Country guides
Europe
Electricity
The electrical current is 230 volts (50Hz). European round two-pin attachment plugs are most commonly used.
Language
Albanian and Serbian are the official languages, but English is widely spoken especially among the youth.
Money
The official currency of Kosovo is the Euro, though the Serbian Dinar (RSD) is used in Serb-majority areas, particularly in the north. While many hotels, shops, and restaurants in cities accept credit cards, cash remains the most common form of payment. ATMs are widely available in urban areas, and international banks have an increasing presence.
Tipping
Tips should equal 10 percent of the bill unless the restaurant adds a service charge to the total.
Health
There are no specific health risks for travellers to Kosovo, but it's recommended to stay current on routine vaccinations, including MMR and tetanus-diphtheria, along with hepatitis A and B. A rabies vaccination is advised only for those likely to encounter wild or stray animals in remote areas. Medical services are available via private clinics and the University Clinical Center in Pristina. However, facilities, especially outside the capital, are often basic and below Western European or U.S. standards, with limited hygiene and quality control. Ambulance services are scarce, and serious cases may require private transport. Travellers are strongly advised to carry comprehensive health insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage.
Safety
Kosovo is generally a safe destination, though petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in busy areas, especially markets in Pristina. Travellers heading into remote regions should be aware of the risk of unexploded ordnance from past conflicts. While main roads and marked paths have been cleared, it's best to stay on established routes and seek local advice before venturing off-trail. Serbian license plates are legal in Kosovo but may attract unwanted attention or vandalism in certain areas, particularly in the north. Sporadic tensions and unrest still occur in northern municipalities such as North Mitrovica, Zvečan, and Leposavić, where ethnic communities remain divided. Visitors are advised to exercise caution and stay informed if travelling to these regions.
Local customs
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.
Doing business
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.
Duty free
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.
Communications
Kosovo's international dialling code is +383, with 00 used for outgoing calls. Internet and mobile coverage are strong, especially in cities. Roaming works with many international networks, and travellers can buy local SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Passport & Visa
Foreign nationals may be required to provide documentary evidence to local authorities upon entry into Kosovo, including the purpose of their visit and proof of sufficient funds. A 90-day entry stamp will typically be issued, which can be extended for longer stays. It's recommended that visitors have at least two blank pages in their passports for stamps. While some sources suggest that passports should have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure, official guidelines state that passports must be valid for the duration of the stay. However, travellers should be aware that immigration officials may apply different rules than those stated by travel agents or official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a valid passport to enter Kosovo. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 6-month period. Passports should be valid for the duration of the stay.
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.
Canadian 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.
Australian 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.
South African 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.
Irish 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.
New Zealand 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.