travel requirements for kosovo

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Kosovo Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Kosovo.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Kosovo.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Kosovo. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Kosovo.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in Kosovo.

Rabies is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species.

If rabies exposures occur while in Kosovo, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet.

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Kosovo, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Kosovo. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Kosovo include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Kosovo’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Kosovo may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Kosovo, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Kosovo for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Kosovo Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Kosovo

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in enclosed environments.

Documents & Additional resources

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Can I travel to Kosovo from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kosovo.

Can I travel to Kosovo if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Kosovo without restrictions.

Can I travel to Kosovo without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Kosovo without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Kosovo?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Kosovo.

Can I travel to Kosovo without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Kosovo?

Mask usage in Kosovo is not required in enclosed environments.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Kosovo?

Restaurants in Kosovo are open. Bars in Kosovo are .

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Warnings and insurance

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where  FCDO  advises against all but essential travel

Zvečan, zupin potok and leposavic, and the northern part of the city of mitrovica.

FCDO  advises against all but essential travel to the municipalities of Zvečan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, and the northern part of the city of Mitrovica.

This is due to violent incidents and heightened tensions in these areas.

Find out more about  why FCDO advises against travel .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you:

• women travellers
• disabled travellers
• LGBT+ travellers
• solo and independent travel
• volunteering and adventure travel

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Kosovo travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: June 5, 2024 06:24 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, kosovo - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Kosovo

Northern Kosovo - Avoid non-essential travel

• North Mitrovica
• Zubin Potok

Back to top

Northern Kosovo

NATO forces and Kosovo Police have blocked access to municipal buildings in certain municipalities in northern Kosovo following disputes over boycotted elections in majority ethnic Serb communities. The increased NATO and Kosovo Police presence is in the following municipalities:

If you are in northern Kosovo despite this advisory, avoid areas with an increased NATO and Kosovo Police presence as tensions may escalate rapidly and violent outbursts could occur.

Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008. Serbia doesn’t recognize Kosovo as an independent state. Ethnic tensions between Kosovo Serbs and Kosovo Albanians are ongoing.

There is a risk of inter-ethnic violence and civil unrest, particularly in the municipalities of:

Occasional security incidents may include:

• arson and grenade attacks
• violent and spontaneous protests
• attacks on government buildings and police forces

Tensions may escalate rapidly, and local authorities' capacity to enforce the law may be limited.

Avoid non-essential travel to these areas. If you travel to northern Kosovo despite this advisory:

• remain vigilant at all times
• monitor local media for information on the security situation
• avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• follow the instructions of local authorities

Petty crime

Crimes of opportunity and petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occur. Thieves could target foreigners, particularly in Pristina and in crowded public areas such as:

• public transportation hubs and facilities
• hotel lobbies
• restaurants, patios and outdoor cafés
• tourist sites and attractions

While you’re in Kosovo:

• ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• don’t keep your passport and other types of ID in the same place and carry a photocopy rather than the original
• avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
• avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• avoid deserted streets at night
• pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas
• be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs

Residential break-ins

Residential break-ins occur, especially in main cities. Burglars sometimes target houses or apartments owned or rented by foreigners.

• Choose well-secured accommodation
• Make sure you lock doors and windows at night and when you’re away

Car theft, break-ins and carjacking occur. Rental and luxury vehicles are a target of choice.

• Familiarize yourself with your route before starting the trip
• Keep your windows and doors locked at all times
• Keep your belongings out of reach
• Use secure parking facilities, especially overnight
• Never leave belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk

Violent crime

Organized crime-related violence occurs. Criminals often use firearms. In some instances, they have used hand grenades or improvised explosive devices.

While violent incidents don’t typically target foreigners or tourists, there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime also occurs. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

• Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks
• Avoid making purchases on unencrypted websites
• Be cautious when posting information on social media
• Be particularly vigilant when contacting or meeting individuals known over the internet
• Never click a suspicious link in an email or text message asking for your credit card details

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur occasionally due to ongoing political tension, particularly in Pristina and in the northern areas of Kosovo. They usually take place around governmental or international organizations' buildings.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Soccer matches and sports events

Sports events sometimes lead to rowdy behaviour and violent incidents.

Be vigilant if you attend soccer matches and sports rallies.

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance

While most of the territory has been cleared, landmines and unexploded ordnance may still pose a serious risk in forested and isolated areas, particularly in:

• the mountainous regions bordering Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia
• the Dulje Pass in central Kosovo
• the areas bordering Serbia's Preševo Valley

If you plan on visiting or hiking in these areas:

• pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of landmines
• remain on paved roads
• avoid open fields, road shoulders and unmarked trails
• report anything suspicious to local authorities

Mountain activities

Mountain activities, such as hiking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

If you intend to go hiking or climbing:

• never do so alone
• consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped
• stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out
• do not venture off marked trails

Feral and stray dogs

Feral and stray dogs are common throughout the country.

Don’t approach or feed them as they could be aggressive.

Power outages

Power and utility outages are frequent in Kosovo, including in Pristina. They may affect the provision of essential services.

• Make sure your phone is and remains charged at all times
• Keep supplies of food, water and fuel on hand in case of lengthy disruptions

Celebratory gunfire

Firing weapons to celebrate is common in Kosovo. It sometimes coincides with fireworks displays and may take place:

• at weddings
• on certain holidays and days of national observance
• following elections
• after soccer matches and sporting events

Injuries and deaths due to stray bullets have occurred.

Avoid areas where celebratory gunfire is taking place.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety vary throughout the country.

Secondary roads are often narrow, poorly lit and poorly maintained. Mountain roads sometimes lack guardrails. Low-speed farm equipment, horse-drawn carts and wandering livestock are common hazards.

Roads may also become impassable due to heavy snowfall, mudslides or seasonal flooding.

Drivers don’t always respect traffic laws. They don’t always yield to pedestrians.

Avoid driving at night.

Public transportation

Safety standards vary on public transportation. Buses and trains are often overcrowded. Periodic disruptions of bus services may occur.

Taxis are widely available and reliable.

• Use only officially marked taxis
• Negotiate fares in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter, as you may be overcharged

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Kosovar authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Kosovo.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Declaration of presence

If you plan to spend fewer than 90 days in Kosovo, you don’t need to apply for a residence permit. However, you must report your presence in the country. Commercial accommodations will generally file the declaration on your behalf.

If you’re staying in a non-commercial accommodation, you must file a declaration of presence with the nearest police station upon arrival.

If you intend to stay more than 90 days, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at the Foreigner Registration Office in Pristina.

Temporary residence permit for foreigners – Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kosovo

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Travel to Serbia

Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state nor its border crossing points as legal international entry points.

If travelling by land to Serbia from Kosovo, you should transit first via a third country such as Albania, North Macedonia or Montenegro.

Don’t attempt to enter Serbia directly from Kosovo, unless you have a valid entry stamp from the Serbian immigration authorities showing that you initially travelled into Kosovo from Serbia.

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• This territory has not stated its yellow fever vaccination certificate requirements.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is inadequate. Facilities often lack specialists, essential equipment, and medications.

Techniques and services are usually not up to international standards. Upfront payment may be required.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Some prescription medication may not be available in Kosovo.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences or heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

• Carry valid identification or a photocopy of it at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it’s lost or seized
• Keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents

Photography

There are restrictions on photographing military or police installations, vehicles, and personnel.

Signs advising of the restrictions are generally posted in sensitive areas.

• Refrain from photographing military installations or personnel even if no signs are posted
• Comply with all requests from local authorities

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Kosovo.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Kosovo, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Kosovo.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Kosovo by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Kosovo to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Kosovar law does not criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

You should carry an international driving permit.

Third-party automobile insurance is mandatory and can be purchased upon entry into Kosovo.

You must carry tire chains in winter if you plan to drive in mountain areas. From November to March, it is mandatory to use winter tires or tires with more than 4 mm tread.

International Driving Permit

The currency in Kosovo is the euro (EUR).

The economy is largely cash-based; however, credit cards are accepted in some larger establishments. Automated banking machines are available in urban centres.

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Seismic activity

Kosovo is located in an active seismic zone. Even minor earthquakes can cause significant damage.

Earthquakes - What to Do?

Forest fires are common between June and September, particularly in northern Kosovo. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a significant fire:

• stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation
• follow the advice of local authorities

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains, particularly during spring and summer, can cause flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged. The road between Pristina and Skopje, North Macedonia, is particularly affected by these incidents.

• Exercise caution, particularly in areas around major rivers
• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Air pollution

Smoke haze and other types of air pollution can be extremely hazardous in Kosovo. Winter is especially problematic due the heavy smoke from coal and wood burning heaters. Air pollution levels can change quickly.

During periods of high pollution:

• limit your outdoor activities, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments or have pre-existing medical conditions
• monitor local media

Air pollution in Pristina - World Air Quality Index

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

There is no Canadian government office in Kosovo. If you require consular assistance, contact the Embassy of Canada to Croatia, in Zagreb.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Croatia, in Zagreb, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

How to travel to Kosovo in 2024

By Joan Torres 7 Comments Last updated on April 29, 2024

This travel guide to Kosovo contains everything you need to know to visit one of the youngest countries in the world , including safety, moving around, top experiences, best time to visit, historical context, and more.

Only independent since 2008, Kosovo is a partially recognized country that split from Serbia, putting an end to many years of an unfortunate conflict.

This landlocked country was part of our 2-month road trip across the Balkans, and it was one of our favorite parts.

Along with Transnistria , and perhaps Belarus , Kosovo might be the least visited country in Europe, home to a pretty authentic and untouched culture that chaotically combines their love for rakija (local liquor) with the large presence of mosques, a gorgeous Ottoman architecture and a strong coffee culture, not forgetting occasional Serbian villages filled with Orthodox churches.

Intrepid travelers wishing to get off the beaten track – outside of Pristina and Prizren – will be able to have local experiences rarely seen in Europe, like when we went to the remote, barely visited southern corner that belongs to the Dragash region, composed of green, rolling hills dotted with tiny villages, where we were blessed with unprecedented European hospitality, like if we were traveling in the Middle East .

We enjoyed this tiny country like nowhere else in the continent, and this guide will tell you everything about traveling to Kosovo.

Check more guides to unrecognized countries .

In this Kosovo travel guide you find:

Table of Contents

• Current situation
• Historical context
•   Who recognizes Kosovo?
• Travel insurance
• Recommended books
• Best time to visit
• Top experiences
• Budget & money
• The culture
• Kosovo cuisine
• Where to stay
• Getting around
• More Information

our recommended travel insurance for Serbia

IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Serbia.

🪪 How to get a visa for Kosovo

A visa is not needed for traveling to Kosovo.

Upon arrival, you’ll just get a friendly stamp which is valid for 3 months.

If you like collecting stamps, note that they don’t always stamp it, but you need to specifically ask for it.

📰 Need to know before traveling to Kosovo: the current situation

Note that this is a brief summary that only aims at giving you a minimum perspective.

Why does Kosovo want to become independent?

Kosovo is a country, or region, mainly composed of Serbs – who are Christian Orthodox – and Albanians – who are Muslims.

The first thing you need to know, however, is that the nation of Kosovo doesn’t exist.

Kosovar has been a nationality since 2008, but it’s not really a nation. It’s a region where Albanians and Serbs co-exist, both being Kosovars.

To make it extremely simple, the reason why the Kosovo became an independent state was because the Muslim Albanians didn’t want to be part of Serbia.

Why does Serbia claim Kosovo?

Until the 15th century and, for the last 250 years, Kosovo had been part of Serbia.

Not only that, but it was their spiritual homeland, home to the holiest churches and monasteries for the Serbian Orthodox.

In 1455, however, the Ottoman Empire took over today’s region of Kosovo, where they ruled for nearly 500 years.

The Ottoman Empire officially collapsed in 1912, when Serbia claimed both the moral and ethnic right to Kosovo.

After WWI, Kosovo was annexed to Serbia and Yugoslavia was founded.

The wake of Kosovar nationalism and independence

However, five centuries of Ottoman rule had shifted Kosovo’s demographics, the vast majority now being Muslim Albanians, so a period of Serbian colonization began under the recently formed Yugoslavia.

The following decades were characterized by several different episodes of repression against the Albanian population.

Albanian nationalism kept growing until the 1990s, when things escalated into an armed conflict that eventually turned into the Kosovo war of 1998-99 , a war that came with a death toll of 12,000 people. 

The war, however, didn’t solve Kosovo’s status and in fact, tensions and occasional clashes between Serbs and Albanians kept increasing. For example, the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK) took advantage of the Serbian military withdrawal by burning Serbian churches and even arbitrarily killing Serbs.

Given all those tensions, the resolution of Kosovo couldn’t wait any longer and that’s why eventually, the UN came up with a plan and an agreement that would eventually allow Kosovo to become an independent state in 2008.

Who recognizes Kosovo?

Kosovo is one of the 9 unrecognized countries today found across the world, along with Western Sahara, South Ossetia, Abkhazia , Nagorno Karabakh, Transnistria , Northern Cyprus, Somaliland and Taiwan.

As of today, Kosovo is recognized by 97 out of 193 UN countries .

The USA, Australia, Canada, and most countries in the EU do recognize Kosovo, except for Spain, Cyprus, Greece, Romania and Slovakia.

Russia doesn’t recognize Kosovo either due to their strong ties with Serbia.

🚑 Travel insurance for Kosovo

Remember that for travel insurance that covers travel in Kosovo, you must select Serbia .

For this, I strongly recommend IATI Insurance :

• Multi-country coverage and up to 1-year trips
• Covers senior citizens too.
• 5% discount for being a readers of this blog

📚 Recommended books for traveling in Kosovo

Kosovo travel guide by bradt.

Super complete and updated, this is the most comprehensive travel guide to Kosovo available for sale, packed with practical information, tips and itineraries.

Kosovo: What Everyone Needs to Know

An easy-to-read history book, in which Tim Judah tries to answer all the conflict-related questions any traveler visiting Kosovo should ask. However, the book is written from a pro-Albanian stand point, and it often omits the atrocities committed by Albanians in the 90s.

⛅ Best time to visit Kosovo

Like most countries in Europe, Kosovo is a year-round destination but obviously, some seasons are better than others.

Read: Useful tips and how to travel to Ukraine

Traveling to Kosovo during spring and autumn

The best time to travel to Kosovo is during these seasons, when the weather is pleasant, but the main attractions aren’t overrun by crowds of tourists.

Traveling to Kosovo in summer

While this might seem the ideal season to visit the country, the truth is that it’s the high season for the Kosovo diaspora – Kosovar nationals living abroad – who like to spend the holidays in their homeland.

Note that the Kosovo diaspora is nearly 50% of the total population.

Traveling to Kosovo in winter

Winters are cold in Kosovo, with many areas covered in snow but if you don’t mind the freezing weather, it could also be a great time to visit the country.

🛫 How to travel to Kosovo

Traveling to kosovo by air.

Pristina (PRN) has an international airport with connections to many European cities, especially those in countries with a large diaspora population, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Norway.

Common stopovers to Pristina are Vienna, Frankfurt, Geneva, London, Munich, or Istanbul.

Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, EasyJet, Wizzair, Pegasus or Turkish Airlines, among many others, are the most common airlines.

Traveling to Kosovo by land border

Your trip to Kosovo might also include neighboring Balkan countries, so you will be likely to either enter or exit through one of its many borders.

We actually traveled to Kosovo via Albania and left via North Macedonia.

Currently, Kosovo shares a border with Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia.

All of them are easy, and pretty straightforward to cross, except for Serbia.

Traveling to Kosovo from Serbia

The border is open, anyone can cross, but be aware that tensions between both countries still exist.

Occasionally, if crossing by bus, you’ll be escorted by a car from the Serbian Army for the first few kilometers of no man’s land but, other than that, you should be fine.

Serbia doesn’t recognize the international borders of Kosovo so, in the eyes of Serbia, if you enter Kosovo from either Montenegro, Albania or North Macedonia, you’d be entering Serbia illegally.

If that was the case, your entry to Serbia will be denied.

However, if you travel to Kosovo from Serbia and then decide to come back, you’ll be allowed to enter.

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Kosovo?

Despite a relatively recent conflict, Kosovo is a safe country to travel.

There’s little petty crime compared to other European countries and, while tensions between Serbs and Albanians keep occurring – as happened in 2022 – it shouldn’t really affect your travels.

NATO Presence

Kosovo isn’t a member of NATO, but there’s a large NATO presence across Kosovo.

You are likely to see their tanks and armored vehicles, especially when you visit Serbian Heritage sites, like Dečani Monastery.

🛖 Top experiences in Kosovo

Anyone traveling to Kosovo shouldn’t miss:

Visiting the most low-key capital in Europe, Pristina

Years of war and conflict left an impoverished country with little money to invest in monuments and make things pretty.

Something that really surprised me about Pristina is that the buildings from the city’s downtown, like the ones located in the main square, could easily be the buildings from the suburbs of a secondary city near Madrid, very low key.

However, among all that decadence, there are little oases composed of chic cafés serving the best coffee I had outside of Italy.

Understanding the Serbian population by visiting a Serbian village

Anyone visiting Kosovo should add one or two Serbian-majority places in the itinerary, since Serbs have been living here for tens of generations, and they are also part of the unfortunate recent history.

Checking out some pretty gorgeous Ottoman architecture, like in Prizren and Djakova

The Turks ruled over Kosovo for 500 years, leaving behind a very tangible cultural heritage, including some epic architecture.

Exploring the rolling hills and villages of the barely visited region of Dragash

We really liked this area, and not only because it was pretty, but also because we had the best local experience in the entire Balkan Peninsula, people who would randomly invite us to their house to have tea, like in Pakistan.

Discovering a traditional Albanian city in Peja

Peja is a big city by Kosovar standards and we liked it because it was a really authentic Albanian city with little foreign influence, unlike Pristina, where one can already feel some cosmopolitanism.

💰 Budget and money

Surprisingly, the official currency in Kosovo is the euro (€).

They adopted it unilaterally without permission from the EU back in 2012.

Everything is quoted in €, you can’t use other currencies. Banks give € too.

In a majority-Serbian village, however, I saw that prices were quoted in Serbian Dinars, but € were accepted too.

ATMs and credit cards

In Pristina, you can pay by debit card in many restaurants and hotels but it’s always convenient to have some extra cash just in case.

Outside of the capital, you might be able to pay by card in certain fancier hotels but do bring cash for the rest.

How much does it cost to travel in Kosovo?

Kosovo is by far, the cheapest country in the world that uses the €.

Outside of the capital, sometimes we paid 40 cents for a magnificent espresso. In a fancy coffee house in the capital, you’ll pay up to 1€.

Eating out is surprisingly cheap too. In the most touristic street of Prizren, we paid 14€ (2 people) for a 2-meal course and 3 beers.

In local eateries, expect to pay no more than 3€ or 4€ for a meal.

Regarding accommodation, you can easily find a budget dorm for less than 10€, while a double room in a simple guest house will cost 20€ or 25€.

Buses are cheap too; the bus from Pristina to Prizren costs around 5€.

🕌 Kosovo: the country, culture, and people

As mentioned in the beginning, Kosovo is a region composed of Albanians and Serbians.

Serbs are Christian Orthodox and speak Serbian, while Albanians are Muslims and speak Albanian.

Both languages are official and road signs tend to be bilingual.

There are other minorities too. For example, in Restelica, we had the chance to meet Gorani people, a Muslim Slavic group. While this might not sound very exciting to you, you should know that being Slavic and Muslim at the same time isn’t very common.

As mentioned in the beginning, the Kosovar nation doesn’t really exist so instead, most Kosovar Albanians have a strong Albanian identity, visible in the large number of Albanian flags that abound across the country.

Do Serbians and Albanians still hate each other? From a military standpoint, the tension is pretty obvious but, what about the people?Is there ethnic segregation? Well, first of all, you need to know that today, only 10% of the Kosovar population are Serbs, and they tend to live in separate areas, like in Serbian villages. The only place where there’s actual tension is in the city of Mitrovica, a big city half Serbian, half Albanian. Due to the increasing tension, the city is being guarded by the carabinieri (the Italian police). Like in all worldwide ethnic conflicts, hate will always exist, it will never go away – think about Israel and Palestine – but today, most of the current hate is concentrated among extremists and people with a lower level of education. If you talk to any well-educated person in either Pristina or Prizren, you’ll realize that most people wish to put an end to such pointless disputes.

🍲 Cuisine in Kosovo

The food in Kosovo is similar to that in Albania but you don’t find as many Greek and Mediterranean flavors, so no olive oil, for example.

Instead, I found Kosovar food to have a higher Turkish influence, and more meat-based than neighboring Albanian.

The staple food in Kosovo are grilled kebabs, generally eaten in local eateries named qebaptore , and something you must try for a local experience.

Do go to a qebaptore for breakfast, and you are likely to find many locals.

Other typical Kosovar dishes include:

Suxhuk: a spicy sausage, usually eaten cold. It’s sold everywhere.

Tavë Kosi: baked lamb with yogurt. If you eat this in the right place, it’s incredibly delicious

Sarma: rolled cabbage leaves, typically eaten in all former Ottoman countries, but each country has its own local twist

Byrek: pastry layers filled with minced meat, spinach or cheese. This is also a staple, and sold in all bakeries, usually washed down with ayran (drinkable yogurt with salt)

Alcohol in Kosovo

Despite being a predominantly Muslim country, Kosovo is mostly secular, where you can buy beer anywhere, and it’s always cheap, never more than 2€ for a bottle.

In fact, something that really surprised me about Kosovo is the large quantity of beer ads popping up everywhere.

Peja is by far, the most available ordinary lager.

There’s a tiny craft beer scene as well, the most popular brewery being Pivdzan Craft Brewery .

Moreover, like in all the Balkans, rakija is popular too, a local liquor usually homemade containing typically between 40% and 50% of alcohol.

Coffee in Kosovo

Similar to neighboring Albania and, as part of the short Italian colonization, the coffee culture in Kosovo is a strong one. Kosovars make excellent coffee, and slurping an espresso, while talking to their friends, is their way to socialize.

Even in the smallest village, you are likely to find a café serving a really good espresso, or macchiato, and all for no more than 40 50 cents.

🏨 Accommodation: Where to stay in Kosovo

From budget hostels to guest houses and premium hotels, Kosovo is well sorted for accommodation, you won’t have any problem trying to find a hotel.

We spent at least one night in Pristina, Prizren, Djakova, Peja and Restileca.

We did have problems finding accommodation in Restileca (Dragash region) but that’s because there’s no tourist infrastructure, and in the end, someone rented us a room in his house, for like 20€.

Find the best accommodation in Pristina

Find the best accommodation in Prizren

Find the best accommodation in Djakova

Find the best accommodation in Peja

🛺 Transportation: How to get around Kosovo

We hired a car, so we didn’t take any public transportation, but we met several backpackers who were traveling by bus.

There are no trains, but all cities are well-connected by buses, and they are really cheap.

Expect to pay no more than 5€ for the bus journey between Pristina and Prizren.

❗ More Travel Guides to Other Unrecognized Countries

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

• Travel Guide to Abkhazia
• Transnistria Travel Guide
• Somaliland Travel Guide
• Somaliland Itinerary
• Fear and Loathing in Somaliland

I entered Kosova by bus from Albania and they didn’tstampmy passport. My whole purpose was to be in Kosova for only 3 months in order to be allowed to return to Albania . Now what can I do? I’m in pistren

no worries, you are in their system, the stamp is not proof of anything

Very useful article, Kosovo seems like a very interesting place despite it being a small country. What entices me most about this place is the nature and the coffee.

It is an intersting and informative article. You have some parts that are not correct though like “They adopted it unilaterally without permission from the EU back in 2012.” That is not true because a country cannot use another currency without permission. Also the number of serbs in Kosovo is barely 5% and in the article it says it is 10%. “However, the book is written from a pro-Albanian stand point, and it often omits the atrocities committed by Albanians in the 90s.” – This part is also nonsense because 90% of the victims were albanian and the book talks about all the atrocities that happened during the conflict.

Thank you for giving your opinions

So from what I read here you can either choose to enter Kosovo from either Serbia, or from one of the other borders. But you cant enter via the other country and then enter Serbia, due to the border recognition issues.

I have a potential itinerary where I would enter from Serbia and exit via Macedonia. Would that reverse be possible? I presume so, right? Because only entering Serbia from Kosovo is the issue? Just want to make sure though.

Hi Mohit, I think it should be all right!

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Visa-free travel for Kosovo citizens to the EU

As of 1 January 2024, Kosovo passport holders are allowed to travel to the EU without a visa, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This, in turn, also enables EU citizens to travel to Kosovo without issuing a visa.

This agreement with Kosovo falls under a broader decision regarding the Western Balkans, allowing all citizens from that region to enjoy a visa free regime when travelling to the EU.

The European Commission presented its final Report, confirming that Kosovo had fulfilled all standards in the Visa Liberalisation Dialogue, on 18 July 2018. The proposal to grant visa free travel to Kosovo was approved by the EU co-legislators in April 2023.

Any Commission proposal to grant visa-free status to a third country is followed by a legislative procedure, involving both the European Parliament and the Council. The Commission conducts an assessment based on criteria relating to: irregular migration; public policy and security; economic benefit, in particular in terms of tourism and foreign trade; and the EU’s external relations with the relevant third countries, including considerations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as implications of regional coherence and reciprocity. New decisions on visa exemption are usually followed by bilateral negotiations on a visa waiver agreement.

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Business Customs

Business meetings occur at any time of the business day, which usually starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Government ministries and offices are open Monday through Friday during these hours. Business meetings can be formal or informal.

English is generally understood by business professionals in most communities in Kosovo but not always by the general public. Most Kosovo Albanians over the age of 40 speak Serbian; however, unless you know your interlocutors well, it is preferable to use English or Albanian. Kosovo Serbs who operate businesses are generally fluent in English, but rarely in Albanian. Many Kosovo nationals – Kosovo Albanians more so than Kosovo Serbs – have studied in the United States.

Kosovo nationals of all ethnic backgrounds are hospitable to foreigners, especially Westerners. Invitations to lunch, dinner, receptions, even religious family customs, and other official and/or private family hospitalities are normally offered and should be accepted if possible. Be prepared for small talk dominating much of the discussion, and do not be concerned if your interlocutor does not immediately get down to business. If offered, be prepared to accept coffee, tea, or other beverages, which are signs of respect for the host.

Dress at meetings can be business casual; a formal suit is not expected. It is preferable to print business cards with one side in English and the other side in Albanian and/or Serbian. It is advisable, but not necessary, to have a temporary local or international mobile phone and/or SIM card, which can be obtained locally. While not expected, giving gifts depends on the closeness of the relationship. If it is known that your local contact will offer you a gift, be prepared to offer one in exchange.

Travel Advisory

Consult the State Department Consular Information Sheet for Kosovo .

Visa Requirements

To enter Kosovo, U.S. citizens need a passport that will be valid at least six months upon entry. No visa is required, but visitors may be asked to produce documentation to demonstrate the purpose of their visit. Visitors authorized entry into Kosovo are permitted to stay up to 90 days within a six-month period. Any cash carried in the amount of $10,000 or more should be declared. Prior to traveling to Kosovo, U.S. business travelers are strongly encouraged to obtain general and country-specific travel information from the U.S. Department of State’s website .

U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that applicants are required to apply for, and qualify for, a U.S. visa. Visa applicants should go to the following links:

State Department Visa Website United States Embassy in Pristina, Kosovo

Kosovo has adopted the euro as its currency. Serbia’s dinar is also used in the northern part of the country and in other Kosovan Serb majority areas. Visa and MasterCard are increasingly accepted, and ATMs are available throughout Kosovo. Travelers’ checks are not routinely accepted.

Telecommunications/Electric

Kosovo has both fixed line and mobile telephone services, which are in the process of being modernized and updated. Telephone charges are among the lowest in the region. U.S. calling cards are not accepted in Kosovo. Most major U.S. cell phone carriers work in Kosovo, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Please note that roaming charges will apply. There are charges on all calls made from and received on cellular phones.

Kosovo’s main Internet service is provided by four privately-owned companies – Kujtesa, ArtMotion, Telkos, and IPKO – and through the public provider Kosovo Telecom. Free Wi-Fi is common in Pristina’s cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Like elsewhere in Europe, appliances in Kosovo run on 220 volts. Plug adapters and power converters are needed for U.S. appliances.

Transportation

The most convenient way to travel to and from Kosovo is through its modern international airport, located 20 minutes from the capital Pristina. Road transportation options for business travelers are limited to car rentals or private taxi. 

International rental firms, including Enterprise, Europcar, and Hertz, operate in Kosovo. Modern taxis are ubiquitous in the cities.

Albanian and Serbian are the official languages in Kosovo. English is widely spoken and understood, but it is advisable to use an interpreter, especially for highly technical discussions.

Kosovo’s public health and medical facilities are in poor condition. The quality of the numerous private clinics varies. Many locals and internationals travel to North Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, and Turkey for more complex healthcare services and medical treatment. The American Hospital in Kosovo is one of the newest facilities and offers modern technology and equipment, as well as more advanced procedures than typically offered elsewhere.

For additional medical information, visit U.S. Embassy Pristina’s website .

Local Time, Business Hours and Holidays

Kosovo is six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time. Kosovo local time is GMT plus one hour. The Government of Kosovo’s official working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Banking hours depend on the bank and the location, although most are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed on public holidays. Some banks are open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

U.S. Embassy Pristina’s core public hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Fridays. The Embassy closes for U.S. and Kosovo holidays. The list of public holidays for U.S. Embassy Pristina is available at: https://xk.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/ .

Two major Muslim holidays are observed based on the lunar calendar: Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha marks the conclusion of the pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca. The exact dates of these holidays are determined by the government and religious leaders in advance of their observance. Catholic and Orthodox Christian holidays are also observed.

Public-sector officials and private-industry representatives often take vacation from July to September, with August being the most common month to take extended leave. The week between Catholic Christmas and Orthodox Christmas is also a popular time to take leave.

The list of Kosovo’s national holidays is available on the Ministry of Internal Affairs website .

Temporary Entry of Materials or Personal Belongings

Most standard business equipment for individual use may be brought into Kosovo temporarily without incurring customs duties. Exhibition materials may be imported for temporary use, but a tax-based bank guarantee must be paid. Upon departure, the guarantee is reimbursed to the importer. If the items are sold in Kosovo, customs duties will be applied.

Exhibition organizers generally designate a local freight forwarder and a clearing agent for specific events in order to assist foreign exhibitors with entry procedures

Essential FAQs for Your Kosovo Visa Application Process with AGT

1. what is a kosovo visa.

A Kosovo visa is an official document issued by the authorities of Kosovo that allows individuals to enter and stay in the country for a specific period. It grants permission for travel, tourism, business activities, or other purposes as specified in the visa.

2. Do I need a visa to visit Kosovo?

It depends on your nationality. Some countries have visa-free agreements with Kosovo, allowing their citizens to enter and stay for a certain period without a visa. However, many nationalities require a visa to visit Kosovo. It is recommended to check the visa requirements based on your nationality.

3. How do I apply for a Kosovo visa?

To apply for a Kosovo visa, you need to submit a visa application form along with the required documents to the nearest Kosovo embassy or consulate in your country. The application form can be obtained from the embassys website or in person.

4. What are the requirements for a Kosovo visa?

The specific requirements for a Kosovo visa may vary based on the purpose of your visit and your nationality. Generally, you will need a valid passport, a completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photographs, proof of travel insurance, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Kosovo.

5. How long does it take to process a Kosovo visa?

The processing time for a Kosovo visa can vary depending on the embassy or consulate where you submit your application. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing.

6. What is the duration of a Kosovo visa?

The duration of a Kosovo visa can vary based on the type of visa and the purpose of your visit. Generally, visas are issued for specific periods, such as 30 days, 90 days, or longer. It is important to check the validity and duration of the visa before traveling.

7. Can I extend my Kosovo visa?

In some cases, it may be possible to extend your Kosovo visa if you have a valid reason, such as unforeseen circumstances or an extended stay. However, visa extensions are subject to the approval of the Kosovo authorities and must be applied for before the expiration of your current visa.

8. Is a visa guarantee of entry into Kosovo?

No, having a Kosovo visa does not guarantee entry into the country. The final decision on granting entry rests with the immigration officers at the port of entry. They may ask for additional documents or information to assess your eligibility for entry.

9. Can I apply for a Kosovo visa online?

Currently, the Kosovo visa application process requires applicants to submit their application in person at the nearest Kosovo embassy or consulate. Online application options may be available in the future, but it is advisable to check with the embassy for the most up-to-date information.

10. What should I do if my Kosovo visa application is denied?

If your Kosovo visa application is denied, you may contact the embassy or consulate that processed your application for clarification on the reasons for the denial. It is also possible to reapply for a visa after addressing any issues that led to the initial denial.

Kosovo Visa FAQs

Q: can i book a hotel in kosovo through agt.

A: Yes, you can book hotels in Kosovo through AGT. Visit our website and search for available hotels in Kosovo. We offer a wide range of options to suit your preferences and budget.

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Kosovo?

A: The visa requirements for Kosovo depend on your nationality. Some countries have visa-free entry, while others may require a visa. It is recommended to check with the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

Q: Can AGT assist with airport transfers in Kosovo?

A: Absolutely! AGT provides reliable airport transfer services in Kosovo. You can pre-book your transfer through our website and our professional drivers will ensure a smooth and comfortable journey from the airport to your destination.

Q: Are tours available in Kosovo?

A: Yes, AGT offers various tours in Kosovo. Explore the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture of Kosovo with our expertly guided tours. Visit our website to browse through the available tour options.

Q: Can I customize my travel package to include Kosovo?

A: Certainly! AGT offers customizable travel packages that can include Kosovo. Whether you want to focus solely on Kosovo or combine it with other destinations, our team can tailor the package according to your preferences.

Q: What is the best time to visit Kosovo?

A: The best time to visit Kosovo is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) seasons when the weather is pleasant and mild. Summers can be hot, while winters can be cold with snowfall.

Q: What languages are spoken in Kosovo?

A: The official languages of Kosovo are Albanian and Serbian. Additionally, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, making it easier for travelers to communicate.

Q: How can I contact AGT for further assistance?

A: You can contact AGT for further assistance by visiting our website and filling out the contact form. Alternatively, you can also reach out to our customer support team via email or phone. We are always here to help you.

Q: Can AGT assist with obtaining a Kosovo visa?

A: AGT can provide information and guidance regarding the visa application process for Kosovo. However, the actual issuance of visas is handled by the relevant authorities. We recommend contacting the embassy or consulate for detailed visa requirements and procedures.

Q: Is Kosovo a safe destination for travelers?

A: Kosovo is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, it is always advisable to take common safety precautions and stay aware of your surroundings. It is also recommended to check travel advisories and follow any specific guidelines issued by your countrys government.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kosovo Travel Services, Hotel Booking, Transfers, Tours & Packages

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Kosovo Travel requirements, advice , Coronavirus status and Visa Policy

2022-12-13 04:19:01

Kosovo is located in . Current Travel Advice to visitors travelling to Kosovo is Exercise Increased Caution. Check Kosovo Travel Advisory, visa Requirements below.

Travel Advisory By USA

Tue, 04 oct 2022.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution due to  terrorism .   Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider Travel To:

• North Mitrovica, Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Zvecan due to  the potential for civil unrest due to ethnic tensions.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the Balkans region, including Kosovo. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Kosovo.

If you decide to travel to Kosovo:

• Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel, and read the  Embassy's COVID-19 page  for country-specific COVID-19 information.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Kosovo.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

North Mitrovica, Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Zvecan – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Tensions within and between communities in the north of Kosovo remain a source of potential unrest in North Mitrovica, Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Zvecan.

Although recent unrest has been politically-related and does not involve tourists or members of the international community, bystanders can be affected.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the north of Kosovo as U.S. government employee travel to North Mitrovica, Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Zvecan is restricted.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas

Visa Policy for Visitors travelling to Kosovo

Visa free access

Visa required

Visa not required

• Israel (90 days)

Visa Requirements for Kosovo Citizens

• U.S Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs
• Systematic dataset of Covid-19 policy, from Oxford University
• International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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While Abroad

Emergencies

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Serbia - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Serbia due to  crime .

Country Summary: Violence associated with organized crime and high-profile sporting events in Serbia is common.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Serbia.

If you decide to travel to Serbia:   

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
• Do not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) and leave the original in your hotel safe.
• Provide your itinerary to a family member or friend.
• Monitor local media.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Serbia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry

One page required for entry stamp

Not required for stays under 90 days

No vaccines are required to enter Serbia.

None, if under 10,000 euros

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy belgrade.

Bulevar kneza Aleksandra Karadordevica 92 11040 Belgrade Serbia Telephone: +(381) (11) 706-4000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(381) (11) 706-4000 Fax: +(381) (11) 706-4481 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the  Embassy of Serbia's website  for the most current visa information.

• U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter and stay in Serbia for up to 90 days. 
• It is important to enter and exit Serbia using the same passport. U.S. citizens who also hold Serbian citizenship should always enter and exit Serbia on their Serbian passport. 
• If you lose your U.S. passport after arriving in Serbia, you must obtain a police report and a new passport prior to departure. 
• You cannot enter Serbia using an expired passport or one that has previously been reported lost or stolen. Immigration authorities will deny you entry and return you to the city from which you flew to Serbia.
• U.S. citizens must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival.  Hotels or similar accommodation will do this for you.  If you are staying at a private residence, you will need to register in person at the nearest police station.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:   The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Serbia.

Temporary Residence Permits:  If you wish to stay in Serbia longer than 90 days during any 180-day period, you must apply for a temporary residence permit from the local police with jurisdiction over where you are staying in Serbia. You cannot apply for a residence permit from outside of Serbia.   

• For information about how to apply for a temporary residency permit, please visit the Serbian Ministry of Interior’s website .
• All application documents submitted for temporary residence will require an ‘apostille’ stamp from the government office where you got the document. To learn more about apostilles and other official documents, please see the  Office of Authentications page .

Special Guidance for Travel to and from Kosovo:  

• Serbian border officials do not recognize the authority of Kosovo’s government. 
• Serbia will not grant entry to travelers who try to enter Serbia from Kosovo without first having previously entered Serbia from another recognized entry point and obtaining a Serbian entry stamp.
• Example: A traveler who arrives in Serbia by air and drives directly to Kosovo (not through a third country) will be permitted to re-enter Serbia directly from Kosovo.  
• Example: A traveler who arrives in Kosovo by land or air from a third country (not Serbia) and then plans to travel by land to Serbia must first exit Kosovo via its border with either Montenegro or North Macedonia and then proceed to a border crossing with Serbia.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites. 

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists worldwide are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, rudimentary Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, they target unprotected or vulnerable venues, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Anti-U.S. Sentiments: While Serbians can be welcoming to visitors, anti-U.S. sentiment is widespread and can be more prevalent around certain anniversaries and some national holidays, including: February 17 (anniversary of Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence), between March 24 and June 10 (the anniversary of the 1999 NATO air campaign against Yugoslavia in response to events in Kosovo), and potentially June 28 (St. Vitus’s Day or Vidovdan).

Sporting Events: There is the potential for violence before, during, and after sporting events. There have been clashes between police and fans in the vicinity of sports venues, which are often located in residential areas.  The Embassy considers matches between certain teams, including Partizan, Rad, and Red Star, to be high risk events because of violence at previous games.  While U.S. citizens have not been targeted in the past, in a few isolated cases non-Serbians have been the victims of sports-related violence. U.S. Government employees are generally advised to avoid the vicinity of high-profile sporting events.

Night Clubs: As a safety precaution due to xenophobic violence, the following clubs have been declared off-limits for U.S. Embassy personnel in Serbia:

• Klub Šlep (Shlep)
• Mr. Stefan Braun

Crime: 

• Violent crime in Serbia is most often associated with organized crime activities and hooliganism surrounding high-profile sporting events.
• Although not traditionally the targets of violent crime, tourists and visitors should maintain a heightened awareness of their surroundings, as in all major cities.
• Pickpocketing and financial crimes of opportunity are the most common occurrences. 
• Tourists should pay attention to taxi meters and listed fares as some taxi drivers may try to scam foreigners and charge higher rates.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Maintain caution if within the vicinity of demonstrations. 
• There is often a heavier than usual police presence near demonstrations and traffic may slow or stop until well after the demonstration ends.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:  If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime in Serbia, you should contact the local police. Report crimes first to the local police by dialing 192. Remember local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Not all police officers speak English.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:   U.S.-citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the Serbian government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad   

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations in Serbia or on the organization of LGBTQI+ events. Serbia has active and increasingly-visible LGBTQI+ advocacy groups, and several LGBTQI+ bars operate openly and without problems in Belgrade. Many recent LGBTQI+ public eventshave been held without incident. However, LGBTQI+ travelers should exercise caution when visiting Serbia. Many LGBTQI+ persons in Serbia choose not to openly reveal their sexual orientation or show public displays of affection due to security and safety concerns, and many avoid reporting incidents to police. Similarly, many transgender and gender non-conforming persons often find themselves targets of discrimination and violence and therefore may make the choice to hide or modify their identities when in public spaces. Though a growing number of police officers have received training on how to work with LGBTQI+  individuals, including when they are victims of crime, many have limited experience and knowledge.   

For further general information on travel abroad by LGBTI individuals, please read our  LGBTI Travel Information  page.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Serbia prohibits discrimination against persons with  physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication. Expect accessibility to be limited in lodging, and general infrastructure, and common in public transportation.While there is some accessibility for travelers with disabilities in Belgrade and Novi Sad, there are limited to no accessibility in the rest of Serbia.

• Rental of aids/equipment/devices is available: There several companies that sell, rent and repair aids/equipment/devices. Among the most known ones are Centar Eliksir and Ortopedija mc .

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  women travelers .

Bringing Money into Serbia:  If you enter Serbia with more than 10,000 euro in cash (or equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it to customs. If you fail to do so, Serbian customs may confiscate your money or levy heavy fines. Please review our  customs information  for additional details.

Medical Facilities:  Many doctors and other health care providers in Serbia are highly trained. Equipment and hygiene in hospitals, clinics, and ambulances are usually not up to U.S. standards. U.S. name-brand medicines are often unavailable in Serbia. You can get many medicines and basic medical supplies at private pharmacies. Medical facilities require payment in cash for all services, and do not accept U.S. health insurance. Please review our travel tips for  older travelers .

For emergency services in Serbia, dial 193 (fire-fighters), 194 (paramedics), or 987 (roadside assistance).

Ambulance services are not widely available, and training, availability of emergency responders, and ambulance equipment may be below U.S. standards.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medications:  Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the  Medicines and Medical Devices Agency  to ensure the medication is legal in Serbia.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

 Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Some private hospitals may require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry, especially in dentistry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on Medical Tourism.
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
• In case of malpractice, you may pursue legal remedies using local attorneys.

Pharmaceuticals       

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Non-Traditional Medicine

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died while seeking medical care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Serbia. Homeopathy, herbal remedies, and other non-traditional treatments are practiced in Serbia and promoted as natural alternatives to traditional medicine. Ensure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Serbia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .
• Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners and Serbians in Serbia.

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads in Serbia are not always well-maintained, especially in rural areas and in southern Serbia. 

• Exercise caution when driving on roads in southern Serbia in the winter.
• Drivers should also be cautious when driving along Serbia’s Ibarska Magistrala, the highway between Belgrade and Čačak, because of the higher rate of accidents.
• Winter fog in Serbia is another concern because it significantly reduces visibility and is especially heavy in the Vojvodina region between Belgrade and the Hungarian border.

Roadside assistance  is available by  dialing 987  locally. The local numbers for the police and ambulance are 192 and 194, respectively.  

Traffic Laws:  

• You may use a U.S. driver’s license together with an international driving permit in Serbia for up to six months, after which time you may have to obtain a Serbian driver’s license.  
• Drivers with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.02% are considered intoxicated and face arrest, prosecution, and fines.
• You must wear a seat belt while driving or riding in a car in Serbia.
• You may not use a mobile phone while driving in Serbia except with a hands-free system.

Public Transportation:  Belgrade and some other large cities in Serbia have public transportation networks. Buses are often crowded, and some lines and vehicles are poorly maintained. There is also intercity bus and train service for many locations in Serbia.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. More specific information concerning Serbian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and required insurance is available at the  Serbian Automotive Association's website .

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Serbia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Serbia’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

For additional travel information

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• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Serbia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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8 unbelievably chic destinations to book for summer 2024

M ykonos, Ibiza, St Tropez? Been there, done that. This summer follow the trendsetters and celebs to a fresh set of ‘in’ destinations du jour. Some are old favourites with revamped appeal thanks to glitzy hotel or beach club openings. Others are unpolished, under-the-radar gems with adventurous appeal. Whatever kind of scene floats your boat, you’ll be in good company as you holiday with the cool crowd…

Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum is back, baby. The cachet of this Turkish resort town waned in recent years, but it’s now properly returned to the A-lister books as a slew of new openings rival the likes of glitzy party capitals like Mykonos and Ibiza. Don’t take our word for it, ask Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell or Roman Abramovich: all recent visitors to the region.

Check into the just-opened Maxx Royal (from £750), a swish resort on a secluded bay that puts art at the forefront. Expect work by French steel sculptor Bernar Venet and digital installations by Turk Refik Anadol, as well as bedrooms boasting terraces with sweeping views of the Aegean blue. There’s an elaborate 4,500sqm wellbeing space too, and food is given a big focus, with branches of California-favourite Spago by Wolfgang Puck and Mayfair’s THE MAINE , courtesy of Montreal restaurateur Joey Ghazal.

Next door you’ll find another new draw for the jet set: the first overseas branch of cult Mykonos beach club Scorpios – known for its holistic wellness offering, social hedonism and on-point music. Watch the sun set from its relaxed family-style restaurant – or head to the swish Bodrum EDITION , where the restaurant has been awarded a star in this year’s Michelin guide.  

With white sand beaches, crystalline Adriatic and Ionian waters and rugged green peaks, Albania has everything you’d want in a Med holiday – but flies resolutely under the radar for most Brits. Though that’s all changing as word gets out and switched-on travellers follow the likes of part-Albanian singer Dua Lipa to holiday in this underrated gem.

The Albanian Riviera, as it’s known, stretches from Vlore to Saranda – the latter just across the water from well-known Corfu. Dua Lipa has reportedly hit Ksamil, near the latter, spending time at Kep Merli , a plush development of private whitewashed villas coddled in shrubland and fringed in icing sugar sands.

The summer sun lasts long enough to make September’s week-long dance festival ION , in seaside Dhërmi, a ray-kissed affair, though if you prefer slightly cooler climes escape to the Albanian Alps – also known as the Accursed Mountains – for lakeside guesthouses . The latter is a great place to try traditional fare such as tavë kosi (baked lamb with rice) but for chic plates worthy of the foodie elite, make for Mullixhiu in capital Tirana instead. Ex-Noma chef Bledar Kola’s sublime menu featuring goat, quail and traditional jufka pasta has bagged the restaurant a spot on the 50 Best Restaurants Discovery list.

Folegandros, Greece

Crete, Santorini, Athens – so far, so obvious. The elite is looking for something new; high-end tour op Black Tomato , who reports a 20% rise in their Greek bookings, says enquires for off-beat destinations are booming. In 2024 eyes are on little-known Folegandros – a tiny under-explored gem unblighted by mass tourism, where days are spent swimming in the shallows off Agios Nikoloas beach or hiking uphill to the alabaster Orthodox Church of Panagia.

What makes it hot now? New design-led Gundari Resort (from £520) – one of this year’s most exciting hotel openings . Think minimalist but impactful swathes of stone and cream, and private infinity pools, set in 80 acres of rugged cliffscape and gazing out across the water. It’s an immersion in nature, style and holistic wellness (including meditation workshops, energy healing, healthy eats from Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou) that doesn’t compromise.

For those craving off-the-beaten-track explorations, luxe tour operator Cox and Kings says Kosovo is the summer’s hottest ticket. Its epic countryside calls active travellers with a patchwork of soaring mountain peaks, swooping valleys, rushing waterfalls and dense forest populated by eagles, wolves and bears. And this year’s launch of the Trans Dinarica Cycling Trail , which sews up the eight countries of the Balkans across 2,090 miles of scenic bike route, makes it all more accessible than ever before.

Another draw? Monasteries. In mountainous Peja visit Patriarchate of Peć, a Serbian Orthodox church and nunnery complex rooted in the 13th century, or explore Visoki Dečani Monastery near sleepy Deçan. By the latter Resort Ujevara e Drinit (from £80) perches on scenic riverfront and serves up contemporary cocktails on its elegant alfresco terraces. Or make for pretty city Gjakova, where the historic bazaar, Čaršija e Madhe, is stuffed with bars and restaurants.

It doesn’t get cooler than the Nordic nations: tour operator Scott Dunn notes a 400% increase in enquiries for holidays to Finland compared with 2023. The temperate weather is partly to thank, as more active travellers and families look to swerve the crippling heat waves of the Med. But solid green creds and a reputation for grade-A design add appeal too. No wonder the likes of the Beckhams and Ed Sheeran have visited.

Don’t miss capital Helsinki’s elegant new Hotel Maria (from £248), owned by three-time Olympic gold ski jumping medallist Samppa Lajunen – it’s dominated by spacious suites, glittering chandeliers and opulent crown mouldings. The wellness concierge will refer you to in-house nutritionists and magic-handed therapists after you’ve explored the fabulous thermal facilities.

Meanwhile, up in Lapland, among hundreds of hectares of rambling forest, carbon-negative Octola Private Wilderness is the Arctic region’s first luxury spa and health clinic. It’s so exclusive, you can only book if you first join a waitlist.

This small but stylish Caribbean isle holds eternal celebrity appeal – Simon Cowell, Oprah Winfrey, Mick Jagger and Justin Bieber have all graced its idyllic shores. Summer is technically low season, but brave the odd short and sharp downpour and you’ll be rewarded with lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.

Yachties tend to congregate around St George’s Harbour, home to seaside restaurants like Sail’s and The Aquarium , where they down icy white wine and lobster before retreating to the privacy of their vessels.

Style-conscious landlubbers, meanwhile, head for the recently opened Silversands Beach House (from £556); its intimate 28 contemporary rooms are perched among swathes of greenery on the island’s southwestern tip and a 42-foot infinity pool takes centre stage. (Sister hotel Silversands Grenada recently featured on screen in ITV’s The Fortune Hotel).

Also trending is the just-launched Six Senses La Sagesse (from £632), which sprawls across 15 hectares on the south coast and is upping the luxe level with multi-level pool suites and spacious villas. The largest of the lot, featuring four bedrooms, are set dramatically on a bluff with near-panoramic views of the sea.

Chester, UK

This historic city in the English northwest isn’t an obvious jet set magnet. But this June it drew the crème de la crème – Prince William and Princess Eugenie included – for the society wedding of the year, when billionaire Duke of Westminster Hugh Grosvenor tied the knot with Olivia Henson. And the royal spotlight effect has left the rest of us scrambling to discover the city’s charm for ourselves.

It has plenty: picturesque rows of half-timbered houses, Roman city walls, a 1,000-year-old cathedral – the place where the couple married – and new hotel openings too. At soon-to launch Wildes Chester , spaces will come with silver rolltop baths and period fireplaces, and at Chester Zoo new safari-style overnight lodges will add a whole new dimension to the animal experience later this year.

Time your visit to the city with electric Chester Pride on 17 August, and don’t forget to pay a visit to Krum Gelato . The Duke treated the local public to free scoops of their ice cream on the day on his wedding.

The Cotswolds, UK

The Cotswolds are beautiful, bucolic – but not trendy, right? Though this summer that’s all change with the intel that Taylor Swift reportedly booked a £3.3 million local farmhouse to use as home base during her UK tour. Now we all have fresh impetus to pull on the wellies and live out the rural fantasy like T-Swizzle.

And in fact the area has been levelling up its cool factor since last year. There was the opening of Estelle Manor (from £625) in Oxfordshire, an exclusive members’ club on 85 acres of parkland, complete with Roman-inspired spa, brasserie serving Alaskan king crab and mini Landies for kiddos to drive. And the reopening of Cowley Manor (from £366) under the Experimental Group banner, with interior design by Dorothée Meilichzon, and a new pub with rooms from Daylesford – The Bell at Charlbury .

The renovation revolution continues apace this summer with the opening of a new branch of The Pig in the former Barnsley House hotel, as well as the launch of The Store Hotel in nearby Oxford, set in the historic Boswells department store and with rooftop bar overlooking the city. Elsewhere, East London-inspired grill Pit Kitchen is opening on Todenham Manor Farm, serving the likes of Persian chicken thigh shawarma and sweetcorn fritters. And stalwart stay Ellenborough Park near Cheltenham has opened a stylish self-contained self-catering stay, The Lodge , so you can combine impeccable hotel service with hideaway privacy à la Swift.

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