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Kosovo

Overview of Kosovo

Brezovica
Photo credit: Shkumbin Saneja
Surrounded by rolling mountains and home to picturesque towns, Kosovo has escaped the notice of mainstream tourism and remains a hidden wonder in the very heart of the Balkans. Those who venture to this destination will find Ottoman mosques, striking forests, green vineyards and sublime monasteries aplenty.

Kosovo's recent history begins in 2008 when it broke from neighbouring Serbia after a long and bloody dispute. Today, Serb minorities are located in the north, while the rest of the population is largely made up of Albanian-speaking Muslims.

The country's top attractions include the Sar Mountains National Park, where nature lovers can spot bears, lynxes, wolves and chamois, and the Brezovica ski resort, which offers ski enthusiasts incredible slopes and favourable year-round conditions. Foodies should definitely tour the capital, Pristina, where the local fare carries Turkish and Albanian influences.

map of Kosovo


Key Facts

Language:
Albanian and Serbian are the official languages, but English is widely spoken especially among the youth.
Passport/Visa:

Foreign passengers may be required to provide documentary evidence to local authorities when entering Kosovo, giving a reason for their entry and stay. A 90-day entry stamp will be issued, which is renewable for longer stays. It is recommended that visitors have at least two blank pages in their passports for stamps. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from the travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Currency:

The official currency of Kosovo is the Euro, though the Serbian Dinar (RSD) is sometimes accepted in Serb-majority areas. Some hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit cards but most transactions are in cash; ATMs and international banks are becoming more common.

Electricity:
Electrical current is 230 volts (50Hz). European round two-pin attachment plugs are most commonly used.

Travel to Kosovo

Climate in Kosovo

Kosovo has a largely continental climate, though Pristina is considered an oceanic climate zone. Generally speaking, summers are long and dry, and winters are mild and rainy, with occasional heavy snowfall in the mountains.

It can get surprisingly hot in summer (between May and August), with temperatures sometimes reaching as high as 90F (32C). The warmest month is July, when high temperatures average around 79F (26C). Winters are cold and snowfall is common, and the coldest month is January, which experiences an average low temperature of 23F (-5C).

Rainfall is abundant, particularly in the short spring and autumn. October is the wettest month, and August the driest. Visitors should note that the climate does vary according to region and geographical features.

Kosovo is a year-round destination, but summer is the peak tourism season and the optimum time to visit. Popular cities such as Pristina can get crowded during this period. November to April is the least popular time, with the exception of ski season in January and February, which sees visitors flock to the slopes. Spring and autumn are potentially very pleasant but they can be rainy.

Health Notes when travelling to Kosovo

There are no specific health risks for Kosovo and travel is usually problem-free from a health perspective. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended and it is also advised that visitors be up to date with their vaccinations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and tetanus-diphtheria. A rabies vaccination is recommended for travellers who may have contact with wild animals while in Kosovo.

Medical facilities consist of private medical clinics and the government sponsored University Clinical Center. Quality controls are lacking in many medical facilities and their services are very basic. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended before travelling to Kosovo.

Safety Notes when travelling to Kosovo

Kosovo is a relatively safe destination, though petty crime and pick pocketing can occur. Travellers should be especially cautious at large markets in Pristina.

Travellers who venture outside of the capital should be aware of unexploded ordnance from the conflicts. Much of it has been cleared from roads and paths, but visitors should seek advice from KFOR (a NATO-led international peacekeeping force) before exploring the more remote parts of the country. That said, the situation is quickly improving, as mine-clearance programmes operate all over Kosovo.

Visitors should not drive vehicles that bear Serbian plates. Though perfectly legal, the car may be a target for random attacks or vandalism from locals. Northern Kosovo sees sporadic violence, particularly in north Mitrovica and a few other flashpoints where Serbian and Kosovar communities are in close contact.

Customs in Kosovo

Kosovars tend to favour a very direct communication style where, among other things, maintaining eye contact shows respect. Locals may also go out of their way to help foreigners, such as by escorting visitors who ask for directions to their intended destination.

Visitors might indeed be surprised at how ingrained smoking is in the culture, and should treat the offer of a cigarette by a new acquaintance as a sign of acceptance. It's worth noting that while there are no laws against homosexual activity or same-sex couples, Kosovo is a conservative society where these things are not generally tolerated.

Duty Free in Kosovo

Visitors may import the following goods duty free: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. Two litres of wine and one litre of spirits are permitted, as is 250ml of eau de toilette and a reasonable amount of perfume. Weapons and ammunition are prohibited.

Doing Business in Kosovo

Locals of all ethnicities are hospitable to foreigners (especially westerners), and invitations to lunches, dinners, receptions, even religious family gatherings are normally offered and should be accepted if possible.

Visitors should expect small talk to dominate much of the discussion and should not be concerned if Kosovars do not immediately get down to business. If offered, foreigners ought to accept tea, coffee or other beverages, which are signs of respect for the host. Many Kosovars smoke, and a ban on smoking in public places is sporadically followed.

Meetings require business attire, but a formal suit is not expected. Foreigners should try to print business cards with one side in English and the other side in Albanian and Serbian, or at least one of these languages. While not expected, a foreigner should offer their local contact a gift if the latter gives them one. The thought counts for more than the item's value.

Communication in Kosovo

The international dialling code for Kosovo is +383. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Internet access is widespread, especially in Pristina. There is good cell phone coverage and roaming agreements are in place with major international operators. Travellers can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones.

Tipping in Kosovo

Tips should equal 10 percent of the bill unless the restaurant adds a service charge to the total.

Passport/Visa Note

Foreign passengers may be required to provide documentary evidence to local authorities when entering Kosovo, giving a reason for their entry and stay. A 90-day entry stamp will be issued, which is renewable for longer stays. It is recommended that visitors have at least two blank pages in their passports for stamps. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from the travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US citizens must a have a valid passport to enter Kosovo. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 6 month period.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian citizens must a have a passport that is valid for six months beyond their departure date to enter Kosovo. No visa is required for a stay of up to a maximum of 90 days within a six month period.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

British citizens must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay to enter Kosovo. No visa is required for a stay of up to a maximum of 90 days within a six month period.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian citizens must a have a passport that is valid for six months beyond their departure date to enter Kosovo. No visa is required for a stay of up to a maximum of 90 days within a six month period.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish citizens must a have a passport that is valid for six months beyond their departure date to enter Kosovo. No visa is required for a stay of up to a maximum of 90 days within a six month period.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand citizens must a have a passport that is valid for six months beyond their departure date to enter Kosovo. No visa is required for a stay of up to a maximum of 90 days within a six month period.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African citizens must a have a passport that is valid for six months beyond their departure date to enter Kosovo. No visa is required for a stay of up to a maximum of 90 days within a six month period.

Travel Advisories

Health Information for Travelers to Kosovo

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Vaccines and Medicines

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

 

  Find Out Why Protect Yourself

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

get_vaccinated hygiene

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Kosovo, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

get_vaccinated eat_drink

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Rabies

Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Kosovo, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Kosovo
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
get_vaccinated animals

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Kosovo, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated animals
Rabies

Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Kosovo, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Kosovo
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Key
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

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Stay Healthy and Safe

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Kosovo, so your behaviors are important.

 

Eat and drink safely

Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.

Eat
  • Food that is cooked and served hot
  • Hard-cooked eggs
  • Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
  • Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
  • Food served at room temperature
  • Food from street vendors
  • Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
  • Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
  • Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
  • Bottled water that is sealed
  • Water that has been disinfected
  • Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Hot coffee or tea
  • Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
  • Tap or well water
  • Ice made with tap or well water
  • Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
  • Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine

Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.

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Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Kosovo. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?
  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
    • DEET
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
    • IR3535
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

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Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Kosovo include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
    • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
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Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

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Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
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Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
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Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Kosovo’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

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Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Walking

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Kosovo may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Kosovo, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

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Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave
  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
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Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Kosovo for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

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Travel Health Notices

There are no notices currently in effect for Kosovo.

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After Your Trip

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.

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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Currency

The official currency of Kosovo is the Euro, though the Serbian Dinar (RSD) is sometimes accepted in Serb-majority areas. Some hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit cards but most transactions are in cash; ATMs and international banks are becoming more common.

Overview of the Attractions in Kosovo

Public Holidays in Kosovo

 

News about Kosovo

U.S. CDC warns against travel to Mexico, Brazil, Singapore over COVID-19
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday advised against travel to a dozen countries because of high rates of coronavirus infection, including Mexico, Brazil, Singapore, Ecuador, Kosovo, Philippines and Paraguay.
Reuters
Tuesday February 01, 2022
Five Places to Go in Pristina
Pristina swims in superlatives. With a population of 200,000, Kosovo’s chief metropolis is also the hub of Europe’s youngest national population; the average age of a Kosovar is 28