COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Kosovo (22 July Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes with exceptions

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Foreigners are allowed to enter Kosovo. Foreigners arriving from high-risk countries according to the official list of the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK) must have a certificate for a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test issued within 72 hours before arrival. Foreigners with proof of having received the full vaccination for COVID-19 or those with a positive serological test result (IgG antibody) issued no later than 30 days prior to arrival are exempt from the test requirement.

• Travellers from India, Brazil, and South Africa are not allowed to enter Kosovo. Foreign diplomats are exempt from this ban. Kosovo citizens are also exempt from this ban but must quarantine in their homes for 14 days and must be tested twice a week. Citizens who transited through these countries (less than 48 hours) are not required to quarantine.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Foreign citizens transiting Kosovo through the airport or through land border points and leaving Kosovo within 3 hours through the airport or land border points are exempt from the requirement for a PCR test certificate, provided they sign a statement that they will leave Kosovo within 3 hours.

• Foreign citizens transiting Kosovo through organized transport by bus or regular international line are also exempt from the requirement for a PCR test certificate, provided they sign a statement that they will leave Kosovo within 5 hours.

• Foreign citizens working as professional transporters (drivers) are not required to present a certificate for a negative RT-PCR test issued within 72 hours before arrival provided that they comply with the protocol for international transport for protection against COVID-19.

Is a test certificate accepted?

• Yes

• Test certificates issued outside of Kosovo are accepted.

Test certificate required?

• No, with exceptions

• Most travellers are not required to have a PCR test certificate to enter Kosovo.

• Foreign travellers, including those with a temporary or permanent residence permit, (above the age of 11) arriving from high-risk countries according to the official list of the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (NIPHK), must have a certificate for a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test issued within 72 hours before arrival.

• Foreign travellers with proof of having received the full vaccination for COVID-19 or those with a positive serological test result (IgG antibody) issued no later than 30 days prior to arrival are exempt from the test requirement.

• Other categories of travellers exempted from the pre-departure test requirement are:

• Foreign citizens entering Kosovo through the airport or through land border points and leaving Kosovo within 3 hours through the airport or land border points, provided that at the entrance he/she signs the declaration attesting they will leave Kosovo within three (3) hours;

• Foreign citizens working as professional transporters (drivers), provided that they comply with the protocol for international transport for protection against COVID-19;

• Foreign citizens transiting Kosovo through organized transport by bus or regular international line, provided that a declaration is signed that they will leave the territory of Kosovo within five (5) hours;

• Foreign diplomats accredited in Kosovo and their families

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No with exceptions

• Most travellers are not required to quarantine on arrival.

• Travellers who are required to but unable to present COVID-19 negative certificates upon arrival will have to observe self-isolation for at least 7 days

• Citizens of Kosovo arriving from India, Brazil, and South Africa must enter quarantine at their place of residence for 14 days and must be tested twice a week. Foreign diplomats and transiting travellers who spend no more than 48 hours in these countries are exempt from the requirement to quarantine. Further exceptions to this requirement can be found at this website.

• Based on the above restrictions, the traveller will either be exempted or be required to spend up to 14 days in quarantine, depending on their travel history.

Is vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

• Travellers having a valid vaccination certificate will be exempt from various entry and quarantine requirements. Details can be found here.

Insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Entry form required? (health or other)

• No with exceptions

• Foreign citizens who enter Kosovo through the airport or through land border points and leave within 3 hours will need to sign a declaration attesting the same.

Recommended Border App

• No

• There is no requirement to use any contact tracing app upon arrival.

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• International flights have resumed.

• The Pristina International Airport is open to all travellers.

Border restrictions

• Minimal

• Borders are open.

• Kosovo's land borders are open with Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. However, bordering countries may impose restrictions on entry.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• There is no nationwide curfew at this time.

• From 00:00 to 05:00, gatherings of more than ten (10) persons are prohibited.

Social restrictions

• Moderate

• All indoor and outdoor gatherings are subject to capacity limitations.

• From 00:00 to 05:00, gatherings of more than ten (10) persons are prohibited.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Masks are required.

• Public transportation, including taxi services, is operating at a reduced capacity with adherence to social distancing regulations.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Supermarkets and shopping malls are allowed to open with capacity limitations and restrictions.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open until 23:00 (local time).

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars and cafes are open until 23:00 (local time).

Museums and heritage sites open?

• Yes

• Museums, galleries, and cultural centers can open with adherence to social distancing measures and occupancy limits.

Events allowed?

• Yes, with exceptions.

• Government meetings are permitted.

• Weddings and funerals are allowed with restrictions on attendance and must end by 23:00.

• Indoor gyms, fitness centers, and swimming pools are allowed for individual activities with adherence to public health guidelines.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Masks are required in all public places. Establishments may deny entry to visitors failing to wear masks. Exceptions to the mask requirement include when driving alone or with close family members, during running and cycling, and when walking outside residential areas and not in groups with more than four people of the same family.

Other

• Higher education institutions, both private and public, must conduct all teaching online.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practise social distancing, maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.