Traveling to Albania for dental care during COVID-19

Are you thinking of traveling to Albania for dental care? But you have questions about the COVID-19 situation? Well, you’re in the right place. Honest Smile is here to answer all of your questions related to traveling from the UK, entering Albania, what you need to know when you are there, and what happens when you return.

Can UK citizens travel to Albania for dental care?

Absolutely! There were restrictions in place against UK citizens leaving and traveling to Albania. The Albanian government mandated that anyone coming from the UK must enter mandatory quarantine for two weeks upon arrival. But thankfully, that restriction has been lifted.

The British government also banned travelers from going on holiday, but traveling for dental care is considered a compelling reason l. Clients of ours that have traveled to Albania from the UK in recent weeks, confirmed that they were not asked their reason for travel before checking in.

Uk citizens or those traveling from the UK can now enter Albania without any limitations or restrictions. There is no requirement to provide a PCR test upon arrival, however, it is wise to make sure you are not positive before you set off for the airport. Additionally, there are no requirements to provide any proof of vaccination or similar. You are free to enter Albania and to undergo dental care abroad under the care of our excellent dental professionals.

However, as we know, things can change quickly in the time of COVID-19. It’s best to contact your airline and airport before departure to be completely sure there are no recent changes. Honest Smile will be happy to provide up-to-date information on the COVID-19 situation in Albania before you travel.

What’s the COVID-19 situation in Albania?

Albania has experienced two waves of COVID-19 since the first case was declared in March 2019. The first wave was quelled due to months-long lockdowns and tight restrictions. During the summer months, cases and deaths were low and life in Albania returned to some semblance of normality.

But by November, cases had started to increase and the wearing of masks in public areas became mandatory. An evening curfew was put in place and groups of more than 10 people are banned. Fines for violating the rules can vary and are handed out by police officers who patrol the cities and towns.

The start of 2021 saw the peak of the second wave of COVID-19 with confirmed cases surpassing 1000 a day. Hospitals were at 90% capacity and there were concerns about how the situation would progress. However, this was also the same time the vaccination program started.

Medical staff, the elderly, and teachers were first, followed by journalists, the over 70s, and over 60s. Thousands of people are being vaccinated each day, including hotel and tourism staff, with vaccines such as Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, Sinopharm, and Sputnik V.

This combined with the remaining mild restrictions means that cases have fallen significantly. There are around 70 cases a day at the time of writing, and mortality is in the low single digits. This trend is expected to continue, bolstered by measures and the continuing rollout of mass vaccination.

What should I be aware of once I am in Albania?

1. It is mandatory to wear a mask at all times in public places. This includes on the street, in shops, on public transport, and in the dental office. You may take your mask off to eat or drink in a cafe or restaurant, and of course, when you are undergoing dental work. You may see people not wearing masks in public, but it’s advisable to follow the rules due to safety concerns and in the hopes of avoiding a fine.
2. Thereare curfews in place between 10 pm and 6 am every day. During this time you cannot go out in public, visit shops, or travel unless you are going to the airport. Travel to and from the airport is allowed during these hours, as long as you can present your ticket. Most grocery shops and restaurants offer delivery services during these times. You can even get freshly made cocktails delivered as and when you choose!
3. Be cautious of social distancing. It’s required, but not enforced, to ensure you are 1.5m away from people in shops and public spaces. We would advise you to do your best to follow these measures during your time in Albania.
4. You should also avoid gathering in an organized group of 10 people or more, in public or in private.

What happens when I return to the UK?

After traveling to Albania for dental care, upon arriving in the UK you must quarantine for 10 days. After five days have passed, you can take a PCR test and if it’s negative, your quarantine can be shortened.

Albania is currently on the Amber List in the UK, but due to a significant drop in cases, this may be downgraded shortly.

As mentioned above, things can change rapidly both in the UK and Albania so be sure to check before you travel.

Why should I consider traveling to Albania for dental care?

Traveling to Albania for dental care is a great idea for several reasons.

1. Albania is a safe, welcoming country where English is spoken by many people in the main cities.
2. It’s a beautiful, geographically diverse nation with stunning scenery just begging to be explored. This makes it the perfect place to combine dental care with a holiday.
3. The food and wine are great, and around a third of the price of other European cities.
4. It is a sunny country with a mild climate. Between May and November, temperatures fluctuate between 18 degrees and 40 degrees, depending on the month and where you are.
5. Albania is around three hours on a direct flight from London. From Albania, you can visit Greece, Italy, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro, dependent on restrictions at the time of your travel.
6. Albanians are super-welcoming to foreigners and will be happy to help you out.
7. Dental care in Albania is top-notch in terms of quality and affordability. Many dentists train abroad and then return to Albania to set up clinics.
8. Dentists are experienced in a range of cosmetic and other dental procedures and offer a secure and safe service at a great price.
9. Honest Smile UK is ready to help you with every step of the process. We can answer any questions you have and assist you with arranging your upcoming trip.

You can read more about why Albania is a great choice, here.

To ask any further questions or to find out about packages and prices, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Honest Smile is ready and waiting to hear from you!