Can I Get Asylum from Albania? It's in Europe but Not Safe for Everyone

Last updated: 5 October 2026

Photo: Albania - Dennis Sylvester Hurd

Yes, Albanians can get asylum. Many people think it is impossible because Albania is in Europe and is considered a "safe country." But this label does not mean Albania is safe for everyone. If you face a blood feud, domestic violence, trafficking, or persecution as an LGBTQ+ person or Roma, you may have a strong claim. This Albania asylum guide explains how the process works, what evidence you need, and how to overcome the "safe country" challenge.[1]

Albanian asylum claims are difficult, but they are not hopeless. Many claims succeed on appeal. The key is having the right evidence and the right legal help. This guide covers the UK process, but the principles apply to other countries too. For detailed country information, see our country reports on Albania.

The "Safe Country" Challenge in the Albania Asylum Guide

In the UK, Albania is on the list of countries that are considered "generally safe." This is called Section 94 certification under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. When the Home Office certifies a claim under Section 94, it means they believe the claim is "clearly unfounded." This limits your right to appeal from inside the UK.[2]

However, this does not mean you cannot get asylum. The "safe country" label can be overcome. You need to show that Albania is not safe for you specifically. The law says the Home Office must look at your individual case. If you face a real risk of persecution or serious harm, the fact that Albania is "generally safe" does not matter. Your claim must be taken seriously.

The most important thing is strong evidence. You need to show that the Albanian state cannot protect you from the harm you face. This is where expert witness evidence becomes very important. An expert can explain why Albania is not safe for people in your specific situation.

Who Can Get Asylum from Albania?

Several groups of Albanians have strong asylum claims. Each claim type has its own legal basis and evidence requirements. Here is an overview of the main categories.

The UK Process for Albanian Claims

When you claim asylum in the UK, the Home Office will look at several Country Policy and Information Notes (CPINs) about Albania. These CPINs cover topics like blood feuds, domestic violence, and trafficking. They contain useful information, but they do not always reflect the full reality on the ground.[3]

The Home Office will consider whether you can get protection from the Albanian police or courts. For many claim types, the evidence shows that state protection is not effective. The police are often unable or unwilling to help. The courts are slow and sometimes corrupt. This is why evidence about the Albanian justice system is so important. For more details, see our article on Albania's justice system failures.

If the Home Office refuses your claim and certifies it under Section 94, you may need to appeal from outside the UK. This is called an "out of country" appeal. It is very difficult. Therefore, the best strategy is to provide strong evidence from the start, so the Home Office does not certify your claim. A good solicitor and an expert witness are essential at this stage.

What Evidence You Need

The evidence you need depends on your claim type. However, some principles apply to all Albanian asylum claims. First, you need a detailed personal statement. This should explain your story clearly and honestly. It should explain what happened to you, what you are afraid of, and why you cannot go back.[4]

Second, you need country evidence. This includes reports from the European Commission, the US Department of State, and human rights organisations. These reports show the conditions in Albania and support your claim. Third, you need specific evidence about your case. For blood feuds, this means court documents, police reports, or letters from reconciliation committees. For domestic violence, this means medical records and police complaints.

Finally, an expert witness report is often the most important piece of evidence. An expert on Albania can explain the Kanun and blood feuds, the reality of police protection, the situation for LGBTQ+ people, or the discrimination faced by Roma. The expert's opinion carries significant weight with judges.

Common Mistakes in Albanian Asylum Claims

Many Albanian asylum claims fail because of avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common ones:

• Not getting legal help early enough. Many people wait too long before seeing a solicitor. By then, important deadlines may have passed.
• Not providing enough evidence. A personal statement alone is not enough. You need documents, country evidence, and expert reports.
• Not explaining why the police cannot help. Decision-makers often say "you should go to the Albanian police." You need to explain why this is not a real option.
• Not addressing internal relocation. The Home Office may say you could move to another part of Albania. You need to explain why this would not keep you safe.
• Inconsistencies in your account. If your story changes between interviews, this damages your credibility. Be consistent and honest from the start.

How Expert Witnesses Help Albanian Claims

An expert witness is someone with deep knowledge of Albania who can write a report for your case. The report explains the country conditions that are relevant to your claim. For example, a blood feud expert can explain how the Kanun works, why self-isolation happens, and why the police cannot stop it. A report on domestic violence can explain why protection orders are not enforced.[5]

Expert witnesses are especially important for Albanian claims because of the "safe country" challenge. Judges need to understand why Albania is not safe for you. Country reports from the Home Office often present an incomplete picture. An expert can fill in the gaps and challenge incorrect assumptions. To find an expert for your case, visit our expert witness directory.

Conclusion

This Albania asylum guide shows that Albanian asylum claims are possible, even with the "safe country" label. The key is preparation and evidence. You need a good solicitor, strong country evidence, and an expert witness report. You need to show that the Albanian state cannot protect you from the specific harm you face. Blood feud families, DV victims, trafficking survivors, LGBTQ+ people, and Roma all have potential grounds for asylum.

Do not give up because someone tells you Albania is "safe." It may not be safe for you. Get legal help early. Gather your evidence. And make sure your claim tells your full story. For more guidance, explore our asylum guide and human rights articles.