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The coastline of Albania
Credit: Getty<\/p>\n
NEED TO KNOW<\/p>\n
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana, Albania, issued a security alert encouraging Americans to “exercise increased vigilance,” citing potentially dangerous pro-Iran groups<\/p>\n
Albania remains under a Level 2 travel advisory, urging travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime concerns<\/p>\n
Despite the alert, Albanian officials maintain there is no concrete evidence of a real security threat for visitors<\/p>\n
The U.S. State Department has issued a new warning for Americans visiting a European travel destination that is continuing to grow in popularity among foreign tourists.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, the U.S. Embassy in Tirana, Albania, encouraged American citizens to \u201cexercise increased vigilance\u201d while visiting the European capital city. The April 1 security alert<\/a> specifically cited that \u201cgroups associated with Iran may seek to target entities associated with the U.S. or Iranian opposition elements in Albania.\u201d<\/p>\n The alert further warns that these groups \u201cmay also target common venues, such as tourist sites, shopping malls, hotels, clubs and restaurants.\u201d<\/p>\n Tirana, Albania The State Department recommends Americans stay alert, be aware of their surroundings, monitor local media and keep their cell phones charged in case of an emergency.<\/p>\n Currently, Albania is categorized with only a Level 2 travel advisory<\/a> from the State Department. This designation recommends travelers \u201cexercise increased caution.\u201d The advisory, last updated on Dec. 31, 2024, cites crime as the primary reason for concern.<\/p>\n Despite the warnings, Albanian authorities emphasized \u201cthere is no concrete information about a real threat to security,\u201d according to a translated press release<\/a> from the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs.<\/p>\n After communicating with anti-terrorism police, the Department of Public Safety and Criminal Police \u2014 who are in contact with the Security Office of the American Embassy \u2014 Minister of Internal Affairs Besfort Lamallari confirmed \u201cthere is no concreted information, even intelligence, about a real dangerous situation.\u201d<\/p>\n He added in the April 2 release: \u201cThe fact is that Albania remains a safe country for Albanian citizens and for all those who visit Albania.\u201d<\/p>\n The total number of foreign tourists who visited Albania in 2025 rose to 12.47 million. That represents about a 6.6% increase from 2024, according to data reviewed by the Albanian Daily News<\/a> from the country’s statistical office. About 71.5% of those tourists came from Southern Europe.<\/p>\n Travel + Leisure<\/a> reports that Albania is known for having some of the bluest water in the world. Tourists often enjoy kayaking, rafting and diving while on the country’s beaches. Meanwhile, nearly three-quarters of its land is made up of mountains and hills.<\/p>\n Never miss a story \u2014 sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter<\/a> to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer\u200b\u200b, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.<\/p>\n Those considering traveling to Albania are encouraged by the State Department to sign up for its free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program<\/a> (STEP), which provides email updates and alerts from U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.<\/p>\n![\"Tirana,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776138093_202_3367af9c88a38fdbd6e13a141318ced6.jpeg\"\/)
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Credit: Getty<\/p>\n