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 happen in any region. They mostly happen in Pristina and Mitrovica.

Demonstrations can begin without warning or notice.

To protect yourself, avoid:

• public gatherings

• political rallies

• protests

• roadblocks

• demonstrations

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

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Tensions and conflict

Tensions and conflict exist between ethnic Serbs and Kosovo Albanians, particularly in the north. The independence of Kosovo, declared in 2008, is an ongoing issue.

The Serbian government doesn't recognise Kosovo's independence. Many ethnic Serbs agree with this position.

Towns in northern Kosovo have experienced sudden violent, armed, inter-ethnic conflict. This includes the northern part of the city of Mitrovica.

Violence happens along Kosovo's southern border with North Macedonia.

Unofficial roadblocks are sometimes set up at short notice.

If you travel to these areas despite the risks, hire a local guide, especially if you're travelling 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

Kosovars traditionally discharge firearms into the air and release fireworks, during:

• 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

Carjacking and car theft can also happen.

Assassinations and murders are often linked to organised crime. Violent criminal acts aren't normally 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

• check local media for news on crime

• avoid trouble spots

• use ATMs inside banks, shops and shopping centres

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Kosovo, there's still a threat of terrorist attack.

Terrorists have staged attacks in European cities in recent years. Targets include:

• airports

• public transport, including train stations

• places of worship

• sporting venues

• areas that attract large groups of people

• places popular with foreigners

European security services have also disrupted some planned attacks.

Terrorists are likely to plan attacks targeting Kosovo and may carry out an attack with little or no warning.

To protect yourself from terrorist attacks:

• be alert in public places

• check the security of places you visit and whether they could be terrorist targets

• check the media for new threats

• take official warnings seriously

• follow the advice of local authorities

Report any suspicious activity or items to police.

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

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

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.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Kosovo. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

Air pollution

Air pollution levels can be high in Kosovo.

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

Accidental emission of toxic substances from factories can happen.

Public health warnings aren't always issued.

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

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.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in Kosovo are severely under-equipped.

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

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

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

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

In Kosovo, it's illegal to take photos of military or police:

• facilities

• buildings

• vehicles

Always carry photo ID.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

More information:

• Dual nationals

LGBTI information

Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but not widely accepted.

Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI people

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visa-free travel for short stays

As a tourist, you won't need a visa for stays of less than 90 days.

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

Border authorities issue a 90-day entry stamp. You can renew your stamp for longer stays.

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

The security situation along the Kosovo-Serbia border is unpredictable.

Political violence happens often at the border crossings of Jarinje and Brnjak, also called Gates 1 and 31.

To protect yourself from possible violence:

• avoid these border crossings

• take an alternative route

Serbian authorities can react aggressively when asked about documents needed for travel to Kosovo.

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

Entering Kosovo from Serbia at Merdare and Dheu i Bardhë, also known as Gates 3 and 5 can mean:

• long waiting times

• long vehicle queues

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

Montenegro and North Macedonia are transit options for travel by road. See Safety

More information:

• Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Serbian)

• Travel advice for Serbia

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The official currency of Kosovo is the Euro. In some places in northern Kosovo, the Serbian Dinar (RSD) is accepted.

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

Kosovo's economy is largely cash-based. Expect to make payments in cash, especially in small establishments.

Some hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit cards.

ATMs and international banks are becoming more common, but aren't widespread. Bring enough cash with you to meet your needs.

Landmines and unexploded weapons

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

• mountainouse 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 in Kosovo, you need to carry your valid Australian licence.

We recommend also getting an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). 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

• poor local driving skills

• pedestrians and farm animals in rural areas

• heavy snowfalls

• landslides, particularly on the main route between Pristina and Skopje in North Macedonia

Roadworks are common and traffic conditions change frequently.

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. Arrange these through your hotel.

Unofficial taxis may overcharge.

Public transport

Buses connecting Pristina with other major cities are frequent.

Standards aren't the same as Australian buses.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Rail travel

Trains operate regular services:

• from Skopje to Pristina via Hani i Elezit

• from Pristina to Peja/Pec

Trains are slow, but generally reliable.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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

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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

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

Australian Embassy, Vienna

Mattiellistrasse 2

A1040 Vienna, Austria 

Phone: +43 1 506 740

Fax: +43 1 506 741 85

Email: consular.vienna@dfat.gov.au

Website: austria.embassy.gov.au

Twitter: @AusAmbVIE

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

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

Pristina, Kosovo

Telephone: (+381 0) 38 254 700

Fax: (+381 0) 38 606 662

Email: britishembassy.pristina@fco.gov.uk

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