Threat level:Medium
COVID-19 Situation in Kosovo
Due to the sanitary situation around the world and in Kosovo, a tiered system is in place. The following measures have been implemented to curb the spread of the virus: making the use of facemasks compulsory outside, requiring people to keep a distance of 2 meter from each other, reducing capacity on public transport by half, limiting public gatherings to 50 people indoors and 80 people outdoors, and closing shops and hospitality establishments after 22:00 (except for takeaways). To avoid contamination from overseas, travellers from high risk countries must present a negative COVID-19 test result on their arrival, taken no more than 72 hours prior to travelling. Commercial flights from and to the UK are halted due to the new COVID-19 variant detected in the UK. To avoid contracting the disease, wear a face mask, apply good hygiene practices, maintain social distancing, avoid public gatherings and unnecessary travel.
The general travel advice for Kosovo is for tourists to remain vigilant during their stay. Tourists have at times been targeted for petty crime in some areas of the country, but by taking basic safety precautions, trips should be mostly risk-free.
Kosovo has been declared as independent since 2003, despite the opposition of the Serb minority. There is still a danger of unexploded lane mines and other unexploded ordnance left over from the 1999 conflict, mainly in the west and south of the country.
In recent years, Kosovo has experienced some cases of armed violence and vehicle explosions in major cities, but these are usually related to organised crime and not directed at tourists.
Travel to the regions of Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, and to the northern part of the city of Mitrovica is highly advised against, as there have been recent outbreaks of violence and security incidents in these particular areas.
The political situation in Kosovo for the most part is generally stable. Be aware that there have been several recent cases of anti-government protests, mainly in Pristina and other towns like Gjakova. These protests can turn violent, take extra precautions like monitoring the local media and avoid large gatherings.
You should take particular care when crossing the border from northern Kosovo into Serbia, particularly Gates 1 and 31 at Jarinje and Brnjak. There have been reports of political violence around this area in the past and you may want to consider an alternative route.
Kosovo has been recognised as independent by over 105 UN member states alongside Republic of China and Order of Malta. The country now enjoys diplomatic relations with 78 countries, including the United States and United Kingdom.
Kosovo has membership in several International Organisations, such as the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The country has initiated the process of building on its diplomatic relationships with all states that have recognised Republic of Kosovo as independent.
You can legally drive in Kosovo with an international driving licence, UK driving licence, and many other national licences, but if you are unsure check with your nearest embassy before travel to reduce the risk of complications.
The standard of roads in Kosovo is relatively poor. Roads are particularly bad in rural areas and can be badly damaged from extreme weather conditions. There is a high risk of landslides and flooding during the wet seasons. You should avoid travelling at night if possible as roads are dimly lit.
Intelligent Protection International Limited provides companies and organisations with Commercial Travel Risk Services designed to mitigate risks of staff when they travel for business. If you are interested in these services, please see: Commercial Travel Risk Services.
Police emergency: 92
Fire emergency: 93
Medical emergency: 94
Notes: All services also 112
Capital: Pristina
Recognised regional languages: Bosnian, Turkish, Gorani and Romani
Religion: Islam
Currency: Euro (EUR)
U.S. Embassy
Ahmet Krasniqi
Prishtinë
10000
Telephone: +381 38 5959 3000
Email: PaPristina@state.gov
British Embassy
Ismail Qemali 6
Arberi/Dragodan
Pristina
Kosovo
Telephone: +381 38 254 700
Email: britishembassy.pristina@fco.gov.uk
Most nationalities will be issued a 90-day visa stamp upon arrival in Kosovo. Since 2013, citizens of EU member states can enter Kosovo on a photo ID card.
Cultural advice for visiting Islamic countries
If you have never visited an Islamic country before, you maybe have some unanswered questions the culture, what you can wear and general dos and don'ts. Intelligent Protection International Limited is highly experienced at working in Islamic countries and has done so for the past decade. We have written a guide that will help you understand what is culturally acceptable and hope you find it useful. See our page: Guide to Islamic culture for travellers.
It is advised that visitors to Kosovo are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers also get Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccinations. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.
Tick born Encephalitis is a risk in Kosovo during the warmer months in Kosovo and is more common in rural areas.
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