VZCZCXYZ0005
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHTI #0179/01 0830854
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 240854Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY TIRANA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 7976

UNCLAS TIRANA 000179 
 
 
Note - PII Data Removed 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: APER AFIN AL
SUBJECT: WELCOME TO ALBANIA 
 
Ref: STATE 26645 
 
¶1. WELCOME 
 
Congratulations on your assignment to Tirana, Albania. The American 
Embassy community of Tirana welcomes you in advance and looks 
forward to your arrival.  We are confident that you will find Tirana 
and the Embassy a rewarding place to live and work.  To help us keep 
in touch with you while you are traveling between assignments, 
please provide the A/Management Officer, Lisa Ficek, with your 
Agency and personal email address, phone numbers and mailing address 
so we can keep you informed of sponsors and other events here. 
Please keep us up-to-date on your travel plans including: date, 
time, flight number, airline, the number of persons, any pets 
accompanying you and approximate amount of luggage you are carrying 
so a large enough vehicle is provided.  To assist you in planning 
your transfer, we offer the following information.  For additional 
information, please visit Embassy Tirana's Intranet webpage at 
http://tirana.state.gov/ 
 
¶2. INDEX 
 
¶1.  Welcome 
¶2.  Index 
¶3.  Housing 
¶4.  Household Furnishings 
¶5.  Electrical and Electronic Equipment 
¶6.  Internet and Television Broadcasting 
¶7.  Hospitality kits 
¶8.  Clothing Considerations 
¶9.  Vehicles 
¶10. Health 
¶11. Currency 
¶12. Recreation 
¶13. General Shopping 
¶14. Pets 
¶15. Mail/Pouch 
¶16. Transferring Email Accounts 
¶17. General Shipping Instructions 
¶18. Shipping instructions for HHE and Consumables 
¶19. Shipping Instructions for UAB 
¶20. Passports and Visas 
¶21. Sponsorship Program 
¶22. Additional Information 
¶23. Management Section Contacts 
 
¶3. HOUSING 
 
Embassy furnished housing is split between the Rilindja Ridge 
Housing compound, a U.S. Government-owned housing compound of 
duplexes located on the outskirts of downtown Tirana, and apartments 
or villas in the downtown area.  The latter are conveniently located 
near shops, restaurants, dance clubs, museums and movie theaters. 
Villas in town are generally large and spacious with ceramic and 
wood parquet floors.  Most villas and apartments lack closets, so 
wardrobes are provided.  Yards around villas tend to be small and 
parking often limited to one vehicle in the villa's walled compound. 
 The walled housing compound, which looks like suburban America, has 
a playground, fitness center, tennis court and a swimming pool. 
Almost all housing, whether government-owned or leased, is located 
within five miles of the chancery, and many apartments are within 
easy walking distance to the Embassy. 
 
Because of the frequent utility outages in Albania, Embassy 
residences are equipped with generators and reserve water tanks. 
These backup systems help ensure that heat, cooling, light, water 
and security alarms work 24/7.  A note of caution, electrical surges 
and brownouts do occur and occupants should bring surge protectors 
and UPS for their computers and entertainment systems. 
 
The Interagency Housing Board assigns all housing. Please email the 
GSO with information on your family size and composition, pets, and 
any health related problems or concerns, (such as allergies, 
difficulty managing stairs, etc.).  Your input will assist the GSO 
and housing board in trying to match officers' housing requests with 
dwellings. 
 
¶4. HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS 
 
Most homes include U.S. Government provided American furniture for 
living room, dining room, and bedrooms and the following appliances 
- refrigerator, oven/stove, washer, dryer, microwave, vacuum 
cleaner, and in some cases dishwasher and ceiling fans.  In some 
apartment/villas, the landlords provide some furniture and 
appliances.  AFN decoders are provided for most houses, please check 
with your agency.  Employees with large collections of books or 
bric-a-brac may want to bring their own bookcases.  Contact the 
General Services Office IVG 970-3369 or email FicekLL@State.gov if 
you have questions about the furnishings in your assigned residence. 
Please note that Tirana is a limited shipment post.  Post does not 
have storage facilities for employees' personal effects. 
 
¶5. ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT 
 
Albania uses 220 volt, 50-cycle electricity.  State Personnel 
 
receive two transformers.  Employees of other agencies should check 
with their agency at post.  Remember that a transformer changes the 
voltage but not the cycles and cycles may control clock speeds for 
alarm clocks, microwave ovens, answering machines, etc.  Some 110 
volt 60 HZ equipment with timers may not function properly.  If you 
plan to operate a lot of 110v equipment, you should consider 
bringing additional transformers or be prepared to purchase them 
locally.  If you plan to ship a computer, it is recommended that you 
also ship a 220-volt UPS and surge protector.  Albania experiences 
severe power fluctuations and disruptions, especially during the 
winter months.  You may also purchase an UPS locally for prices 
higher than those in the U.S. 
 
¶6.  COMMUNICATION - INTERNET, TV AND RADIO 
 
Residential dial-up Internet service, available locally, tends to be 
slow, but personal e-mail, on-line banking, and shopping are 
possible.  Several Internet providers offer "high-speed" connections 
(DSL).  Prices for these services vary depending upon your needs and 
the availability of coverage within your neighborhood. Employees 
assigned to Ridge Housing may request access to a high-speed 
Internet line for which they will be billed.  Please note that 
residential Internet service is a personal contractual 
responsibility of the employee. The Embassy has two common use 
Internet terminals in the CLO office that officers and their 
families may use at any time. 
 
Albanian TV operates on the PAL system.  Some employees have 
purchased and installed personal satellite TV systems including 
decoder, satellite dish, and connecting cables.  A local antenna, 
which costs around 20.00 USD, can receive several Albanian channels. 
Tirana also has several radio stations that play a mix of oldies and 
today's hits. 
 
¶7. HOSPITALITY KITS 
 
A hospitality kit will be provided until your airfreight arrives. 
This kit contains basic household items such as linens, pots and 
pans, kitchen utensils, plates, glasses, flatware, shower curtain, 
ironing board and iron.  The hospitality kit should be returned 
clean soon after you receive your airfreight. Therefore, be sure to 
include all of these basic items in your airfreight.  Upon request, 
GSO can provide a more detailed list of recommended items to include 
in your airfreight. 
 
¶8. CLOTHING CONSIDERATIONS 
 
Pack a sufficient range of clothing in your suitcase and UAB to 
cover the potential for cooler weather in the fall and winter 
months. Depending on shipping dates from your previous post, HHE can 
take several months to arrive.  Tirana enjoys four seasons but they 
are generally mild. Summer temperatures can reach the low 100s at 
midday, winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night. 
 
¶9. VEHICLES 
 
There are no restrictions on the type of personally owned vehicle 
(POV) you can import into Albania. The Government of Albania permits 
an employee with diplomatic status to import duty-free or purchase 
locally tax-free one vehicle. When a spouse accompanies an employee 
with diplomatic status, the spouse can import duty free or buy 
locally tax-free a vehicle, which will be registered under the 
spouse's name. If you ship a vehicle to post, you must bring the 
original title to register the vehicle. "E-titles" are not accepted, 
unless a notary from the state where the vehicle title was issued 
notarizes the E-title.  The Albanian Government will not accept an 
E-title notarized by the Embassy's consular section. If you need 
additional information with respect to shipping, registering, and 
operating a POV in Tirana, please contact the General Services 
Officer. 
 
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory and must be obtained 
through a local insurance firm before your vehicle can be 
registered.  Information on third-party liability insurance 
companies is available in the Customs and Shipping Office once you 
arrive at Post.  Most employees purchase collision and comprehension 
coverage in the United States.  One such company that provides 
service overseas is Clements (www.clements.com).  There may be other 
insurance companies that provide comparable services.  Be sure your 
policy includes transit to Post as well as in-country coverage. 
 
¶10. HEALTH 
 
Post's on-site Medical Officer is Jill Barnes, Foreign Service 
Health Practitioner. Post's Regional Medical Officer and Regional 
Psychiatrist are located in Vienna. Local health care services are 
poor. If you are a member of ICASS and have a medical clearance, you 
are eligible for care in the Health Unit. It is strongly recommended 
that you bring a good supply of your frequently used 
over-the-counter and prescription drugs and vitamins. Aerosols or 
liquid that are medically related are the only such items that may 
be shipped in the pouch. Very few over-the-counter drugs common to 
the U.S. are available in Tirana. The following immunizations are 
strongly recommended: hepatitis A and B, tetanus, diphtheria, and 
typhoid.  Tick Bourne Encephalitis (TBE) vaccine is recommended for 
 
those who plan to spend a lot of time outside in grassy/wooded 
areas. Dental services are available but with varying degrees of 
capabilities and equipment.  We strongly recommend you complete your 
dental care before coming to post. Due to the dust in the summer 
months, Tirana is a high-risk area for allergy and asthma patients. 
If you already suffer from respiratory illnesses, be prepared to 
cope with the increased discomfort. 
 
We strongly suggest you review your private health insurance plan 
before arrival to ensure it is appropriate for the overseas 
environment.  Bring copies of your insurance claim forms and card, 
your most recent medical clearance form (DS-823) and your 
immunization record. Have all your contact numbers and addresses 
readily available in case the need arises.  If you have prescription 
coverage and regular prescription needs, please carefully review 
that aspect of your insurance coverage prior to your departure. 
 
¶11. Currency 
 
Tirana is a cash based economy. It is possible to change U.S. 
Dollars to the Albanian Lek five days a week at the American Bank of 
Albania branch located on Embassy grounds.  Electronic cash machines 
(ATM) are widely available in Tirana; one is located on the Embassy 
grounds.  Shops, airlines, restaurants and most hotels generally do 
not accept credit cards. 
 
¶12. RECREATION 
 
The American Embassy Recreation Association (AERA) plans fun events 
and manages a fitness center and swimming pool, both located on the 
Embassy housing compound.  The AERA does not operate or plan to open 
a commissary.  There are limited recreational facilities available 
in Tirana - the city operates a couple of public swimming pools and 
the Ambassador's residence has a tennis court.  Opera and classical 
concerts are popular here, but performances are limited.  A number 
of dance clubs offer live music entertainment.  The beaches, which 
are an hour or two drive from Tirana, can be crowded but do offer a 
weekend getaway. Many Americans participate in the Hash House 
Harriers' weekly run/walk events. 
 
¶13.  GENERAL SHOPPING 
 
Availability of food items in Albania is improving. Most processed 
food items are imported from Italy and Greece.  Many American foods 
are not available and of those for sale, your favorite brand may be 
hard to find.  Many officers order consumables through a military 
commissary and ELSO after their arrival at Post.  Good quality 
produce is available in the many outdoor farmers' markets scattered 
throughout the city, though local fruits and vegetables are 
available in season. Local shops carry a wide variety of products, 
but it is suggested that you bring sufficient shoes and clothing 
with you because selections and styles are limited and quality 
varies. 
 
¶14. PETS 
 
Dogs and cats are not subject to quarantine, but should have all 
shots up-to-date at least 30 days prior to departure.  An 
international health certificate showing rabies and distemper 
vaccinations is not required but is recommended. If you plan to ship 
exotic pets please check with the GSO.  Grocery stores stock basic 
dog and cat food and many also carry some European brands of kitty 
litter.  Please indicate to GSO whether or not you intend to bring a 
pet to post and confirm your pet status in your subsequent arrival 
cables.  There are at least two English-speaking veterinarians in 
Tirana. 
 
¶15.  MAIL/POUCH 
 
Diplomatic Pouch for personal mail services is available to Mission 
employees.  Usage restrictions are described below.  The embassy 
pouch address is: 
 
Your Name> 
9510 Tirana Place 
Dulles, VA 20189-9510 
 
Mail being sent to Tirana from the U.S. by pouch is subject to size 
and weight restrictions and is received twice a week.  Parcels may 
not exceed 17 inches X 18 inches X 30 inches in any dimension and 
must not weigh more than 45 pounds.  A Xerox size paper box or the 
largest box currently on sale by the USPS is the biggest size box 
the pouch system will accept.  Prohibited items include liquids 
(other than pharmaceuticals), aerosols, alcoholic beverages, 
perishable items, ammunition and other things not allowed in the 
USPS. Pouches are routinely x-rayed and boxes returned to sender if 
they contain prohibited items. 
 
Outgoing mail is restricted to a package the size of video cassette 
tape and flat envelopes, not to exceed two pounds.  An exception is 
that merchandise delivered through the pouch may be returned to the 
vendor.  Allow at least two weeks, three weeks to be safe, for 
delivery of a letter to the U.S. through the diplomatic pouch. 
 
It is against regulations to ship all or part of your HHE, UAB and 
 
consumables via the pouch.  Abuse of pouch privileges could result 
in an employee receiving a bill for the cost of the airfreight of 
those items. 
 
¶16. TRANSFERRING EMAIL ACCOUNTS 
 
Holders of Department OpenNet and ClassNet e-mail accounts should 
consult 06 STATE 131394 for specific instructions on how to prepare 
and handle the transfer of existing accounts to Tirana.  US Embassy 
Tirana uses Active Directory with Exchange 2003; please provide this 
information to the system administrators of your most recent post. 
In an effort to ensure that users do not experience long delays in 
reclaiming e-mail accounts upon transfer, a departing employee 
should contact the Systems Administrator (Class and Unclass) for 
account transfer procedures.  Good communication and prompt action 
on your part will ensure that the e-mail directory remains clean and 
accurate and that you will not experience a long delay in reclaiming 
your e-mail accounts upon reporting to duty. 
 
¶17. GENERAL SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS 
 
All personal effects shipments (UAB, HHE, POV and Consumables) 
should be timed to arrive after the employee's arrival to post. 
Personal effects shipments cannot be cleared through customs in 
advance of employee's arrival.  Shipping documents, copies of all 
inventories, airway bills, and bills-of-lading should be faxed at 
the earliest opportunity to American Embassy Tirana 355-4-232-222. 
Send the original to attn.: GSO Shipping, Department of State, 9510 
Tirana Place, Washington D.C. 20521-9510 or by courier to GSO 
Shipping, American Embassy Tirana, Rruga Elbasanit 103, Tirana, 
Albania.  Please put employee's complete name on all papers. 
Additional copies should be hand-carried by employee. 
 
¶18.  SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS FOR HHE AND CONSUMABLES 
 
¶A. There is no limitation on size or weight of shipping containers. 
For Department of State personnel your HHE shipment is limited to 
7,200 lbs. per employee and the consumable shipment is limited to 
2,500 Lbs.  If you are assigned to another agency please verify your 
allowances with your agency. 
¶B. HHE should be routed through port of discharge Antwerp, Belgium, 
for - ELSO.  Military shipping routes vary. 
¶C. Marking instructions: Name of employee, American Embassy Tirana, 
Albania 
For forwarding to: 
 
American Embassy 
Tirana 
Rruga e Elbasanit, 103 
Tirana, Albania 
(Employee's first, middle, and last name) 
 
¶D. HHE should be always routed through ELSO, Antwerp. 
¶E. Consignee to be designated on ocean bill-of-lading: ELSO Antwerp 
 
¶19. SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS FOR UAB 
 
¶A. For Department of State personnel, your UAB shipment is limited 
to: 250 lbs. for the first person traveling, 200 lbs. for the second 
person traveling, 150 lbs. for the third person traveling and 100 
lbs. for each additional person traveling. 
¶B. Marking instructions to be placed on containers: 
(Employee's first, middle and last name) 
U.S. Embassy Tirana / office symbol 
Rruga e Elbasanit, 103 
Tirana, Albania 
¶C. UAB should be routed to Tirana International Airport (Rinas). 
 
¶20. PASSPORTS AND VISAS 
 
American Officials assigned to the U.S. Mission to Albania and their 
family members must obtain Albanian diplomatic entry visas from an 
Albanian Mission abroad prior to coming to Albania. Failure to 
obtain a diplomatic entry visa before arriving in Albania will cause 
long delays in obtaining diplomatic identification cards and 
clearing household effects and personal vehicles through Customs. 
 
You should visit the Management Office on the first workday after 
your arrival to complete forms for your diplomatic identification 
card and obtain the arrival check-in sheet.  This sheet includes the 
offices that will assist you in smoothly settling into Tirana. 
Please hand-carry the following items to post: 
 
¶1. Minimum of six ID photos, size 1" x 1", for each member of your 
family. 
¶2. All documents (inventories, GBL, AWB, etc.) concerning your HHE, 
UAB, vehicle, and consumable shipments. 
¶3. Your State Department ID Badge 
 
¶21.  SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM 
 
We have an active sponsorship program to assist you in your 
transition to Albania.  The Community Liaison Officer will contact 
you with information on your sponsor, life in Albania and the 
diplomatic community.  Your sponsor and/or your section will meet 
 
you at the airport and introduce you to your new surroundings. 
 
¶22.  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
The CLO will send you additional information via e-mail.  After 
reading this cable, the CLO material and the Post Report, if you 
have questions please contact the appropriate person on the 
management team below, your sponsor, or your future supervisor.  We 
wish you a warm welcome to Tirana. 
 
¶23.  MANAGEMENT SECTION CONTACTS 
 
U.S. Embassy Tirana - Switchboard 
tel: 355-4-224-7285) 
fax: 355-4-223-2222 
 
Local Address: 
Rruga e Elbasanit 103 
Tirana, Albania 
 
A/Management Officer/GSO: Lisa Ficek 
email: FicekLL@State.gov 
tel: 355-4-247-285, ext. 3369 
IVG:  970-3369 
cell phone:  355-068-206-8203 
 
Shipping:  Agron Brahja 
email:  brahjaa@state.gov 
tel: 355-4-224-7285, ext 3188 
IVG:  970-3188 
cell phone: 355-068-405-1221 
 
CLO:  Nora Zajazi 
email: CLOtirana@state.gov 
tel:  355-4-224-7285, ext 3072 
IVG:  970-3072 
cell phone:  355-068-602-3357 
 
IMO:  Randal Meyers 
email:  meyersr@state.gov 
tel:  355-4-224-7285, ext 3040 
IVG:  970-3040 
cell phone:  355-068-403-9089 
 
Health:  Jill Barnes 
tel:  355-4-224-7285, ext 3549 
IVG:  970-3549 
cell phone:  355-068-602-3356 
 
WITHERS