TIRANA, June 26 /ATA/ – Albania has increased police deployments, expanded maritime patrols and introduced additional technology to strengthen security during the 2026 summer tourist season, Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said on Friday.
Speaking in the coastal city of Durrës alongside senior State Police officials, Lamallari said the State Police, Border Police and Maritime Police Unit would operate with additional personnel, modern equipment and enhanced readiness throughout the summer.
“Tourism is one of the most important sectors of our economy, and its growth brings greater responsibility. When tourists choose Albania, they choose a safe destination,” Lamallari said.
He said the State Police had implemented a dedicated operational plan to manage the expected increase in visitor numbers and ensure public order and safety.
Lamallari said the Maritime Police Unit, established in 2023, would play a key role in beach safety and preventing incidents involving recreational vessels.
According to the Interior Ministry, the Maritime Police Unit and Border Police assisted 231 people and 80 vessels in distress at sea in 2025. Authorities also inspected more than 5,600 vessels and sanctioned violations that endangered beachgoers’ safety.
For the 2026 tourist season, the Maritime Police Unit will patrol Albania’s coastline with 35 jet skis, trained personnel, intensified patrols and aerial surveillance using drones, Lamallari said.
He added that Border Police would also use integrated technology linked to the TIMS border management system to speed up entry procedures for yachts, sailing boats and other vessels visiting Albania.
/gj.m/a.f/r.e/u.sh/
