COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Kosovo (29 December Update)

Entry By Foreigner

Yes

• Foreigners are allowed to enter Kosovo.

Entry By Resident

Yes

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Transit Allowed

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 or other valid test certificates, 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 or other valid test certificates, 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 or other valid test certificates before arrival provided that they comply with the protocol for international transport for protection against COVID-19.

Test Certificate Required

Yes with exceptions

• Until 3 January 2022, travellers with only one dose of vaccine administered no more than four weeks before travel will be permitted entry as long as they also have evidence of a negative RT-PCR test that is less than 48 hours old or a positive RT-PCR test between 21 and 180 days old.

• The following travellers are exempted from presenting the above-mentioned entry documents:

  • Citizens and residents who are unable to meet the above requirements, will be offered a vaccinationat the border.

  • Travellers 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 they sign the declaration attesting they will leave Kosovo within three (3) hours; 

  • Individuals 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.

  • Persons under the age of sixteen years.

Test On Arrival

No

• Arrivals are not required to undergo any test upon arrival.

Test Certificate Allowed

Yes

• Test certificates issued outside of Kosovo are accepted.

Insurance Required

No

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

Quarantine On Arrival

No with exceptions

• Most travellers are not required to quarantine on arrival.

• Citizens of Kosovo, as well as persons with temporary or permanent residence permits in Kosovo, who enter without any of the entry documents mentioned above, will be required to enter a 7-day self-isolation on arrival.

• Other travellers failing to present any one of the entry documents (vaccine certificate, negative test certificate or recovery certificate) may be required to enter a seven-day mandatory quarantine on arrival.

• Travellers who are required to be quarantined on arrival must complete the affidavit for self-isolation form when entering the country.

Vaccination Required

No

• All arrivals into Kosovo are required to demonstrate proof of having received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccination, unless transiting. Foreign nationals transiting through Kosovo who leave within 3 hours of arrival are exempt, as are foreign nationals passing through Kosovo by organised transport (i.e. regular bus line), provided they leave within 5 hours.

• Until 3 January 2022, travellers with only one dose of vaccine administered no more than four weeks before travel will be permitted entry as long as they also have evidence of a negative RT-PCR test that is less than 48 hours old or a positive RT-PCR test between 21 and 180 days old.

• Those with residence permits or Kosovan citizenship who do not fulfil the entry requirements will be offered a vaccine at the border.

Vaccine Details

Yes with exceptions

• Only one COVID-19 vaccine is accepted in Kosovo.

• Vaccines accepted

  • Oxford/AstraZeneca

Form Required

No with exceptions

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

• Travellers who are required to be quarantined on arrival must complete the affidavit for self-isolation form while entering the country.

Airline Entry

Minimal

• International flights are operating on a limited basis. 

• The Pristina International Airport is open to all travellers.

Curfew

Moderate

• A curfew is in effect from 00:00 to 05:00 (local time).

Social Distancing

Moderate

• Private indoor gatherings are limited to 30 people, while outdoor gatherings are limited to 70 people.

• Festivals, weddings, family parties and other social gatherings are prohibited

• For entry into indoor venues, travellers over the age of 16 will need to show either a negative RT-PCR test less than 72 hours old, a negative antigen test less than 48 hours old or proof of vaccination.

• The details on the complete list of restrictions can be accessed here.

Transportation

Moderate

• Masks are required.

• Transport operators are allowed to operate at a limited capacity.

• Up to two passengers are allowed in taxis at a time. 

• To use public transport, travellers will need to have a negative RT-PCR test issued within the last 72 hours, or a negative antigen test issue within the last 48 hours or a proof of vaccination.

Is there a recommended app?

No

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

Are non-essential stores open?

Yes

• For entry into indoor venues, travellers over the age of 16 will need to show either a negative RT-PCR test less than 72 hours old, a negative antigen test less than 48 hours old or proof of vaccination.

Are accomodations open?

Yes

• Hotels are open.

• For entry into indoor venues, travellers over the age of 16 will need to show either a negative RT-PCR test less than 72 hours old, a negative antigen test less than 48 hours old or proof of vaccination.

Are restaurants open?

Yes

• Restaurants are allowed to provide outdoor dining services from 05:00 until 23:00 (local time).

• Delivery service is allowed to operate even after 22:00, after being equipped with a special permit from the EDI system.

• For entry into indoor venues, travellers over the age of 16 will need to show either a negative RT-PCR test less than 72 hours old, a negative antigen test less than 48 hours old or proof of vaccination.

Are bars & cafes open?

Yes

• Bars and cafes are allowed to provide outdoor dining services from 05:00 until 23:00 (local time).

• Delivery service is allowed to operate even after 22:00, after being equipped with a special permit from the EDI system.

• For entry into indoor venues, travellers over the age of 16 will need to show either a negative RT-PCR test less than 72 hours old, a negative antigen test less than 48 hours old or proof of vaccination.

• Nightclubs are closed.

Are museums & heritage sites open?

Yes

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

• For entry into indoor venues, travellers over the age of 16 will need to show either a negative RT-PCR test less than 72 hours old, a negative antigen test less than 48 hours old or proof of vaccination.

Are personal care services open?

Yes

• Barber shops and spas are open.

• To access some personal care establishments, patrons aged 16 and older may need to provide a vaccine certificate, an RT-PCR negative test certificate for COVID-19 not older than 72 hours, or a negative antigen test certificate less than 48 hours old, or a COVID-19 recovery certificate.

Are events & gatherings open?

No with exceptions

• Government meetings are permitted.

• Weddings, nightclubs, festivals, engagements, family parties, prom nights and other social gatherings are prohibited. Funerals are allowed only with the immediate family members in attendance.

• Indoor gatherings are limited to 30 people while outdoor gatherings are allowed with a maximum of 70 persons.

• For entry into indoor venues, travellers over the age of 16 will need to show either a negative RT-PCR test less than 72 hours old, a negative antigen test less than 48 hours old or proof of vaccination.

Are masks in public required?

Yes

• Masks are mandatory in all public places.

Other Considerations

Not Applicable

• All levels of pre-university education are allowed via offline mode provided that staff have a vaccination certificate proving full or partial vaccination or that they can present a relevant test or recovery certificate. 

• Festivals, concerts, excursions, and pilgrimages are prohibited.

• Gyms are open.

Advice

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 practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.