Kosovo

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

Kosovo sees petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowded areas, public transport and tourist spots. Violent crime exists but usually involves organized crime networks rather than targeting foreign visitors. Your biggest challenge will be the constant feeling of eyes on you in busy areas. Get into the habit of keeping valuables secure and distributing cash across different pockets. The northern municipalities of Zvecan, Zubin Potok, Leposavic and areas of Mitrovica north of the river Ibar face ethnic tensions and occasional violent incidents. Since December 2022, these areas have seen grenades, vehicle explosions and violent clashes. Government travel advisories recommend avoiding these regions. Criminals may specifically target 4-wheel-drive and luxury vehicles to either rob passengers or steal the vehicle itself. Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain in remote forested areas and mountainous regions near Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia borders. Stick to marked trails and main roads in these areas. Celebratory gunfire happens during holidays, sporting victories and cultural celebrations. Injuries and deaths from stray bullets occur occasionally. Avoid areas where shooting is taking place.

Extreme Violence

Terrorists continue plotting attacks in the Balkans region, including Kosovo. Past cases involved ISIS recruitment, with around 400 individuals joining conflicts in Syria. As of 2023, approximately 10 Kosovan nationals remain in displaced persons camps and detention centers in northeast Syria, with about 70 unaccounted for. Kosovo has repatriated 121 displaced and 12 detained nationals from Syria. The September 2023 Banjska attack in Zvecan saw about 30 armed Kosovo Serbs and Serbian militants ambush Kosovo Police units, killing one policeman and wounding two others. Following this, Kosovo declared two Serb groups as terrorist organizations: the Civil Protection Corps and Northern Brigade. In 2023, Kosovo passed its National Strategy and Action Plan on Countering and Preventing Terrorism for 2023-2028. Violent clashes in northern Kosovo continue to be a security concern, particularly in Serb-majority municipalities. An April 2025 incident involved grenades detonated at a Kosovo Post Office in Zvecan, which the government labeled as an act of terrorism. Ethnic tensions and the ongoing Kosovo-Serbia dispute create conditions where violence can flare without warning. The 2023 attack on the water canal near Zubin Potok was also called a terrorist attack by authorities. Religious violent extremist and right-wing extremist groups remain active recruiting targets.

Political Unrest

Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia escalated significantly starting in 2021 and remain high. The sharpest friction involves the four northern municipalities with Serb majorities and their connection to Serbia. Violent protests happened repeatedly since 2021, with serious escalations in 2023. In May 2023, ethnic Albanian mayors took office in northern municipalities following elections boycotted by the ethnic Serb majority, triggering violent protests where NATO peacekeepers clashed with protesters, injuring over 90 soldiers and dozens of Serbs. The September 2023 Banjska attack marked a major escalation when masked gunmen killed a Kosovo police officer. Barricades appear at short notice on roads in northern areas. License plate disputes, border crossing tensions, and municipal authority conflicts continue to spark confrontations. In August 2024 and April 2025, new violent incidents occurred including grenade attacks. Demonstrations occur occasionally in Pristina and northern areas, usually near government or international organization buildings. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent and disrupt traffic and public transportation. Sports events sometimes lead to rowdy behavior and violent incidents. The Kosovo government has taken controversial unilateral actions that drew criticism from the US and EU, including forcefully installing mayors and deploying special police units in the north. Serbia refuses to recognize Kosovo’s independence, declared in 2008. Russia and China back Serbia’s position, while most Western nations support Kosovo. Disinformation campaigns from Russia and Serbia aim to destabilize Kosovo’s democratic institutions and increase ethnic tensions.

Areas To Avoid

Foreign ministries advise against all but essential travel to the northern municipalities of Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, and areas of Mitrovica north of the river Ibar. These regions face heightened ethnic tensions, violent incidents, and sudden armed conflict. Since December 2022, violent clashes involving grenades, vehicle explosions, and armed attacks have occurred. The Austerlitz Bridge area separating North and South Mitrovica is particularly sensitive, with protests having the potential to turn violent. Avoid public gatherings, political rallies and protests in these areas. The September 2023 Banjska attack in Zvecan and other incidents demonstrate the unpredictable nature of violence. Unofficial roadblocks can be set up at short notice. Violence can also happen along Kosovo’s southern border with North Macedonia. Two border crossing gates, Gate 1 at Jarinje in Leposavic and Gate 31 in Zubin Potok, are located in high-risk zones and should be avoided. Serbian-registered hire cars have been targeted in isolated areas of Kosovo. If you must travel to northern areas despite risks, hire a local guide, especially if traveling alone. Remote forested areas and mountainous regions near borders with Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia may contain landmines and unexploded ordnance left from the 1999 war. Stay on main routes and marked trails in these regions.