provided by Albania Yachting

Albania Anchorage Points - provided by Albania Yachting

Websites

Albanian National Tourism Agency: http://albania.al/destinations/marina/

777 harbours and anchorages: http://www.777pilotbook.com/

Noonsite: https://www.noonsite.com/place/albania/

World Cruising Wiki: http://www.cruiserswiki.org/wiki/Albania