Kosovo

The Kosovo Police Force works with the Kosovo Force (KFOR) to maintain security. KFOR is an international peacekeeping force led by NATO.

Check local developments before and during your journey.

More information:

• United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)
• Kosovo Force
• Radio KFOR (Albanian)

Anti-government protests happen frequently and can turn violent.

Protests can occur in any region. They mostly happen in Prishtina and Mitrovica.

Demonstrations can begin without warning or notice.

To protect yourself, avoid the following:

• public gatherings
• political rallies
• protests
• roadblocks
• demonstrations

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Tensions and conflict

Tensions and ethnic conflict between the Serbian and Albanian populations can occur, particularly in the north.

Towns in northern Kosovo, including North Mitrovica, Leposavić, Zubin Potok and Zvečan, have experienced sudden violent, armed, inter-ethnic conflict.

Reconsider your need to travel to these areas due to the high risk of violence and security incidents.

Violence can happen along Kosovo's southern border with North Macedonia.

Unofficial roadblocks can be set up at short notice.

If you travel to these areas despite the risks, hire a local guide, especially if you travel alone.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• make alternative plans in case the security situation deteriorates
• check that your travel documents are valid for longer than you expect to travel

Public events

The discharge of firearms into the air and the release of fireworks could occur during the following:

• holidays
• sporting events
• major elections
• other occasions

This can result in accidental injury.

Be careful of celebratory gunfire, especially around major holidays, celebrations and after sporting victories.

Petty crime can occur, including:

• pickpocketing
• bag snatching

This mainly happens in crowded places, such as:

• airports
• on public transport
• restaurants and outdoor cafes
• tourist sites and attractions 

Carjacking and car theft can also happen.

Assassinations and murders are often linked to organised crime. Violent criminal acts aren't usually directed at travellers.

Privately owned illegal small firearms are common.

To protect yourself from crime:

• take care of your belongings, particularly in crowds
• hold bags and backpacks in front of you or in other ways that make them harder to snatch
• always lock your car doors
• use ATMs inside banks, shops and shopping centres

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security 

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

Several bomb threats have previously been made including against transport hubs. Monitor the media for developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

Terrorists are likely to try out attacks and may attack with little or no warning.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs
• areas that attract large groups of people.

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

•     Terrorism

Bush and forest fires can happen from June to September, especially in northern Kosovo.

Heavy rains can cause flooding, especially in spring and summer. Flooding may affect road travel, and landslides are a risk, particularly in mountainous areas.

Extreme hot and dry periods may lead to water shortages.

Large earthquakes are rare, but earth tremors are common.

To protect yourself if there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with family and friends
• monitor the media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Power outages

Power outages can occur throughout Kosovo, disrupting public utilities, including water service, and interfering with traffic lights, normal business activity, and public services.

Stray Dogs

Stray dogs are common throughout the country. Don't approach or feed them, as they can be aggressive.

Air pollution

Air pollution levels can be high.

During winter, heavy smoke from coal and wood-burning heaters can linger for days or weeks.

Accidental emissions of toxic substances from factories can happen.

Public health warnings aren't always issued.

If you have asthma or other breathing difficulties, seek medical advice before travelling.

Tick-borne diseases

Ticks are active from spring to autumn.

If you travel to forest areas, you may be exposed to tick-borne diseases such as:

• tick-borne encephalitis
• Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF)

To protect yourself from disease:

• check your body for ticks during and after a forest visit

if you have a tick, be careful to remove the whole tick

Get medical help if you develop a fever.

Insect-borne diseases

Cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been reported. There's no vaccine to prevent it.

To protect yourself from disease:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Other health risks

Outbreaks of foodborne and other infectious diseases can occur, including:

• hepatitis A
• trichinosis
• brucellosis
• rabies

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious disease

There’s no agreement between Australia and Kosovo for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Medical facilities are severely under-equipped.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuations can be very expensive.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long jail sentences and heavy fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

It's illegal to take photos of military or police:

• facilities
• buildings
• vehicles

Always carry photo ID.

Some Australian laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Kosovo allows dual nationality.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are legal, but not widely accepted.

Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visa-free travel for short stays

As a tourist, you won't need a visa for stays of less than 90 days, in any 180 day period. Border authorities issue a 90 day entry stamp on your arrival.

You may need to provide documents showing the reason for your visit when entering.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules, contact:

• Kosovo Foreign Ministry (Albanian)
• Embassy or consulate of Kosovo

Kosovo-Serbia border

Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia can cause difficulties at border crossings with Serbia.

Serbia does not recognise border crossings with Kosovo as legal international entry border crossings. 

You need a valid, recent Serbian entry stamp in your passport to travel from Kosovo to Serbia. If not, you'll need to transit via a third country.

Don't attempt to enter Serbia from Kosovo unless you initially travelled to Kosovo from Serbia.

For additional information on border crossing waiting times, visit the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 

More information:

• Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Serbian)
• Travel advice for Serbia

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

The official currency of Kosovo is the euro. 

You need to declare amounts over 10,000 euro or equivalent when you arrive. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. If you don't, you may be fined.

Although credit card use is increasing, Kosovo is a cash economy based on the euro. ATMs are readily available throughout Kosovo, and users should take normal precautions to safeguard their PIN when using them.

It's a good idea to carry some cash, including for minor purchases.

Landmines and unexploded weapons

Landmines and unexploded remnants of war are present. The main areas of risk include:

• mountainous regions in the west between Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro and east near Serbia's Presevo Valley
• regions bordering North Macedonia and Albania
• the Dulje Pass area (central Kosovo)

To protect yourself in these areas:

• keep to the main roads
• look out for hazardous areas marked by red 'MINES' signs
• ask locals about ways to stay safe
• don't travel off-road
• don't hike in woodland areas

Driving permit

To drive, you need to carry your valid Australian licence. Digital driver's licences may not be accepted.

Getting an International Driver's Permit (IDP) is recommended. Get your IDP before leaving Australia.

If you break traffic laws, authorities may take your driver's licence.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Road travel

Driving can be dangerous.

Hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• traffic congestion
• poor local driving skills
• pedestrians and farm animals in rural areas
• regular flooding and heavy snowfalls
• landslides, particularly on the main route between Prishtina and Skopje in North Macedonia

Flooding and heavy snowfalls can severely disrupt road travel.

Road rules

You must have third-party vehicle insurance to drive. You can buy insurance when you enter.

You must pay any road tolls and fines in cash in the local currency.

Speed limits are strictly enforced.

If you hire a car, the hire company may not let you cross the border to and from Kosovo.

To reduce your risks when travelling by road:

• check your travel insurance will cover you before driving
• understand local road rules
• avoid travelling at night
• always carry identification and vehicle registration papers

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check whether your travel insurance policy covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only authorised taxi and limousine services. These services are generally inexpensive, safe, and reliable.  Arrange these through your hotel.

Unofficial taxis may overcharge.

Public transport

Buses connecting Prishtina with other major cities are frequent.

Standards aren't the same as Australian buses, and they can often become overcrowded.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Rail travel

Rail transportation is very limited and unreliable, and safety equipment is often lacking or outdated.

Trains operate services:

• from Skopje to Prishtina via Hani i Elezit
• from Prishtina to Peja/Pec

Air travel

Check Kosovo's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Emergency department

Call 112.

Fire and rescue services

Call 193.

Medical emergencies

Call 194.

Police

Call 192.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia doesn't have a resident embassy or consulate in Kosovo. The Australian Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia provides consular assistance to Australians in Kosovo.

Australian Embassy, Zagreb

Grand Centar
5th Floor, Hektoroviceva 2
10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Phone: +385 1 489 1200
Email: austemb.zagreb@dfat.gov.au, consular.zagreb@dfat.gov.au
Website: croatia.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Croatia
X: AusAmbCroatia

The British Embassy in Pristina can provide limited emergency consular assistance to Australians in Kosovo. This doesn't include passport or visa services.

British Embassy, Pristina

Lidhja e Pejes 177
Prishtina, Kosovo

Telephone: +381 0 38 254 700
Email: britishembassy.pristina@fco.gov.uk
Web: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-pristina

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia