Kosovo
About Kosovo
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Albanian |
| Capital | Pristina |
The Republic of Kosovo is a small, landlocked nation in southeastern Europe bordering Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania. In this parliamentary republic, Kosovo’s president holds the position as chief of state while the prime minister holds the head of state position. The population of Kosovo is estimated to be approximately 1.9 million.
Kosovo was once the center of the Serbian Empire. However, when Serbian forces lost the Battle of Kosovo, Kosovo fell under the Ottoman rule, and Turks and Albanians began immigrating to Kosovo. Eventually, Albanians became the dominant ethnic group, replacing the Serbs. In 1912, Serbia reacquired Kosovo from the Ottoman Empire and, following World War II, Kosovo became a province of Serbia. Political hostility between the Serbs and the Albanian nationalists, who sought independence for Kosovo, continued to increase from the 1980s into the early 1990s. In 1998, Albanians revolted against the Serbian rule, and Serbia responded by launching a campaign to counter the Albanian insurgency. NATO military intervention forced the withdrawal of Serbian military forces from Kosovo. In February 2008, Kosovo was declared independent. Kosovo continues to restore and improve relations with the international community, particularly with Serbia.
Although tourism is a small, but growing, sector of the economy, adventurous travellers may enjoy exploring the history, architecture and stunning landscapes of Europe’s newest country.
Recommended Vaccinations For Kosovo
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated people, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Recommended Medications For Kosovo
There are no recommendations for Kosovo at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Kosovo
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
For Some Travellers
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in Kosovo
Personal Safety
Although there is general hospitality towards tourists in Kosovo, travellers are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe and to avoid petty crime and theft. Always be alert in your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.
Road travel outside of urban areas can be unsafe due to poor road conditions, continual road repair, unpredictable weather changes, and lack of driver caution.
Although all roads and tracks have been cleared of landmines, unmaintained and rarely-travelled roads, especially those in the bordering regions, may not be cleared. Avoid these unfrequented areas.
If choosing to participate in outdoor adventure activities, always do so with a group and a professional guide. Ensure travel and medical insurance is purchased before departing and ensure your insurance policy covers outdoor adventure activities, including medical evacuation.
Due to Kosovo’s location in an active earthquake zone, seismic activity is not uncommon. Forest fires are common due to the hot, dry summer climate.
Travellers should note that regular power outages occur in Kosovo.
LGBTI travellers are advised that although same-sex relations are not illegal in Kosovo, the conservative nature of the country may result in a lack of tolerance.
Extreme Violence
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Political Unrest
Political tension remains in Kosovo. Protests are common and may turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings. Gatherings frequently occur in Gjakova and the capital city of Pristina. Unofficial roadblocks by protestors could also endanger travellers.
Areas To Avoid
Avoid travelling to the northern regions of Kosovo, bordering Serbia, which includes North Mitrovica, Leposavic, Zubin Potok, Zvecan, due to the high risk of political instability and violence.
Avoid entering or exiting Kosovo via Serbia as the security at the border is unpredictable due to the hostility existing between these two nations.
