Teravia
Emergency numbers and hospitals
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Safety

Emergency numbers and hospitals

Who to call, where to go, and what to expect if you need urgent help in Albania.

Emergency numbers

112 is the single nationwide number for police, ambulance, and fire. Save it before you travel. English may be limited outside cities — say your location clearly and stay on the line.

  • 112 — police, ambulance, and fire (preferred)

  • 127 — ambulance (legacy)

  • 129 — police (legacy)

  • 128 — fire brigade

In the mountains with no signal, ask at the nearest guesthouse; locals will help coordinate help.

What to do in an emergency

  • Life-threatening: call 112 immediately. Give your location (town, road name, or GPS pin), what happened, and how many people need help.

  • Road accident: call 112, do not move injured people unless there is immediate danger, exchange details, photograph the scene, and contact your insurer and rental company.

  • Mountain rescue: call 112 and say you are hiking (Theth, Valbona, etc.); your guesthouse can also raise the alarm.

  • Lost passport or theft: report to local police for a written report (needed for insurance and embassy), then contact your embassy in Tirana.

Hospitals in Tirana

  • QSUT / Mother Teresa — main public hospital, Rruga e Dibrës. Emergency department 24/7; large but busy.

  • Spitali Amerikan — private, Bulevardi Zhan D'Ark. English widely spoken; expensive without insurance.

  • ABC Hospital — private, Rruga Teodor Keko.

  • Hygeia Hospital — private, Rruga e Elbasanit.

Hospitals in other cities

Durrës, Shkodër, Vlorë, Sarandë, Korçë, Gjirokastër, and Berat all have regional hospitals for emergencies. Standards vary — for serious but non-life-threatening issues in smaller towns, many travellers continue to Tirana or a private clinic.

Private clinics and dentists

Polyclinic, Genolab, and other clinic chains in Tirana offer blood tests, imaging, and GP appointments with shorter waits. Dentists are affordable compared to Western Europe — useful for emergency dental work.

Embassies

Most embassies are in Tirana. In a passport emergency, call your embassy after reporting to police. Keep a photocopy or photo of your passport separate from the original.

Practical tips

  • EHIC/GHIC does not cover private hospitals or mountain evacuation — full travel insurance is essential.

  • Ambulances may take time in rural areas. Call 112 first, even if a taxi to the nearest hospital is faster.

  • Pharmacies handle minor issues only — see our health guide for day-to-day care.