The Republic of Kosovo declared independence on 17 February 2008. Ireland has recognised Kosovo’s independence.
The overall security situation in Kosovo remains calm but the government of Serbia and some Serbs in Kosovo reject the declaration of independence of Kosovo. You should avoid public gatherings, protests or demonstrations while in Kosovo.
Intending travellers should also note that the Serbian authorities will not allow you to travel into Serbia, from Kosovo, unless you began your journey in Serbia and are returning there directly. See section on Entry Requirements.
Citizens intending to travel to Kosovo are strongly advised to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs
TRAVEL INSURANCE
The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance (including evacuation), is obtained before travelling to Kosovo. Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visit visas are not required for entry to Kosovo for periods of up to 90 days. However, it should be noted that, in accordance with the 2005 UNMIK regulation, you will be required to provide documentary evidence regarding the purpose of your visit (e.g. letter of invitation, business or employment documents). Further details regarding the UNMIK regulation on the Movement of Persons into or out of Kosovo are available at: www.unmikonline.org
The Serbian authorities will not allow you to travel into Serbia, from Kosovo, unless you began your journey in Serbia and are returning there directly or are entering Serbia via Albania, Montenegro or Macedonia.
In June 2008 the UNMIK exit/entry stamps were replaced by Republic of Kosovo stamps, since then there have been incidents of foreign nationals, whose passports contain the new stamps, being denied entry into Serbia.
It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Independence was declared by Kosovo on 17 February, the government of Serbia and some Serbs in Kosovo reject the declaration and this has led to increased tensions. Although the overall security situation remains calm there are still concerns that it could deteriorate.
Since 19 February a number of police and customs border posts between Kosovo and Serbia have been attacked. Border control points may close as a result of disorder. You should therefore consider alternative routes of travel to Serbia. You should avoid non-essential travel to Northern Mitrovica exercise extreme caution if you must travel to the northern municipalities of Leposavic, Zubin Potok and Zvecan as there is an increased risk of disturbance in these areas. You should not try to enter Kosovo from Serbia via Leposavic and Zubin Potok at present.
It is strongly recommended that citizens avoid any demonstrations or public gatherings as there is a possibility that they may turn violent without warning. Stay alert at all times, monitor local media reports and follow directives of local authorities regarding safety or security risks.
There are still residual mines and other unexploded ordnance. Special care should be taken in the areas of the Dulje Pass (central Kosovo), the west and south of the province, the border with Albania and the region between South Serbia’s Presevo Valley and Kosovo.
You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
CRIME
You are advised to take normal, sensible precautions to avoid mugging, bag snatching and pick-pocketing. Please be particularly careful on busy public transport, in train stations, markets and other places frequented by tourists. The incidence of car-jacking and car theft continue to increase, particularly in the city of Pristina.
All incidents of crime should be reported to the local police and a report should be obtained.
ROAD SAFETY
An Irish driving licence may be used in Kosovo. However, European Green Card vehicle insurance is not valid. Local insurance should be purchased at the border or, if not available, the nearest town.
The general standard of roads is poor with conditions worsening in rural areas, particularly in bad weather. There are risks of landslides on the main route between Pristina and Skopje. It is strongly recommended that driving at night be avoided.
You should be aware that many Serbian car hire firms will not allow their vehicles to be driven in Kosovo 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.
You should check local developments before starting your journey particularly if you plan to cross a land border with Serbia.
HEALTH
You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all required vaccinations are up to date. The standard of medical care is not comparable to that in Western Europe. You are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover any medical evacuation.
Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), a tick-borne infection is endemic to Kosovo. Although most cases of CCHF occur in the region around Malishevo (central Kosovo), during summer months the other rural areas of Kosovo can be affected. If you have visited Kosovo and are suffering from a fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, red rash (which does not fade when pressed under a glass), bleeding on the roof of the mouth or any other unexplained symptoms, you should seek medical advice immediately.
There is also a risk of exposure to tick-borne encephalitis in forested areas.
NATURAL DISASTERS
Kosovo lies in a seismically active zone and earth tremors are common.
There are risks of forest fires during the summer month, particularly in Northern Kosovo.
