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Kosovo is now open for tourism and has removed all Covid-related travel restrictions and entry requirements for incoming tourists.
In fact, Kosovo reopened Pristina airport for international arrivals on June 28th, but we did not report on it right away for lack of official information.
Note: Even to produce this guide there was a significant lack of clear government information, especially when compared to neighboring nations. If you do decide to travel to Kosovo at this time, please do extra research before going.
Kosovo is a landlocked country in the Southeast Balkan region of Europe, bordering Serbia, Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia. It’s definitely not an international hotspot for tourism, but many people are interested in visiting during the pandemic because of their simple covid-related entry requirements. There has also been an influx of tourists to Serbia and Albania due to their lax covid-entry rules, driving up interest in Kosovo.
Update November 11: When Kosovo first reopened they had removed ALL testing/quarantine requirements, but have now added some exceptions from certain regions.
Below you will find everything we know about travelling to Kosovo during the pandemic, entry requirements, rules while visiting, which flights have resumed, and more information to help you plan your trip.
Which Countries Are Allowed To Visit Kosovo?
Kosovo has NO covid-related restrictions on which countries can visit. They have reopened to include all nations under their normal immigration rules and visa policies.
Many countries can enter Kosovo Visa-free, including: Canada, USA, UK, Australia and all of the EU.
Credit: Wikipedia Creative Commons – By AgonTurkaj
PCR Testing
PCR testing now required from:
A negative PCR test is required for all passengers entering Kosovo from countries with more than 60 cases per 100,000 population on the official ECDC map. This includes the EU nations of:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- United Kingdom
*As well as third-party countries (like the USA for example) who have over 60 cases per 100,000 population.
Quarantine Policy
Kosovo has no mandatory quarantine policy in place for incoming tourists that provide the 72-hour PCR test requirement.
If no test is produced, a 7-day quarantine applies.
Other Entry Rules
- Arrivals into Kosovo are ‘subject to a medical screening’ which includes a temperature check. Any symptomatic passenger will be directed to the National Health Agency for further investigation.
- All arrivals must wear a mask at the Pristina airport
- While not compulsory, all tourists should have valid travel health insurance that also covers covid
Air Borders and Flights
Air borders to Kosovo were reopened on June 28th with the reopening of Pristina airport.
Flights have returned to Pristina, but many are being cancelled lately as airlines across Europe are suffering from low ticket sales, demand and restructuring routes.
In September, Pristina shows direct flight routes with:
- Istanbul on Pegasus
- Vienna on Wizz Air and Austrian Air
- Munich on Eurowings
- Zurich on Edelweiss Air
- Basel on Wizz Air
- Stuttgart on Eurowings
- Frankfurt on Eurowings
- Hamburg on Eurowings
- Hanover on Eurowings
- Brussels on TUI fly
- Malmo on Air Mediterranean
- Gothenburg on Air Mediterranean
- London on Wizz Air
In October flights are expected to return from:
- Geneva
- Milan
EasyJet is an airline that normally operates frequently out of Pristina, but has delayed most flights until November.
Kosovo’s Land Borders
Most land borders have reopened with Kosovo’s neighbors, including:
- All crossings into Albania
- The Kulla crossing into Montenegro
- The Hani I Elezit crossing into North Macedonia
NOTE: Crossing from Kosovo into Serbia by land is not permitted, as Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as an independent nation. All tourists will have to first enter Serbia through a 3rd-party country, like North Macedonia or Montenegro.
Rules/Tips for Visiting Kosovo
There are a few covid-related (and non-covid related!) rules you should know about while visiting Kosovo:
- Nightly curfews from 8:00pm to 5:00am may still be in effect for some regions
- Wearing a mask in all public places is compulsory
- Gatherings of over 5 people is not permitted
- Kosovo is still largely cash based, so have extra Euros in your person
- It’s illegal to take photos of government or police buildings, vehicles or facilities. Be mindful with your camera.
- Civil unrest, especially near the Serbian border is still a concern, so tour with caution
- Most businesses and public transportation is open, however you must wear a mask to enter/ride.
Read More: See the full countries worldwide that have reopened for tourism, which companies offer travel insurance that covers covid,and which countries have no covid entry restrictions
Sources: xk.usembassy.gov / gov.uk / IATA / osac.gov / airportpristina.com / beinkosovo.com /
Disclaimer: Kosovo’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Your personal safety abroad is your own responsibility. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories.
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Originally published September 15, 2020 with updates
Romina
Saturday 5th of December 2020
I just tried to enter Kosovo on November 28th coming from Serbia on a bus and I was denied entry along with 2 other Brazilian tourists. They said they are asking covid tests from everybody now.
Kashlee Kucheran
Sunday 6th of December 2020
Thank you so much for the update, we will look into this
ZacharyJ
Sunday 29th of November 2020
I’m planning on entering Kosovo from Albania next week and finding conflicting reports on if a PCR is required or not... looks like on Nov 13 Kosovo changed entry requirements to include a PCR from “high risk countries”, but the website it sends you to doesn’t really provide a definitive list. All very confusing and unclear. I emailed the embassy in Skopje last week but haven’t heard back- plan on physically going to the embassy in Tirana to try my luck there. If you hear any news please share! 😃
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 30th of November 2020
From what I can see, a test is not required from Albania, but yes, it does look as if they have added some nations, but Albania isn't on the list
Phillip
Tuesday 15th of September 2020
Hey kashlee! I commented earlier but I had a question unrelated and I’m wondering if it’s okay to ask here. I just saw on this bosnia & Herzegovina US embassy staying US citizens could enter with a negative PCR test, will you guys be making a post about this?
Kashlee Kucheran
Tuesday 15th of September 2020
Hi Phillip - We already covered the news. ;) you can find it here: (Click HERE to read)