Large gatherings are taking place, including in Pristina in the evenings. This could lead to some disruption, including to traffic and public transport. Keep up to date with local developments, allow extra time for travel, and stay away from any large crowds or demonstrations.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Kosovo set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Kosovan Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo 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.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nThe authorities in Serbia do not consider the designated crossing points with Kosovo to be official international border crossing points.
\n\nHowever, it is possible to travel from Serbia to Kosovo, and back again.
\n\nYou 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:
\n\nYou are likely to be refused entry without a valid Serbian entry stamp. You should take a route through a third country.
\n\nBorder 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.
\n\nTensions between Serbia and Kosovo can cause difficulties at border crossings with Kosovo.
\n\nYou can visit Kosovo without a visa for up to 90 days, for business or tourism.
\n\nOfficials 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.
\n\nIf you plan to stay in Kosovo for longer than 90 days, you will need to register with the Ministry of Internal Affairs for a residence permit.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Kosovo guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Kosovo. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Kosovo.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Kosovo cannot be ruled out.
\n\nTerrorist 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nFind out more about the regions where FCDO advises against all but essential travel.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nPickpockets 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:
\n\nFraudsters 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 how to avoid bank card fraud.
\n\nIsolated 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.
\n\nCriminals 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.
\n\nThere is a risk you could encounter landmines or other unexploded weapons when travelling in some remoter parts of Kosovo. See Regional risks.
\n\nCarry your passport with you for identification and keep a copy separately in a safe place.
\n\nIllegal 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.
\n\nAirports in Kosovo have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nTaking photographs of military or police installations, personnel or vehicles may lead to difficulties with the authorities.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Kosovo, see information on driving abroad and read the rules of the road in the RAC’s Kosovo guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Kosovo. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get a 1969 international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nCheck if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. You must carry vehicle registration and ownership documents.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nRoad 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.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nMany Serbian car hire firms will not allow you to drive their vehicles in Kosovo, and vice-versa, due to concerns about the security situation.
\n\nThere have been some incidents where Serbian-registered hire cars have been targeted in more isolated areas of Kosovo.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nTaxis 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.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nWildfires are possible in Kosovo, particularly during dry hot periods from April to October. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. To avoid starting wildfires:
\n\nIf you see a wildfire, call the emergency services on 112. Follow any advice from the police or local authorities.
\n\nKosovo 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.
\n\nThe US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\nFlooding and poor road conditions can be a problem after wet weather. There is a risk of landslides, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions.
\n\nCheck local news reports as flooding or landslides may cause road blockages.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Kosovo. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nWhilst there have been recurring tensions across northern Kosovo resulting in sporadic unrest, protests and security incidents, this has improved since 2024. However, northern Kosovo remains politically sensitive and conditions can change quickly.
\n\nLocalised incidents, including protests and disruptions, can occur with little warning, particularly during periods of heightened political tension. Remain vigilant, monitor local media and stay away from demonstrations and large gatherings.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
\n\nResidual landmines and other unexploded bombs and weapons remain in Kosovo from the 1999 conflict. Roads and tracks have been cleared.
\n\nThe main areas of risk are:
\n\nKeep to the main roads when travelling in these areas. Most of the remaining dangerous areas are in high mountainous regions covered with dense vegetation. If you see something made of metal or anything suspicious, do not touch it, and report it immediately to the police or the nearest Kosovo Force (KFOR) patrol.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 94 from a landline or 194 from a mobile and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Kosovo including biting insects and ticks.
\n\nCrimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever is endemic in Kosovo. Most cases occur in the region around Malisheva (central Kosovo), but during the summer months other rural areas of Kosovo can be affected.
\n\nMosquito-borne diseases are present, including West Nile virus.
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Kosovo. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nHigh levels of air pollution can occur in Kosovo, particularly in Pristina. You can find further information and advice on air quality on the World Health Organization (WHO) website and check air quality levels on the World Air Quality Index Website.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe public health system in Kosovo is poorly funded. Hospitals lack specialist equipment and there is a widespread shortage of medicines and other essentials. Many doctors and nurses lack training in modern techniques and practices.
\n\nTreatment is also available at private medical clinics, which are of better quality than the public health system and are relatively affordable. A small payment in cash is required for treatment in the public health system.
\n\nMake sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical facilities in Kosovo where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAll emergencies: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nPolice: 192 from a mobile (92 from a landline)
\n\nFire: 193 from a mobile (93 from a landline)
\n\nAmbulance: 194 from a mobile (94 from a landline)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
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