23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 193.
Call 194.
Call 192.
Do not travel to Kosovo.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
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:
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 protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
More information:
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:
Kosovars traditionally discharge firearms into the air and release fireworks, during:
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:
This mainly happens in crowded places, such as:
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:
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Kosovo and may carry out an attack with little or no warning.
Possible targets include airports, public transport, places of worship, sporting venues and areas that attract large groups of people.
To protect yourself from terrorist attacks:
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:
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:
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
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:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
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:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Kosovo.
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process
More information
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.
Ticks are active from spring to autumn.
If you travel to forest areas, you may be exposed to tick-borne diseases such as:
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical help if you develop a fever.
Cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been reported. There's no vaccine to prevent it.
To protect yourself from disease:
Outbreaks of foodborne and other infectious diseases can occur, including:
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
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.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long jail sentences and heavy fines.
More information:
In Kosovo, it's illegal to take photos of military or police:
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:
More information:
Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but not widely accepted.
Avoid public displays of affection.
More information:
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:
You must show proof of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test if you're entering from a country with high levels of infection. It must be taken within 72 hours of your arrival. See the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control list of high risk countries. You may be exempt, if you present proof of vaccination.
If you’re transiting, you don’t need a test if you will depart within three hours.
Pristina airport is open. Flights departing Kosovo are irregular. Check with airlines, or the airport and border authorities, for the most up-to-date information.
Certain land border crossings have re-opened. Although the Kosovo side of the border may be open, the other side of the border may be closed or authorities may not allow Australian citizens to enter. It's your responsibility to make sure you can enter the country you're planning to travel to before or after you enter Kosovo. If you plan to travel across the border, check our travel advice for that country. You may have to take a health check at land border crossings.
There is an overnight curfew from 10.30pm to 5am. During these hours you may only leave your house in an emergency.
You must wear a face mask in all public spaces, indoor and outdoor, and maintain two metres of physical distance. You may be fined if you don’t comply.
Gatherings of more than 30 people are not permitted. Weddings and wakes are not permitted.
Cafes, bars, restaurants and shops are open. Working hours are restricted.
Monitor and follow the advice of the local authorities for the latest information. Comply with any measures put in place by the local authorities. If you don't, you may be fined.
If you're remaining in Kosovo:
If you have a COVID-19 related question, or think you may have symptoms, call the local emergency hotline at 038 200 80 800.
More information
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:
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:
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:
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.
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:
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 remnants of war are present in Kosovo. The main areas of risk include:
To protect yourself in these areas:
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 can be dangerous.
Hazards include:
Roadworks are common and traffic conditions change frequently.
Heavy snowfalls can severely disrupt road travel.
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:
More information:
Check whether your travel insurance policy covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Use only authorised taxi and limousine services. Arrange these through your hotel.
Unofficial taxis may overcharge.
Buses connecting Pristina with other major cities are frequent.
Standards aren't the same as Australian buses.
More information:
Trains operate regular services:
Trains are slow, but generally reliable.
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:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 193.
Call 194.
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 Zagreb, Croatia provides consular assistance to Australians in Kosovo.
Centar Kaptol
Third Floor, Nova Ves 11
10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Phone: (+385) 1 489 1200
Fax: (+385) 1 489 1216
Email: austemb.zagreb@dfat.gov.au, consular.zagreb@dfat.gov.au
Website: croatia.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Croatia
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.
Lidhja e Pejes 177
Pristina, Kosovo
Telephone: (+381 0) 38 254 700
Fax: (+381 0) 38 606 662
Email: britishembassy.pristina@fco.gov.uk
Web: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-pristina
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
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