In recent years, Kosovo has been rebuilding after a difficult history. From welcoming people, amazing landscapes, and gorgeous towns, it’s a worthwhile stop on any Balkans tour.
This ultimate Kosovo travel guide offers practical tips and sightseeing highlights.
Document checklist for Kosovo
Visa (if applicable)
Valid passport
Return or onward ticket
Essential Kosovo travel information
Currency - Kosovo uses the Euro (€). $1 is equivalent to approximately €1.05. The Serbian dinar is sometimes accepted in Serb-majority areas.
Daily budget for 1 person - Allow a daily budget of €40 ($42).
Languages - Kosovar Albanians speak Albanian, mostly along Kosovo’s Southern border.
Number of travelers per year - Over 100,000 tourists visit Kosovo each year.
Socket type - Types F, 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Time zone - Central European Standard Time (GMT+1).
Top 3 cities to visit - Pristina, Gjakova, and Prizren.
Top 3 landmarks/monuments - Kalaja Fortress, Brezovica, and the Rugova Mountains.
Visa information for Kosovo
The requirement for a Kosovo Visa depends on where you are from. Use our handy Visa Checker Tool to find out which documents you need before you go.
Visa difficulty index for Kosovo
Accessibility: 3/5
Despite being in Europe, Kosovo is not part of the Schengen area or the European Union. This makes it slightly more challenging to access Kosovo. However, while there are certain entry requirements in relation to Serbia, a visa is not required for many visitors.
Time to get your visa: 2/5
Most travelers do not need a visa for this destination, but if you do, you must contact the embassy near you to get one.
Costs: 4/5
The costs depend on your nationality.
Typical costs and budget for Kosovo
A guide to what you'll spend daily in Kosovo on a mid-range budget.
Daily spending - Expect to spend about €40 ($42) per person per day. This includes:
Meals - You can enjoy a meal at a budget restaurant for around €10 ($11) per person. Mid-range restaurants typically charge around €20 ($22) per person.
Transport - taxis are relatively cheap in Kosovo, with short journeys costing around €3 ($4). Bus tickets are also affordable, with most routes costing less than €5 ($7).
Hotel - You can find budget accommodation options in Kosovo for as little as €20 ($22) per night.
On average, a trip to Kosovo for two people for one week can cost up to €560 ($600).
Transport and best ways to travel around Kosovo
Kosovo is easily accessible and offers various connections via air, train, and bus. Here are the best ways of getting to and around Kosovo.
Getting to Kosovo
The easiest way to reach Kosovo is by flying to Pristina Airport (also known as Airport Adem Jashari). Some of the airlines flying to Kosovo are:
Austrian Airlines
(Video) HOW TO GET KOSOVO TOURIST VISA || EUROPEAN COUNTRYEdelweiss Air
Eurowings
Pegasus Airlines
SWISS
Turkish Airlines
EasyJet
Wizz Air
However, if you are already traveling through the Balkans, you might want to take public or private transportation from Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, or Macedonia. Border crossings can be slow.
Arrival and immigration tips for Kosovo
A few tips to make the immigration process smoother:
Check all Kosovo entry and exit requirements, including visas, daily before you go. Rules can change with little or no warning. Note that Serbia, along the Northern Kosovo border, does not recognize Kosovo as an independent country.
Please note that rental companies from Serbia won’t let you take the car into Kosovo for safety concerns due to the political tension between these nations.
Previously, having a stamp from Kosovo meant you couldn’t travel to Serbia. This is no longer the case. However, local authorities will still stamp/put a sticker over your Kosovo visa with a "canceled" stamp.
Some governments advise that travelers don't enter Serbia from Kosovo unless they initially traveled into Kosovo from Serbia.
If you’d like to return to Serbia after your trip to Kosovo, remember that your Serbian visa/entry stamp will still count on your trip to Kosovo, so don’t exceed the maximum stay (usually 90 days).
Getting around Kosovo
There are several ways to travel around Kosovo, and your chosen method will largely depend on your personal preferences and budget. Here are some options:
Taxis: Taxis are a convenient way to get around Kosovo and are widely available in urban areas. Look for licensed taxis with a yellow license plate and negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Buses: Buses are a popular mode of transportation in Kosovo, especially for longer distances. They're relatively affordable and operate on a regular schedule. Stick to reputable bus companies and be prepared for potential delays.
Car rental: If you're comfortable driving in Kosovo, you can rent a car. This gives you more flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, be aware that driving in Kosovo can be challenging, especially in urban areas. Avoid going off-road because of landmines left from the Serbia-Kosovo war.
Safety in Kosovo
Kosovo is generally a safe country for tourists to visit. However, like any other country, there are some precautions that tourists should take to ensure their safety.
Here are some tips for tourists visiting Kosovo:
Kosovo is still dealing with the aftermath of the 1998-1999 conflict, and there are still areas that may contain landmines. Stick to well-traveled paths and avoid venturing off-road, especially in rural areas.
Kosovo is a politically charged country, and there may be demonstrations or protests that can turn violent. It's best to avoid these gatherings and stay away from any potential conflicts, and to monitor local media for up-to-date information.
When using taxis, look for licensed taxis with a yellow license plate. Unlicensed taxis may not be safe or reliable.
Kosovo is a conservative country, and it's important to dress appropriately and respect local customs and traditions. For example, showing the soles of your feet is considered rude, so avoid sitting with your legs crossed.
If you plan on renting a car, be careful when driving. Kosovo has narrow roads, and drivers can be aggressive. Additionally, there may be poorly marked speed limits, so keep an eye out for signs, and always follow local laws.
As always, our travel advice is to get travel insurance that covers emergency services and medical evacuation.
Weather in Kosovo
Kosovo has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The best time to visit Kosovo is during the spring (April to May) or the fall (September to October) when the temperatures are mild, and the weather is pleasant.
However, the summer months (June to August) can also be a good time to visit if you don't mind the heat, as in most European cities.
Must do and see in Kosovo
Here are the top 5 things to do and see in Kosovo:
Pristina: The capital city of Kosovo is a vibrant and bustling destination with a mix of modern architecture and historical landmarks. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, the National Museum of Kosovo, and the modernist National Library of Kosovo.
(Video) How KOSOVO Treat Indian Tourist ? 🇽🇰Exploring the Rugova Canyon: Rugova Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder in western Kosovo. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and stunning views of the canyon.
Discovering the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kosovo has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Patriarchate of Peć and the medieval town of Prizren. Both of these sites are well worth a visit for their cultural and historical significance.
Skiing in Brezovica: Brezovica is one of the best ski resorts in the Balkans, with over 20 km of ski slopes and stunning views of the Šar Mountains. The ski season runs from December to March, making it a great winter destination.
Admiring the Kalaja Fortress: Admire views of Prizren, witness the surrounding mountains, and explore the remains of the erstwhile capital of the Serbian empire at Kalaja Fortress.
Typical Kosovo food to try
Kosovo's cuisine is a mix of Balkan, Ottoman, and Mediterranean influences, with a variety of delicious dishes to try. Here is the best food to try in Kosovo:
Flija: Flija is a traditional dish made by layering thin crêpes with a mixture of sour cream and butter. It is then baked in a wood-fired oven and served hot with honey or yogurt.
Pite: Pite is a savory pie filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese. It is a popular street food in Kosovo and can be found at markets and bakeries throughout the country.
Tava e Prizrenit: Tava e Prizrenit is a hearty meat and vegetable stew cooked in a clay pot. It typically includes beef, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes and is seasoned with paprika and other spices.
Vaccine information for Kosovo
We advise you to check the CDC website for up-to-date info about all vaccination requirements, COVID-19 measures, and recommended medicine for Kosovo.
Crossing the border to Kosovo from Serbia
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, putting an end to many years of conflict. The country offers an authentic culture, untouched landscapes, and gorgeous Ottoman architecture.
Kosovo is safe for tourists. However, visiting Kosovo from Serbia requires some preparation. While the border is open, be aware that tensions still exist between the two countries.
Important things to consider when visiting Kosovo:
Since Serbia does not recognize Kosovo's international borders, entering Kosovo from Montenegro, Albania, or North Macedonia would be considered illegal entry to Serbia. If you subsequently would like to cross the border to Serbia from Kosovo, you’ll be denied entry.
You can enter Serbia legally from Kosovo if you visit Serbia in the first place.
When crossing the border from Serbia to Kosovo by bus, you may be escorted by a Serbian Army car for the first few kilometers, which is nothing to worry about.
(Video) I Traveled to Kosovo and Started a Gang 🇽🇰Although you might see Serbian armored vehicles, especially when you visit Serbian Heritage sites like Dečani Monastery, they are just remnants of the conflict.
FAQs
Travel to Kosovo: Travel Requirements for Kosovo? ›
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Not by the Kosovo government, but may be required by airlines. As of May 1, 2022, Kosovo does not seek your vaccination status records, however we recommend you bring your vaccination records with you.
Do I need to do a Covid test to go to Kosovo? ›Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Not by the Kosovo government, but may be required by airlines. As of May 1, 2022, Kosovo does not seek your vaccination status records, however we recommend you bring your vaccination records with you.
Do US citizens need a visa for Kosovo? ›U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Kosovo and may be asked to provide documentation stating the purpose of their visit. No visa is required for tourist trips of up to 90 days within six months. For work, study, or visits longer than 90 days within six months, you must apply for a temporary residence permit.
Can I go to Kosovo with travel document? ›You do not need a visa to enter or travel through Kosovo as a visitor. A 90-day entry stamp will be issued which is renewable for longer stays.
Who can enter Kosovo? ›You don't need a visit visa to enter Kosovo for periods of up to 90 days. However, you may have to provide documentary evidence stating the purpose of your visit. A 90-day entry stamp will be issued and this can be renewed for longer stays. Irish passports should be valid for the dates of entry and exit from Kosovo.
Is it safe to travel to Kosovo right now? ›Kosovo - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Kosovo. Locals discharge firearms on holidays and other occasions. Be careful of celebratory gunfire, especially during major holidays and sporting victories. Petty crime includes pickpocketing and bag snatching.
What is the US foreign policy in Kosovo? ›Kosovo–United States relations are diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kosovo and the United States of America. The United States officially recognized Kosovo as a country, which declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008, the next day. Embassy of Kosovo, Washington, D.C.
Can Americans drive in Kosovo? ›A valid U.S. driver's license is required for U.S. citizens to drive in Kosovo. The use of seat belts and headlights is mandatory at all times. A driver with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.05 is considered intoxicated. Travelers entering Kosovo by road must purchase local third-party insurance.
What does the US do in Kosovo? ›Since 1999, the United States has contributed troops to the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR), tasked with maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all of Kosovo's citizens.
Does Kosovo stamp your passport? ›
Steps To Enter And Leave Kosovo Legally Via A Non-Serbian Border. Enter Kosovo legally via the Pristina Airport or a border with Montenegro, Albania, or North Macedonia. You'll get a Kosovo entry stamp in your passport.
Do you need a green card for Kosovo? ›Do I need a green card to drive in Kosovo? Kosovo is not a member of the Green Card System, a Europe-wide scheme that allows countries to recognise foreign vehicle insurance policies of visiting motorists. You can purchase insurance at the border.
What are the three documents required to travel internationally? ›Passport, Travel Visa and National ID Card
Proper identification is the foundation of international travel. As a result, you should ensure to always have an official identification document with you. You can even consider having multiple documents such as your passport, national ID card or driver's licence.
Any cash carried in the amount of $10,000 or more should be declared. Prior to traveling to Kosovo, U.S. business travelers are strongly encouraged to obtain general and country-specific travel information from the U.S. Department of State's website.
How much money can I take to Kosovo? ›Registration only takes minutes and provides peace of mind while traveling abroad. The following items can be freely imported into the country by travellers aged 17 years or over. Sums of money greater than 10,000 Euros will need to be declared at the customs department when entering or leaving the country.
Who does not accept Kosovo? ›February 17 marks 15 years since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia. Serbia does not recognise Kosovo's statehood. Neither does Russia, China and five European Union countries – Spain, Slovakia, Cyprus, Romania and Greece, which have halted its path to EU membership.
Can you drink the water in Kosovo? ›Water. The quality of tap water in Kosovo is good and you can usually drink from taps that supply water to kitchen areas. However, we suggest you get bottled water that is widely available in all local grocery shops and supermarkets.
Which country is closed to Kosovo? ›Land. A landlocked country, Kosovo is bordered by Serbia to the north and east, North Macedonia to the south, Albania to the west, and Montenegro to the northwest.
Is it safe to drink water in Kosovo? ›In general, Kosovo is considered to have good tap water quality which also includes Pristina as one of its most developed cities. Moreover, the water coming from kitchen taps is drinkable.
Do people speak English in Kosovo? ›Languages spoken in Kosovo are:
English is widely spoken, especially by youth. English is also taught at schools starting from primary education. Albanian is an Indo-European language that is spoken by numerous inhabitants of the Albanian culture especially those bordering the Albanian and Kosovo countries.
Are people in Kosovo friendly? ›
The people are generally very friendly, welcoming and proud of their country and culture.
Is there a US base in Kosovo? ›Camp Bondsteel has several facilities on base, all built with US military aid, that are used by both soldiers and civilian employees alike. The base can house up to 7,000 soldiers, making it the largest American base in the Balkans.
How many US troops are in Kosovo? ›Kosovo's independence is recognized by more than 110 countries, but not by Russia and four NATO members. The nation is also not a member of the United Nations. The U.S. currently contributes 635 troops to Kosovo as part of a NATO peacekeeping mission in the country that began in 1999.
What religion is practiced in Kosovo? ›The majority of Kosovo Albanians are Muslim, although some are Christian (Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant). Almost all Kosovo Serbs belong to the SOC. The majority of ethnic Ashkali, Bosniaks, Egyptians, Gorani, Roma, and Turks are also Muslim, while most ethnic Montenegrins and some Roma are Christian Orthodox.
Does Kosovo have a tax treaty with the US? ›Bilateral Investment Agreements and Taxation Treaties
The United States does not have a bilateral investment or taxation treaty with Kosovo, but designated Kosovo as a beneficiary developing country under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program in 2008.
Crossing from Kosovo to Serbia
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. If you try to cross the checkpoint with only a Kosovo visa, you'll be deemed to have entered the country illegally.
You'll need a valid, recent Serbian entry stamp in your passport to travel from Kosovo to Serbia. You'll have to enter Serbia from another country if you don't. Serbia can deny you entry if you have any border entry or exit stamps from Kosovo in your passport.
Does the US recognize Kosovo as a state? ›Among the G20 countries, eleven (including all seven G7 countries) have recognised Kosovo as an independent state: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Why is the US interested in Kosovo? ›First, developments in Kosovo were of important interest to the United States and its European allies not only because of a general and commendable concern with human and minority rights in this part of the world but also because a violent flare-up there could prove unsettling for the Bosnian peace achieved in Dayton ...
Is NATO still in Kosovo? ›In 20 years, more than 200 NATO soldiers have died as part of KFOR. On 1 July 2021, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that the KFOR mission will continue.
What is special about Kosovo? ›
Kosovo, a landlocked country slightly larger than Delaware, is the smallest Balkan nation. About 40 percent of its land is covered by forest, and slightly more than half of its land is agricultural. 4. With a median age of 29.1 years, Kosovo has among the youngest populations in Europe.
Can I enter Kosovo through Albania? ›If you don't wish to travel to Serbia then you can still enter Kosovo legally by going through any one of its official border crossings with Montenegro, Macedonia or Albania.
Can foreigners buy property in Kosovo? ›Kosovo is one for the nature lovers, with almost half the country covered in forest and amazing hiking trails in the Rugova region. There are no restrictions for foreigners owning property in Kosovo.
Can you cross from Kosovo to Albania? ›Border Crossing Albania - Kosovo
The main border crossing from Kosovo is Morinë (Kukës) - Vërmicë (Prizren), but you can use travel through Qafë Morinë (Tropojë) - Gjakovë; Qafë Prush - Gjakovë; Shishtavec (Kukës) - Dragash; Orgjost (Kukës) - Orqushë (pedestrian only).
A single person estimated monthly costs are 437.1$ (393.7€) without rent. Cost of living in Kosovo (Disputed Territory) is, on average, 59.4% lower than in United States. Rent in Kosovo (Disputed Territory) is, on average, 82.4% lower than in United States.
Do I need an international drivers license in Kosovo? ›The driving licence requirements in Kosovo state that you must be at least 18 years old and have a full driving licence valid in your country of residence. It is recommended to have an international driving licence.
Where can you travel without a visa from Kosovo? ›- Albania.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Cook Islands.
- Dominica.
- Ecuador.
- Haiti.
- Micronesia.
- Montenegro.
You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified. Review the complete list of acceptable identification.
What documents are required for travel? ›- Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) ...
- U.S. passport.
- U.S. passport card.
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
The Euro is the official currency in Kosovo. The Serbian Dinar is sometimes accepted in Serb-majority areas. Most transactions are in cash. Credit cards are more widely accepted and there are some ATMs in Pristina and other major cities.
Can you send money to Kosovo from USA? ›
Send money to a Western Union agent in Kosovo for cash pickup in minutes*. Or go to your nearest Western Union agent to send money in person.
What is Kosovo called now? ›The official conventional long name of the state is Republic of Kosovo, as defined by the Constitution of Kosovo, and is used to represent Kosovo internationally.
Do US citizens need visa for Kosovo? ›U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Kosovo and may be asked to provide documentation stating the purpose of their visit. No visa is required for tourist trips of up to 90 days within six months. For work, study, or visits longer than 90 days within six months, you must apply for a temporary residence permit.
Do US citizens need a visa for Albania? ›U.S. citizens may stay in the Republic of Albania for up to one year without a residence permit. When you enter the country, a border and migration officer stamps your passport with the entry date.
Do US citizens need a visa for Serbia? ›Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter and stay in Serbia for up to 90 days. It is important to enter and exit Serbia using the same passport. U.S. citizens who also hold Serbian citizenship should always enter and exit Serbia on their Serbian passport.
Kosovo–United States relations are diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kosovo and the United States of America. The United States officially recognized Kosovo as a country, which declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008, the next day.
Who is the enemy of Kosovo? ›The Kosovo conflict occurred in 1998–99 when ethnic Albanians fought ethnic Serbs and the government of Yugoslavia in Kosovo. The conflict gained widespread international attention and was resolved with the intervention of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Is Kosovo Albanian or Serbian? ›Kosovo is a small, landlocked country in the Balkans, bordering Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. Many Serbs consider it the birthplace of their nation. But of the 1.8 million people living in Kosovo, 92% are Albanian and only 6% Serbian.
Is it safe to go to Pristina Kosovo? ›This is really a great country with friendly locals and there is nothing to worry about! I would suggest having a base in Pristina and do day trips from the capital – it's really easy with good bus connections and Pristina is such a cool city to spend some time in! The cafe scene in Pristina is amazing!
How long does it take to get to Kosovo? ›How long does it take to get from United States to Kosovo? It takes approximately 15h 32m to get from United States to Kosovo, including transfers.
Which country was Kosovo part of? ›
Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008.
Can you cross from Serbia to Kosovo? ›Crossing from Kosovo to Serbia
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. If you try to cross the checkpoint with only a Kosovo visa, you'll be deemed to have entered the country illegally.
In general, Kosovo is considered to have good tap water quality which also includes Pristina as one of its most developed cities. Moreover, the water coming from kitchen taps is drinkable.
Is Kosovo a cheap country? ›According to Numbeo, which ranks destinations according to the cost of living, factoring in everything from pub drinks to bus fares, the cheapest country in Europe – and the sixth cheapest on the planet, behind only Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Libya, India and Algeria – is Kosovo.
Is the water safe to drink in Kosovo? ›Water. The quality of tap water in Kosovo is good and you can usually drink from taps that supply water to kitchen areas. However, we suggest you get bottled water that is widely available in all local grocery shops and supermarkets.
Does Kosovo have an embassy in the US? ›The Embassy of Kosovo in Washington, D.C. is the main diplomatic mission of Kosovo to the United States.
How many hours is it from USA to Kosovo? ›The total flight duration from United States to Kosovo is 11 hours, 49 minutes. This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing.
What is Kosovo known for? ›- Small, but rich in forests.
- Where the streets have famous names.
- Young population.
- Unusual flag.
- Kosovo is open to different religions.
- Kosovo has already won three Olympic gold medals.
- Two official languages.
- Paying in euro.
Kosovar or Kosovan may refer to: Something of, from, or related to the Republic of Kosovo. A citizen of Kosovo, see Demographics of Kosovo.