Border crossings of Albania

Border crossings (Albanian: Vendkalimet kufitare) in the Republic of Albania are defined as boundary checkpoints that serve to control the flow of people and goods from neighbouring countries to and from Albania. These checkpoints are administered by the border police authorities that record the entry and exit of each person and vehicle followed by the customs authorities that record the entry and exit of goods and cash. Albania currently has 22 operational land border crossings and shares borders with Montenegro, Kosovo (116.3 km),^[1] North Macedonia (186.1 km),^[2] and Greece. This article outlines a complete list of Albania's international border crossings, including land, sea and air entry points.^[3]

History

During the communist period in Albania, very few people were allowed to leave the country (usually only diplomats) and would also be required to have written permission to do so. Visitors entering the country from outside for any reason, tourism or otherwise, were immediately suspect and closely monitored. Escaping the country was practically impossible with electric fencing, guard dogs and border police instructed to shoot at will if they saw citizens fleeing across the border.^[4]

Land border crossings

* Indicates main border crossing

 Montenegro

Main article: Albania–Montenegro border

Muriqan-Sukobin integrated crossing between Albania and Montenegro

• Muriqan (Shkodër) – Sukobin, Ulqin^[5]
• Han i Hotit (Malësi e Madhe) – Božaj (Podgorica, the main border crossing)*
• Bashkim, Vermosh – Karaula, Vjeternik (Guci)
• Grabom (Malësi e Madhe) – Cem i Trieshit (Cijevna), Podgorica
• planned border crossings:
  • Zogaj (Shkodër) – Hutaj (Skje), Bar
  • Qafë Vranicë (Tropojë) – Plav

 Kosovo

Morinë–Vërmicë border crossing

• Qafë Morinë (Tropojë) – Gjakovë
• Qafë Prush (Has) – Gjakovë
• Morinë (Kukës) – Vërmicë (Prizren, the main border crossing)*
• Orgjost (Kukës) – Orqushë (pedestrian only, not frequently used)
• Borje – Glloboçicë
• Shishtavec (Kukës) – Dragash (opened as normal border crossing on May 10, 2013)^[6]

 North Macedonia

Bllatë border

• Bllatë (Dibër) – Spas (Debar)
• Trebisht (Dibër) – Džepište (Debar)
• Qafë Thanë (Pogradec) – Kjafasan (Struga, the main border crossing)*
• Tushemisht (Pogradec) – Sveti Naum (Ohrid)
• Goricë (Pustec) – Stenje (Resen)

 Greece

Kakavi border

• Kapshticë (Devoll) – Krystallopigi (Prespes, important border crossing)
• Tre Urat (Përmet) – Melissopetra (Konitsa)
• Sopik (Dropull) – Drymades (Pogoni, pedestrian only, not frequently used)
• Kakavijë – Ktismata (Pogoni, the main border crossing)*
• Rips (Finiq) – Ampelonas (Filiates, pedestrian only, not frequently used)
• Qafë Botë (Konispol) – Sagiada (Filiates)

Railway crossings

 Montenegro

• Podgorica–Shkodër railway^[7]

 Greece

• Pogradec–Krystallopigi railway (planned)^[8]

Maritime ports

Port of Durrës

• Port of Durrës
• Port of Vlorë
• Port of Sarandë
• Port of Shëngjin

Airports

• Tirana International Airport (TIA)
• Kukës International Airport (KFZ)
  • Vlorë International Airport (u/c)

See also

• ASIG
• Albania Border Crossings on Google Maps

References

1. "Kosova në shifra" (PDF). Agjencia e Statistikave të Kosovës. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
2. "Sector for Border Affairs and Migration". Macedonian Border Police. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
3. "Cilat janë pikat kufitare me fluksin më të madh në Shqipëri?". Scan TV. 3 June 2018.
4. Blaire, D. K. (2020-06-24). "The Insane Regime of Enver Hoxha: 40 Years of Hell in Albania (The "Other North Korea")". medium.com. Retrieved 2022-08-22.
5. "Projektligji "Për hapjen e pikës së përbashkët kufitare Muriqan–Sukobin"". Zyra e Komunikimit dhe Informimit të Këshillit të Ministrave. 17 February 2007.
6. "Hapet pikëkalimi Shishtavec midis Kosovës e Shqipërisë". Koha ditore. May 10, 2013. Retrieved May 10, 2013.
7. "Marrëveshjet me Malin e Zi Hekurudha, projekti kryesor". BalkanWeb. 12 May 2001.
8. "Linja e re hekurudhore që do të lidhë Shqipërinë me Greqinë". ABC News. 20 May 2021.