What to do if someone dies in Albania

Albania is a growing destination for British visitors. The Albanian Riviera, the historic city of Gjirokaster, and Berat attract increasing numbers of UK tourists. Deaths in Albania are less common than in major Western European destinations, but they do occur, and the process requires careful management.

Step 1: Notify the British Embassy Tirana

The British Embassy in Tirana must be notified as soon as possible. Address: Rruga Skenderbej 12, Tirana. Phone: +355 4 223 4973. FCDO 24-hour emergency line: +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

The Embassy registers the death with UK authorities and provides advice on current Albanian procedures. Contact them on the day of death, not the following day.

Step 2: RGJC death registration

Deaths are registered at the local office of the RGJC (Regjistri Gjendjes Civile, National Civil Registry). The Certifikate Vdekje (death certificate) is issued in Albanian. For hospital deaths in Tirana, the process is handled within the capital’s system. For deaths in coastal or rural areas, the local RGJC office handles registration, but capacity varies.

For unnatural deaths, the police are notified and the Prokuroria (Prosecutor’s Office) takes jurisdiction.

Step 3: Transfer to Tirana (if necessary)

Albania’s forensic pathology capacity is concentrated in Tirana. Deaths in the south (Albanian Riviera, Saranda, Gjirokastra) or north (Shkoder, Valbona) typically require the body to be transferred to Tirana before the forensic post-mortem can be conducted. Road distances and conditions vary. This transfer adds 1 to 3 days in most cases.

Confirm with the Embassy whether the post-mortem can be conducted regionally before authorising any transfer.

Step 4: Prosecutor’s post-mortem

When ordered, the post-mortem is conducted by the Institut i Mjekesise Ligjore (Institute of Forensic Medicine) in Tirana. Results typically available within 7 to 14 days of the examination. The Prosecutor issues a release order before embalming can proceed.

Step 5: Embalming and laissez-passer

Embalming is mandatory for international transfer under the Strasbourg Agreement. The laissez-passer is issued by the Ministry of Interior or local prefecture. Allow 3 to 7 days once all documents are submitted.

Step 6: Flights to the UK

Tirana International Nene Tereza Airport (TIA) has direct flights to London Luton and other UK airports with Ryanair and Wizz Air. Flight frequency is lower than Western European hubs. Your specialist will plan cargo routing around available departures. Human remains travel as sealed air cargo.

What families should know

Certified translation of all Albanian documents into English is required. Albanian is linguistically isolated, ensure your specialist or their local partner has access to a certified Albanian-English translator. Source: FCDO guidance on death in Albania; Albanian Code of Criminal Procedure; Council of Europe Agreement ETS No. 080 (2023).