Information for Travelers

Warden Information, US TIRANE EMBASSY

January, 7, 2010

Increased water flows in the rivers running in northern Albania

Heavy rains and melting snow have increased water flows in the rivers running in northern Albania, mainly the Drini and Buna, resulting in extensive flooding in the Drini River Delta, mainly in the coastal floodplains and regions of Shkoder and Lezhe. Parts of the Tirana-Shkoder Road have been reported flooded, with traffic being limited to high-clearance vehicles. Additionally, the road between Shkoder and Tropoje is reported as impassable to normal traffic. The villages of Dajc and Obot have been ordered evacuated, and more evacuations are possible. Peace Corps Volunteers regularly assigned in the affected areas have been temporarily relocated to Tirana.

The U.S. Embassy in Tirana encourages all U.S. citizens in the affected region to monitor news channels for announcements of road closures and evacuations, and to exercise extreme caution. Travel into the affected area should be avoided at this time.

U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website, and the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Albania are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Tirana through the State Department's travel registration website, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Albania. By registering, U.S. citizens make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Tirana is located at Rr. Elbasanit, No. 103, Tel: +355-(0)4-224-7285; Fax: +355-(0)4-237-4957; E-mail: ACSTirana@state.gov