• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• The security situation in Kosovo remains tense. We advise against all but essential travel to the municipalities of Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, and to the northern part of the city of Mitrovica.
  
  
• There has been an increase in tensions in northern Kosovo, including at Border Gates 1 and 31. Following events in late July, resulting in a stand-off with local residents at the gates and exchanges of fire, there have been further incidents, including armed confrontations with KFOR military on 27 September at Gate 1 and on 28 November at Zubin Potok. Tensions remain high. You should exercise extreme caution on routes around Gates 1 and 31.
  
  
• There have been sporadic disturbances in the North Mitrovica area since Kosovo declared independence in February 2008 including an armed incident on 9 November 2011. Tensions remain high.
  
  
• If you intend to enter Kosovo from Serbia (border crossings at Gates 1 and 31, Leposavic and Zubin Potok) and in view of recent developments since 25-26 July and the incidents at Zubin Potok in late  November 2010, you are strongly advised to consider alternative routes. Blocks along the road may prevent you from being able to complete your journey and the security situation is unpredictable. See Safety and Security - Local Travel - Northern Kosovo.
  
  
• Demonstrations are planned for Monday 22 January at gates 3 and 5 (gates Merdare and Dheu i Bardhe/Bela Zemlja). If you intend to enter Kosovo at this time through gates 3 and 5 you are advised to consider alternative routes. See Safety and Security - Local Travel - Northern Kosovo.
  
  
• The authorities in Serbia do not consider the designated crossing points from Kosovo to be official 'international' border crossing points.  Since the introduction of Republic of Kosovo stamps, we are aware of incidents where foreign nationals, including those from the United Kingdom, have been denied entry to Serbia if they have these stamps in their passports and  the Serbian authorities may not allow you to travel into Serbia if you hold these stamps.  Foreign nationals are less likely to experience entry problems if they travelled into Kosovo from Serbia and are returning, or are travelling via Albania, Macedonia or Montenegro (for more information please visit the website of the Serbian Ministry for Foreign Affairs.  When visiting Kosovo, you may be required, by the Kosovo border police, to provide documents explaining your visit (for example a letter of introduction). See Entry Requirements.
  
  
• In 2010, Kosovo experienced an outbreak of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). Five deaths were reported and cases occurred in the municipalities of Malisheva, Rahovec, Suhareka, Klina and Gjakova.
  
  
• Residual landmines and other unexploded ordnance remain in Kosovo, although all roads and tracks have been cleared. You should exercise caution when travelling in remote areas.
  
  
• There is an underlying global threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• Most visits to Kosovo are trouble-free. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.

Safety and Security - Terrorism/Security
There is an underlying risk from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For further information read and. See our terrorism abroad page.

The security situation in northern Kosovo remains tense. We continue to advise against all but essential travel to the municipalities of Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic and to the northern part of Mitrovica city.

There has been an increase in tensions in northern Kosovo, including at Border Gates 1 and 31. Following events in late July, resulting in a stand-off with local residents at the gates and exchanges of fire, there have been further incidents, including armed confrontation with KFOR military on 27 September at Gate 1 and on 28 November at Zubin Potok. Tensions remain high. You should exercise extreme caution on routes around Border Gates 1 and 31.On the evening of 27 July 2011 there was a petrol bomb attack on Border Gate 1. On the 26 July 2011, one Kosovo Police officer died as a result of injuries sustained following exchanges of fire.  In late November/early December 2011 year a number of KFOR personnel were severely injured in clashes at barricades in Zubin Potok.  Tensions remain high. This is the latest of sporadic disturbances there since Kosovo declared independence in February 2008.

Demonstrations orchestrated by opposition political party activists at Border Gates 3 and 5 (Medare and Dheu i Bardhe) in southern Kosovo on 14 January resulted in some clashes between the Kosovo Police, with injuries to police and demonstrators. Further demonstrations are planned for 22 January at Border Gates 3 and 5. If you intend to enter Kosovo from Serbia at Gates 3 and 5 at this time, you are advised to consider alternative routes.    

Safety and Security - Crime
As in other parts of Europe, you should be aware of the incidence of street crime. Be extra vigilant for pick-pocketing in public places such as airports and on public transportation. As a foreigner, you may be a target for criminals who may assume you are carrying large amounts of cash. Four wheel drive and luxury vehicles are also a popular target. Isolated incidents of armed violence in major cities are a problem. These are usually linked to organised crime and are not directed against foreigners, including British nationals. All incidents of crime should be reported to the local police from whom you should obtain a report. See our victims of crime abroad page.

To avoid the possibility of being inadvertently caught up in any violent incidents, you should check local developments before and during your journey. In the event of civil disorder, you are advised to stay at home or in your hotel and restrict your movements as much as possible, especially after dark. You should register your presence in Kosovo with the British Embassy in Pristina (see the Contact Details section of this travel advice).

We recommend you stay alert at all times and take particular care to avoid public gatherings, political rallies and protests and pay close attention to local media reports.

Safety and Security - Local Travel
We continue to advise against all but essential travel to the municipalities of Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic and to the northern part of the city of Mitrovica. There have been sporadic disturbances there since Kosovo declared independence in February 2008. We advise British Nationals in Pristina to exercise caution and vigilance at all times.

There is still some danger from residual mines and other unexploded ordnance left over from the 1999 conflict. The main areas of danger are on the border with Albania, in the Dulje Pass area (in central Kosovo), and in the west and south of the province. The mountainous region between South Serbia’s Presevo Valley and Kosovo is also problematic. We advise exercising caution when travelling in all these areas, and you should keep to the main roads. Most of the remaining dangerous areas are in high mountainous regions covered with dense vegetation. If you see anything suspicious, DO NOT TOUCH IT, and report it immediately to the police or the nearest KFOR patrol.

Demonstrations orchestrated by opposition political party activists at Border Gates 3 and 5 (Medare and Dheu i Bardhe) in southern Kosovo on 14 January resulted in some clashes between the Kosovo Police, with injuries to police and demonstrators. Further demonstrations are planned for 22 January at Border Gates 3 and 5. If you intend to enter Kosovo from Serbia at Gates 3 and 5 at this time, you are advised to consider alternative routes.    

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Northern Kosovo
We advise against all but essential travel to the municipalities of Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, and to the northern part of the city of Mitrovica due to sporadic violence there. Following incidents in the north on 25 and 26 July 2011 and in late November 2011, we strongly advise you to consider alternative routes if you intend to enter Kosovo from Serbia via Gate 1 (Leposavic) or Gate 31 (Zubin Potok).

Demonstrations orchestrated by opposition political party activists at Border Gates 3 and 5 (Medare and Dheu i Bardhe) in southern Kosovo on 14 January resulted in some clashes between the Kosovo Police, with injuries to police and demonstrators. Further demonstrations are planned for 22 January at Border Gates 3 and 5. If you intend to enter Kosovo from Serbia at Gates 3 and 5 at this time, you are advised to consider alternative routes.    

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel
The general standard of roads is fair to poor with conditions worsening in rural areas, especially in and after bad weather. There remains an inherent risk of landslide. You are advised against travelling at night.

A UK driving licence is valid in Kosovo. You must have vehicle registration / ownership documents and a locally valid insurance policy. However, European Green Card vehicle insurance is not valid and you should purchase local third party insurance at the border on entry. Where an insurance bureau is unavailable you should purchase insurance from the nearest town at the earliest opportunity. You should ensure that you have sufficient Euros to pay for insurance and fuel. Fuel is widely available but the quality varies. Delays at the border crossings between Kosovo and Macedonia are common.

You should be aware that many Serbian car hire firms will not allow their vehicles to be driven in Kosovo, and vice-versa, due to concerns about the security situation. There have been some incidents where Serbian registered cars have been targeted in more isolated areas of Kosovo.

Taxis are readily available in Pristina. However, the condition of the vehicle and standard of driving vary.

See our driving abroad page.

Safety and Security -  Local Travel - Rail Travel
The rail service from Fushë Kosovë (Kosovo Polie) to Zvecan (Zvečan) and Leshak (Lešak) in northern Kosovo is currently suspended. Services to other parts of Kosovo are unaffected.

Train and bus connections in Kosovo are poor and prone to delays. Trains can be slow, particularly in winter when there are often long delays.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel
Pristina airport has a modern terminal handling all international arrivals and departures.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Kosovo country profile

The security situation in Kosovo, particularly north Kosovo, remains unpredictable.  See Safety and Security - Terrorism Security above. Incidents in South Kosovo are much rarer, but there have been occasional violent demonstrations in Pristina. British nationals in Pristina are advised to exercise caution and vigilance at all times.

Drugs laws are similar to those in the UK. Possession or trafficking of drugs will be met with strict penalties and usually a lengthy prison sentence.

There are no laws against homosexual activity and same-sex couples in Kosovo. However, Kosovo is a conservative society and homosexual activity is not tolerated. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are not advisable.

Please note that taking photographs of military and police installations and/or personnel or vehicles anywhere in Kosovo may lead to difficulties with the authorities. See our your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas
There are no visa requirements for any national, including British, to enter Kosovo. You may be required to provide documentary evidence giving a reason for your entry and stay to local authorities when entering Kosovo. A 90-day entry stamp will be issued which is renewable for longer stays.

The authorities in Serbia do not consider the designated crossing points from Kosovo to be official 'international' border crossing points.

Since the introduction of Republic of Kosovo stamps, we are aware of incidents where foreign nationals, including those from the United Kingdom, have been denied entry to Serbia if they have these stamps in their passports. Whilst we have not been officially informed of any changes to Serbian immigration requirements by their authorities, the Serbian authorities may not allow you to travel into Serbia if you hold these stamps.

Foreign nationals are less likely to experience entry problems if they travelled into Kosovo from Serbia and are returning, or are travelling via Albania, Macedonia or Montenegro (for more information please visit the website of the Serbian Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity
You must hold a valid, undamaged passport to enter Kosovo. Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. However, it is always sensible to have a short period of extra validity on your passport in case of any unforeseen delays to your departure. You do not have to wait until your old passport expires to apply to renew it. Any time left on your old passport when you apply will be added to your new passport, up to a maximum of nine months. For passport applications in the UK, you should apply to the Identity and Passport Service.

The health system in Kosovo is severely under-funded. Hospitals lack specialist equipment and there is a widespread shortage of medicines and other essentials. Many in the medical profession lack training in modern techniques and practices. A small payment in cash (currently €4) is required for treatment but you are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover any medical evacuation.

Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is common to Kosovo. Although, most cases of CCHF occur in the region around Malishevë/o (Central Kosovo), during the summer months other rural areas of Kosovo can be affected. If you suffer from a fever during a visit to Kosovo you should seek immediate medical attention. The National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPH) has reported that since 26 April 2010 there have been 84 suspected cases of CCHF (18 confirmed), including five deaths. The cases have been reported in the municipalities of Malisheva, Rahovec, Suhareka, Klina and Gjakova.  Outbreaks of CCHF typically occur at this time of year and often result in a number of deaths.  However, the NIPH are expressing concern over the severity of the disease this year and the higher death rate compared to previous years.  More information can be found at the WHO website.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Kosovo and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See our travel health page.

During especially hot and dry periods there is a danger of forest fires. Please take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas; ensure that cigarette ends are properly extinguished, and do not light barbecues.

Kosovo lies in a seismically active zone, and earth tremors are common. The last significant earthquake happened on 10 March 2010.  According to the Skopje Seismological Institute the quake measured 4.5 on the Richter scale and had its epicentre around 90km north of Pristina.

General  - Insurance
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our travel insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas, see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Passport
You should ensure that your passport is valid for the length of your stay in Kosovo and that there is sufficient space in your passport for the entry and exit stamps.

It is advised that you carry your passport at all times. We therefore advise that you keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place. This will help you to obtain a replacement, in case your passport is lost or stolen.

The loss or theft of a British passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the British Embassy in Pristina. If your passport is lost or stolen the British Embassy in Pristina can issue you an Emergency Passport for a single journey to the UK. If you are travelling by air via another country, or driving through Europe, the Emergency Passport will be valid. The UK Immigration authorities keep the Emergency Passport once you enter the UK.

The British Embassy in Pristina does not accept applications for new passports.  Passport applications should be submitted direct to the British Consul General in Dusseldorf by post or courier service. This is due to requirements for all new passports to be machine readable, capable of storing biometrics information and to help reduce forgery. For full details on applying for passports please visit the embassy website. The British Embassy currently provides a limited consular service (notarial and visa services are not provided).
For further information on passports, please visit the website of the Identity and Passport Service.

General - Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in Kosovo (the Serbian Dinar (RSD) is sometimes accepted in Serb-majority areas). The current banking system is embryonic and you will generally be expected to pay in cash. Credit cards are not widely accepted but there are a small number of ATMs in Pristina, which accept international bankcards. You should bring enough Euros to cover your expenses while in Kosovo.

General - Consular Services
When visiting Kosovo, you should make your presence known to the British Embassy in Pristina by registering on LOCATE. The British Embassy currently provides a full consular service.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics
Most visits to Kosovo are trouble-free. Consular Assistance was provided to 10 British Nationals in Kosovo in the period 01 April 2010 – 31 March 2011, including one hospitalisation and four arrests.

Contacts

Kosovo, Pristina, British Embassy
Address:
Ismail Qemajli 6
Arberi
Dragodan
Pristina
Telephone:
(381) (38) 254 700
Fax:
(381) (38) 249 799
Email: britishembassy.pristina@fco.gov.uk
Office hours:
GMT:
Mon-Thurs: 0730-1600
Fri: 0730-1230

Local Time:
Mon-Thurs: 0830-1700
Fri: 0830-1330
Website: http://ukinkosovo.fco.gov.uk/en/