Emergency and medical help in Vlora

Which number to call

112 is the number to remember. It is the general emergency number in Albania and the first one both the Canadian and UK governments give travellers. The service numbers work as well:

Numbers checked against the Government of Canada’s travel advice (updated 15 October 2026) and the UK FCDO’s Albania advice on 17 October 2026.

What to tell the operator

1. Where you are. Say “Vlorë” (or Vlora), then the street or a landmark everyone knows — the Lungomare, the pier, Flag Square (Sheshi i Flamurit), the Old Beach, the port. Share your phone’s map pin if you can.
2. What happened and how many people need help.
3. Your phone number, and keep the line free afterwards.

If language is a problem, ask your hotel, a café owner or a passer-by to make the call with you. A few words help:

Ndihmë!

Help!

Thirrni ambulancën!

Call an ambulance!

Më duhet një mjek.

I need a doctor.

Ku është spitali?

Where is the hospital?

Hospital and medical care

Vlora Regional Hospital (Spitali Rajonal Vlorë) is the city’s public hospital, in the Partizani neighbourhood (official website).

Be realistic about public health care. The Government of Canada’s advice says good care is limited and varies across the country, that government hospitals often lack basic drugs and equipment, and that ambulance services are very limited — for illness or injury it suggests a taxi or private vehicle may get you to hospital faster than waiting for an ambulance.

English-speaking private care: the UK government’s list of English-speaking medical facilities (updated 17 March 2026) has none in Vlora itself; the nearest it lists is American Hospital Fier, with others in Durrës and Tirana. The list is not a recommendation.

Travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation matters here: both the UK and Canadian advice say so. Keep the policy number and the insurer’s emergency line on your phone.

For minor problems — sunburn, stings, an upset stomach — a pharmacist is usually the first stop. See Pharmacies in Vlora. UK advice is not to drink the tap water in Albania; drink bottled water.

Sea, road and fire safety

At the beach and on the water

• Obey lifeguards and beach flags, and ask locally about jellyfish and sea urchins (UK advice).
• Coastal waters can be dangerous in autumn and winter, when waves break further out and undertows are stronger; never dive into water you do not know (Canadian advice).
• Rent jet skis and boats only from licensed water-sports centres — UK advice notes reports of rental craft without proper safety equipment.

On the road

• UK advice describes driving in Albania as hazardous, with poor rural roads, unlit routes and unmarked roadworks.
• After any accident, even a minor one, stay at the scene until the police arrive — leaving can lead to charges.

Wildfires

Wildfires are common from April to October. Never light fires or barbecues outside designated areas; report a fire on 112.

Consular help and lost passports

• Italian citizens: Italy has a Consulate General in Vlora (L. 10 Korriku, Rr. Murat Tërbaçi), listed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• British nationals: British Embassy Tirana, +355 4 223 4973/4/5 in working hours; +44 20 7008 5000 out of hours (FCDO).
• Other nationalities: your embassy in Tirana — your government’s travel-advice page lists the contact details.

Lost or stolen passport: report it to the police (129 or 112) and keep the report, then contact your embassy or consulate for an emergency travel document.