Albania

Yacht arrivals in Albania

The Albanian Maritime Authority (AMA) has stated publicly that port-entry procedures depend on vessel type and size. Small and tourist vessels may use a maritime agent at the destination port to handle the necessary formalities with port authorities. This is general guidance; procedures may differ by port and approval is not guaranteed. Foreign crew remain subject to border checks. Check visa and entry eligibility with Border Police for each crew member's nationality and travel document.

Albania's main seaports and port authorities include Durrës, Vlorë, Sarandë, and Shëngjin. Each has a harbour master's office, but that does not confirm that every port can process entry for every foreign private yacht. AMA says procedures for small and tourist vessels depend on type and size and are generally handled by the destination port's maritime agent in coordination with port authorities. Before departure, contact the relevant harbour master's office and Customs to confirm whether the port can process yacht entry, immigration, customs, and quarantine, and whether an agent must be booked.

AMA-published harbour master's office contacts: Durrës +355 52 706970; Vlorë +355 85 920100; Sarandë +355 85 920101; Shëngjin 021 590001. Contact details and services may change; verify them before departure.

Advance notification

Albania's National Maritime Single Window rules require vessels subject to notification to report vessel identification, destination port, estimated arrival/departure times, and persons on board through the owner/operator, agent, or master. The usual deadline is at least 24 hours in advance; for a voyage shorter than 24 hours, notification is due no later than departure from the previous port. If the destination port changes, notify as soon as the information is known. The rules exempt pleasure craft under 45 metres from this general port-call notice. A separate border and immigration notification requires the master or agent to submit crew and passenger lists through the Maritime Single Window. The stated deadline is generally 24 hours before arrival, or at departure from the previous port for a short voyage, and as soon as possible after a voyage or port-information change. Confirm with destination Border Police or an agent how these requirements apply to a small pleasure craft.

Border Police and other border authorities conduct entry and exit checks, which must take place at an authorised border crossing. In a public 2026 response to an enquiry about a private yacht sailing from Greece to Sarandë, AMA said that foreign nationals' entry and exit eligibility was outside its remit and referred the enquirer to Border Police. Visa requirements and permitted stay depend on each crew member's nationality, travel document, and circumstances. Confirm directly with Albanian Border Police before sailing; the ability to berth at a port does not itself authorise entry.

Albanian Customs' public guidance requires vessels sailing in customs border areas at sea, on lakes, or on navigable rivers and carrying goods into or out of Albanian customs territory to carry a cargo manifest. Customs also publishes cargo declaration and general temporary-import rules. These are cargo rules and do not establish a uniform declaration, security, or temporary-import period for foreign private yachts. AMA's public response says FAL port-entry formalities for small and tourist vessels depend on vessel type and size and may be handled by a destination-port maritime agent. Before sailing, separately confirm with destination Customs and the agent the declaration and temporary-import requirements for the yacht and items aboard, required documents, and departure formalities. No uniform official period applicable to all foreign pleasure craft was located.

Pets and biosecurity

Albania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says companion animals entering or leaving for non-commercial purposes through a border inspection point must undergo veterinary inspection. Dogs, cats, and similar animals must be identifiable and accompanied by a passport issued by an official veterinarian showing rabies vaccination and, where required, other disease-prevention measures. Unvaccinated animals under three months may move only if specific conditions listed by the Ministry are met. This public guidance concerns companion animals; no complete official list was found for food, plants, catch, or vessel stores aboard yachts. Before carrying these items, confirm declaration and inspection requirements with the National Food Authority and the port of entry.

Firearms and other controlled items

Albanian Customs says B- and C-category firearms and ammunition for trade, import/export, hunting, or target shooting require a permit from the competent National Police authority. Foreign nationals bringing firearms into Albania must also obtain that authority's temporary permit in advance. Do not infer from this summary that storage aboard or transit is exempt; declare items and confirm permits, transport, storage, and departure procedures with Police and Customs before carrying them. Customs also lists military and dual-use goods, CITES-protected plants and animals, and narcotic or psychotropic substances as prohibited or restricted categories. Check the current rules for each item.

Port formalities

AMA's public response says port-entry procedures depend on vessel type and size. A maritime agent at the destination port may assist small and tourist vessels; documents commonly needed include vessel papers, proof of insurance, crew list, and passenger list if applicable. National Maritime Single Window rules generally require advance reporting for vessels of 300 gross tonnage or more, but pleasure craft under 45 metres are exempt from that particular arrival/departure notice. Separate border-person lists and customs declarations still apply, so the exemption does not mean all formalities are waived. Before arrival, confirm the applicable reporting channel, inspection sequence, agent requirements, and office arrangements with the destination port.

Port charges and departure

The official sources reviewed do not publish a single clearance or departure fee applicable to all foreign pleasure yachts in Albania. Durrës Port Authority directs users to its Port Tariff Handbook, but the version currently linked on its site is marked 2021 and cannot confirm current yacht charges. Berthing, agents, port services, and customs matters may be charged separately. Before departure, confirm current amounts, payment methods, departure declarations, and required documents with the port, maritime agent, and Customs.