Albania has a significant diaspora community in the UK, and repatriations between the two countries often involve Albanian nationals who lived and worked in Britain and whose families wish to bring them home. British tourists visiting Albania are increasing but remain a smaller group. The country is within Europe and the administrative process is manageable. This guide answers the questions UK families ask.
For the full process detail, see our complete guide to repatriation from Albania. This article focuses on the practical questions.
The community and direction of travel
Many Albanian nationals living in the UK maintain close ties with family in Albania. When a death occurs in Albania during a family visit, the family in the UK needs to decide whether to bring the body back to the UK or arrange burial in Albania. A coordinator can explain both routes and what each involves.
The civil registry and the prosecutor
Death registration goes through the local gjendja civile, the civil registry office. For a natural death, the death certificate is issued promptly. A sudden or unexplained death involves the prokuroria, and any forensic examination ordered must conclude before the death certificate is issued and the body released.
Documents are in Albanian and require certified translation for use in the UK.
Tirana as the departure point
Tirana International Airport is the main departure point for international cargo. The coordinator and local funeral director manage the export documentation and cargo booking together.
For further guidance, see our articles on documents needed to repatriate a body to the UK and who pays for repatriation when someone dies abroad.