The Council of Ministers has approved a new and comprehensive package of rules that reformat the verification procedures at the border crossing points of the Republic of Albania. The new government decision repeals the previous regulations of 2016 and 2023, making a significant approximation with the “Schengen Borders Code” of the European Union.
The new document sets clear standards for who benefits from expedited passage (green lanes), how means of transportation will be checked, and, most importantly, establishes ironclad security filters for the travel of minor children abroad, to combat the phenomenon of trafficking and abandonment.
Strict filters for minors’ travel
The most vital part of the decision that directly affects citizens is the new regime for border crossings by persons under the age of 18. The state has tightened verification procedures, requiring specific documentation depending on age and companionship.
Under 16s may only travel accompanied by an adult and must have a notarized declaration signed by both parents (or the parent with legal custody). The notarized declaration is now required to be in two languages (Albanian and English) if drafted abroad.
16 to 18 years old, this age group is allowed to travel unaccompanied (e.g. as a visitor to a relative or for cultural/sports activities), but a notarized declaration from the parents is still required specifying the exact address of the host and a guarantee of non-abandonment.
For children with divorced parents, the accompanying person must have a notarized statement from both parents or a final court decision granting them custody. The court decision data will now be recorded electronically in the TIMS border system.
The decision gives expanded powers to the Border Police to block the crossing at the slightest suspicion:
“In case of doubt, the border guard conducts a brief interview with the accompanying person, carries out detailed verification of documents to ensure that the minor is not leaving against the will of the persons exercising parental care, in order to prevent abduction or trafficking.”
If it is determined that a minor has been abandoned in another country, the Prosecutor’s Office, the Child Protection Agency, and the corresponding international authorities are immediately notified.
Who benefits from skip-the-line access and minimal verification?
To facilitate the movement of officials, security forces and essential workers, the decision specifies the categories that pass through accelerated procedures, excluding the obligation to prove “sufficient financial means”.
Heads of state, government, parliaments and royal families are subject to only “minimum checks” based on official notification. The same applies to holders of diplomatic passports and members of organizations such as the UN, EU and NATO.
In times of crisis or war, NATO troops and assets are given expedited procedures or full exemptions. Search and rescue workers, firefighters and police on duty also have absolute priority.
Citizens who cross the border regularly every day for work reasons and are registered in the system will pass through simplified checks.
Rules according to means of transport
The government has standardized the way passengers are screened depending on the vehicle they use to travel:
This decision enters into force after publication in the Official Gazette, leaving the General Directorate of the State Police with the task of immediately updating the computer systems and internal guidelines for every employee at the border points of Albania./rtsh.al/