{"slug":"kosovo","title":"Kosovo travel advice","updated_at":"2026-09-23T12:48:46+01:00","reviewed_at":"2026-09-23T11:48:46Z","change_description":"Updated information about large gatherings in Pristina and other urban areas of Kosovo (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kosovo","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Kosovo set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk\">Kosovan Embassy in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>To enter Kosovo, your passport must be undamaged and valid for the duration of your stay. You do not need an additional period of validity beyond this.</p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.</p>\n\n<p>You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"kosovo-serbia-border\">Kosovo-Serbia border</h2>\n\n<p>The authorities in Serbia do not consider the designated crossing points with Kosovo to be official international border crossing points.</p>\n\n<p>However, it is possible to travel from Serbia to Kosovo, and back again.</p>\n\n<p>You cannot travel from Kosovo to Serbia without a Serbian entry stamp from Belgrade, Niš or Kraljevo airports, or one of Serbia’s other border crossings with:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>Bosnia and Herzegovina</li>\n  <li>Bulgaria</li>\n  <li>Croatia</li>\n  <li>Hungary</li>\n  <li>Montenegro</li>\n  <li>North Macedonia</li>\n  <li>Romania</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>You are likely to be refused entry without a valid Serbian entry stamp. You should take a route through a third country.</p>\n\n<p>Border guards have denied foreign nationals entry to Serbia if they have Republic of Kosovo stamps in their passports. We are also aware of isolated incidents where Serbian authorities have cancelled Kosovo stamps in passports of foreign nationals.</p>\n\n<p>Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo can cause difficulties at border crossings with Kosovo.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements-\">Visa requirements  </h2>\n\n<p>You can visit Kosovo without a visa for up to 90 days, for business or tourism.</p>\n\n<p>Officials may ask you to provide documentary evidence giving a reason for your stay or showing you have sufficient finances. They will issue a 90-day entry stamp, which is renewable for longer stays.</p>\n\n<p>If you plan to stay in Kosovo for longer than 90 days, you will need to register with the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://mpb.rks-gov.net/f/45/Temporary-residence-permit-for-foreigners\">Ministry of Internal Affairs</a> for a residence permit.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/121/kosovo#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Kosovo guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://dogana.rks-gov.net/Individs/Index?individId=1084\">goods you can take into or out of Kosovo</a>. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<p>This guide also has safety advice for <a href=\"/foreign-travel-advice/kosovo/regional-risks\">regions of Kosovo</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism </h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-kosovo\">Terrorism in Kosovo</h3>\n\n<p>Terrorist attacks in Kosovo cannot be ruled out.</p>\n\n<p>Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, and at large public gatherings and cultural events. Terrorists may target religious sites, including churches.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"political-situation\">Political situation</h2>\n\n<p>The political situation is generally stable, but there is a risk of protests in the northern municipalities of Zvečan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, and areas of Mitrovica north of the river Ibar. Protests in these areas have at times turned violent.</p>\n\n<p>Find out more about the <a href=\"/foreign-travel-advice/kosovo/regional-risks\">regions where <abbr title=\"Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office\">FCDO</abbr> advises against all but essential travel</a>.</p>\n\n<p>There are also occasional protests in Pristina. These are usually peaceful, but can lead to some disruption, including to traffic and public transport. Keep up to date with local developments and avoid any large crowds or demonstrations.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-yourself-and-your-belongings\">Protecting yourself and your belongings</h3>\n\n<p>Pickpockets operate in airports and on public transport. Criminals target people they think may be carrying large amounts of cash. Take precautions to protect yourself from street crime by:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>only travelling in pre-booked taxis</li>\n  <li>not wearing expensive-looking jewellery or watches</li>\n  <li>avoiding isolated areas especially at night or when walking alone</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"bank-card-fraud\">Bank card fraud</h3>\n\n<p>Fraudsters can steal your card details without you noticing. Use ATMs inside banks if possible, and check ATMs on the street for signs of tampering. Keep cards in sight when paying in shops and restaurants. Read more about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/bank-card-and-cheque-fraud\">how to avoid bank card fraud</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"organised-crime\">Organised crime</h3>\n\n<p>Isolated incidents of armed violence and vehicle explosions in major cities are usually linked to organised crime and do not target visitors. However there could be violent incidents in areas visited by foreign nationals.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"vehicle-crime\">Vehicle crime</h3>\n\n<p>Criminals may target 4-wheel-drive and luxury vehicles – they may rob the passengers or try to take the vehicle. Get advice from your accommodation or car hire company about more secure routes.    </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"unexploded-landmines-and-bombs\">Unexploded landmines and bombs</h2>\n\n<p>There is a risk you could encounter landmines or other unexploded weapons when travelling in some remoter parts of Kosovo. See <a href=\"/foreign-travel-advice/kosovo/regional-risks\">Regional risks</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"personal-id\">Personal ID</h3>\n\n<p>Carry your passport with you for identification and keep a copy separately in a safe place.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs\">Illegal drugs</h3>\n\n<p>Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.</p>\n\n<p>Airports in Kosovo have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"using-cameras-in-secure-areas\">Using cameras in secure areas</h3>\n\n<p>Taking photographs of military or police installations, personnel or vehicles may lead to difficulties with the authorities.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"lgbt-travellers\">LGBT+ travellers</h3>\n\n<p>There are no laws against same-sex relations in Kosovo. However, Kosovo is still a conservative society and the LGBT+ scene is more tolerated than accepted.</p>\n\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice\">advice for LGBT+ travellers</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Kosovo, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a> and read the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/country/kosovo/\">rules of the road in the RAC’s Kosovo guide</a>. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.</p>\n\n<p>You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Kosovo. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/exchange-paper-driving-licence\">update it to a photocard licence</a> or get a <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit\">1969 international driving permit (IDP)</a> as well.</p>\n\n<p>Check if you need a <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates/flags-identifiers-and-stickers\">UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK</a>. You must carry vehicle registration and ownership documents.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"insurance-requirements\">Insurance requirements</h3>\n\n<p>You will need a locally valid insurance policy. European green card vehicle insurance is not valid. You should buy local third-party insurance at the border or from the nearest town at the earliest opportunity. Make sure you have enough cash in euros to pay for insurance.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"driving-conditions\">Driving conditions</h3>\n\n<p>Road standards vary from fair to poor. Roads are particularly bad in rural areas and after bad weather. There is a risk of landslides and flooding. Avoid travelling at night if possible. The quality of fuel varies.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"border-crossings\">Border crossings</h3>\n\n<p>There are sometimes delays at the border crossings between Kosovo and North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania, and Kosovo and Serbia. These are common around festive periods and during the summer months. Ensure you have food and water in case of delays.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"car-hire\">Car hire</h3>\n\n<p>Many Serbian car hire firms will not allow you to drive their vehicles in Kosovo, and vice-versa, due to concerns about the security situation.</p>\n\n<p>There have been some incidents where Serbian-registered hire cars have been targeted in more isolated areas of Kosovo.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taxis\">Taxis</h3>\n\n<p>The condition of taxis and standard of driving vary. Taxis are readily available in Pristina. Registered taxi firms are the safest option and fares are regulated. These usually need to be ordered by phone, although some are introducing local apps. Operators usually speak a reasonable level of English. International ride-hailing apps are not available.</p>\n\n<p>Taxis that approach you for a fare are often unofficial and can overcharge. Look for established taxi companies instead of a personally owned vehicle converted to a taxi.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather-and-natural-disasters\">Extreme weather and natural disasters</h2>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"wildfires\">Wildfires</h3>\n\n<p>Wildfires are possible in Kosovo, particularly during dry hot periods from April to October. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. To avoid starting wildfires:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>take care when visiting or driving through countryside</li>\n  <li>make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished</li>\n  <li>do not light fires or barbecues except in designated and marked areas</li>\n  <li>do not leave any rubbish</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>If you see a wildfire, call the emergency services on 112. Follow any advice from the police or local authorities.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"earthquakes\">Earthquakes</h3>\n\n<p>Kosovo lies in a seismically active zone, and earth tremors are common. The last significant earthquake, of magnitude 4.5, happened in 2010 around 90km north of Pristina.</p>\n\n<p>The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes\">what to do before, during and after an earthquake</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"flooding-and-landslides\">Flooding and landslides</h3>\n\n<p>Flooding and poor road conditions can be a problem after wet weather. There is a risk of landslides, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions.</p>\n\n<p>Check local news reports as flooding or landslides may cause road blockages.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","Criminals target people they think may be carrying large amounts of cash.","Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties.","Make sure you have enough cash in euros to pay for insurance."]}
