Basic rules for receiving tourists in the 2020 tourist season, according to the protocol adopted by the Republic of Albania

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Albania, like the rest of the world, began to take measures against the spread of the virus within the country. As statistics show, Albania is one of the most successful countries in the world and in the region in terms of results in the fight against COVID-19, which makes it possible for the country to be one of the first to open its borders.

To achieve this, a protocol of ANTI COVID-19 measures was proposed as a result of meetings between government institutions and representatives of the tourism industry.

The rules for receiving tourists in Albania begin from the moment of their arrival at the border (land borders, airport, port).

Temperature check upon arrival at passport control;
For organized tourism (arrival by charters), meeting at the airport by a transfer guide for the group of tourists heading to a specific resort, escort to the bus, which is pre-treated (this procedure is carried out after each flight, several times a day), performing the transfer of the group to the resort (to each hotel where the tourists will be staying). Group coordinators and drivers will wear masks and gloves, and during the transfer, the guide will provide all information on safety measures against COVID-19. Also, each tourist on the transfer will be provided with an information package, as well as information related to safety against COVID-19.
It is mandatory for every tourist to wear a mask at the airport and on the plane.
In every hotel, according to the protocol, there are certain measures for receiving tourists:
in every hotel, there will be a coordinator who is specially trained and instructs the hotel staff and informs tourists about safety rules;
temperature measurement will be carried out at the entrance to the hotel. This procedure will be carried out constantly, and temperature readings will also be recorded every day (morning and evening) for the entire stay of tourists at the hotel in a special register for each tourist;
all hotel service personnel will wear masks and gloves;
the hotel will conduct constant cleaning using disinfectants. Also, disinfectants will be provided for tourists in the hotel;
all safety information against COVID-19, contact phone numbers that tourists can use, will be provided at the hotel reception;
in the hotel restaurant, the distance between chairs, according to the protocol, should be at least 1 m and no more than 4 people per table. Increased disinfection measures will also be applied in the restaurant. According to the protocol, the type of catering (buffet) in the hotel restaurant is recommended to be switched to (A'la Carte);
all hotel staff will constantly undergo medical checks.
According to the protocol, restrictions on various types of entertainment involving close contact will be introduced for the 2020 season.
Beach and pool use:
on the beach, umbrellas must be at a distance of at least 3.5 meters;
constant control of water purity and filters in the pool;
sun loungers by the pool will be arranged in pairs at a distance of 2 m;
disinfection of sun loungers on the beach and by the pool must be carried out three times a day;
information regarding safety rules against COVID-19 must be available on the beach and near the pool;
Tourist visits to excursions will be carried out in compliance with the rules of the COVID-19 safety protocol.
All personnel of the host company in Albania will adhere to COVID-19 safety rules, undergo constant instruction and medical checks.
The tour operator - the host company in Albania, will track the movements of all tourists during their stay in the country according to transfer lists.
These rules in Albania will be in force until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published 15.06.2020