21.5% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 493,000 current smokers in Albania
37.1% of men are current smokers but only 6.6% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2026.
Page updated:
2026-08-10
Smoking in Albania
Smoking trends in Albania show a gradual decline in current tobacco smoking from 35% to 29% in the general population from 2000 to 2015, with a further decline to 28% projected by 2025. Despite the reduction in prevalence overall, the smoking prevalence for men which was 57.5% in 2000, and 51.5% in 2015, is only projected to decline to 50% by 2025. Women's current smoking prevalence was 12% in 2000, 8% in 2015, and is projected to decrease further to 6% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates are not age standardised, and were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.
4,729
Deaths
Annual deaths linked to tobacco smoking in Albania total 4,729.
0.2%
e-cigarette vaping
In 2019, 0.2% of the population in Albania used E-cigarettes, reflecting the popularity of this product type.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Albania
Albania legally allows e-cigarettes, including their sale and use. However, vaping products can neither be purchased online nor from vending machines. The law also requires manufacturers to notify authorities of the introduction of new vaping products into the market and include health warnings on their packaging. Restrictions also exist on vaping in public places, and the maximum allowable nicotine concentration for the liquid is 20 mg/ml.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Albania
In Albania, Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) are regulated as tobacco products and are allowed for sale and use including sales through online channels. HTPs are not allowed to be purchased via vending machines, but they are available and can be bought from general retail stores. The law does not allow sales of HTPs to people under 18 years of age, and requires mandatory health warnings on their packaging. Restrictions exist also on their flavours and their use in public places.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Albania
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is banned in Albania. They are not included on the country's essential drugs list. Information is not available on whether people can import these products for personal use. Therefore is is advised to bring the prescription or purchase proof with you.
Snus
in Albania
Used in Scandinavia for more than 200 years, snus is providing smokers in Sweden and Norway with an alternative to combustible cigarettes. Find out what it is, and why it is considered a safer nicotine product in our briefing paper.
Pouches
in Albania
Nicotine pouches are a relatively new product which can provide users of high-risk tobacco with an alternative that poses fewer risks to their health. Read more about nicotine pouches in our briefing paper
The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team.
However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice.
We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product
categories can change at short notice and with little publicity.
If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region,
you should verify the information independently.
If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details
and any references and we will rectify any errors.