US Embasy in Tirana announces to the US citizens to avoid a potential crisis, during the ceremony on Sunday.

U.S. Embassy Tirana, Albania

Security Message:  Papal Visit to Tirana

September 18, 2014

On Sunday, September 21, Pope Francis will visit Tirana.  According to information from the Vatican, the visit will begin with a welcoming ceremony at Mother Teresa International Airport and include events at the Presidential Palace, the Catholic University, the Cathedral of Saint Paul, the Centro Betania charitable institution, and a public mass in Mother Teresa Square. 

The Embassy expects very large crowds at all of the events, and some estimates suggest more than 500,000 people will attend the public mass in Mother Teresa Square.  Media reports also have noted recent threats against the Pope.  Although Albanian authorities will take precautionary measures as best they can, given the projected size of the crowd, it will be difficult for authorities to respond to an emergency situation.  Local government capacity to provide medical services and emergency first response is limited.  The Embassy will not be in a position to locate or provide immediate assistance to U.S. citizens in the crowd.  If you choose to attend the mass, you should be aware of your surroundings, maintain a high level of vigilance, and have a plan for how to leave the area quickly, but in an orderly manner, should the need arise.  If you are traveling with a group, have a pre-determined meeting point in case you become separated.  Do not plan to rely on cellular phone service as demands on the system will exceed capacity.

There will be extensive road closures throughout the center of the city beginning early Sunday morning.  Traffic throughout Tirana will be affected, including on major arteries leading into and out of the city.   Travel routes between the eastern and western parts of the city will be limited.  Routes to and from the airport will also be affected and if you are planning to travel by air you should contact your airline for information on possible flight delays.  Monitor local media for additional information on road closures and travel delays.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Albania enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy.
Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  Read the Country Specific Information for Albania.  For additional information, refer to “Traveler's Checklist.”
Contact the U.S. Embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana is located at Rruga Elbasanit, Nr. 103 in Tirana, Albania, and is open to the public by appointment on Monday through Thursday from 13:00 to 15:45.  You can schedule a non-emergency appointment by visiting our American Citizens Services website.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy in Tirana is +355-(0)-4224-7285.