Kosovo Travel Guide: All you need to know to visit Kosovo in 2023

In recent years, Kosovo has been rebuilding after a difficult history. From welcoming people, amazing landscapes, and gorgeous towns, it’s a worthwhile stop on any Balkans tour.

This ultimate Kosovo travel guide offers practical tips and sightseeing highlights.

Document checklist for Kosovo

• Visa (if applicable)

• Valid passport

• Return or onward ticket

Essential Kosovo travel information

• Currency - Kosovo uses the Euro (€). $1 is equivalent to approximately €1.05. The Serbian dinar is sometimes accepted in Serb-majority areas.

• Daily budget for 1 person - Allow a daily budget of €40 ($42).

• Languages - Kosovar Albanians speak Albanian, mostly along Kosovo’s Southern border.

• Number of travelers per year - Over 100,000 tourists visit Kosovo each year.

• Socket type - Types F, 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

• Time zone - Central European Standard Time (GMT+1).

• Top 3 cities to visit - Pristina, Gjakova, and Prizren.

• Top 3 landmarks/monuments - Kalaja Fortress, Brezovica, and the Rugova Mountains.

Visa information for Kosovo

The requirement for a Kosovo Visa depends on where you are from. Use our handy Visa Checker Tool to find out which documents you need before you go.

Visa difficulty index for Kosovo

Accessibility: 3/5

Despite being in Europe, Kosovo is not part of the Schengen area or the European Union. This makes it slightly more challenging to access Kosovo. However, while there are certain entry requirements in relation to Serbia, a visa is not required for many visitors.

Time to get your visa: 2/5

Most travelers do not need a visa for this destination, but if you do, you must contact the embassy near you to get one.

Costs: 4/5

The costs depend on your nationality.

Typical costs and budget for Kosovo

A guide to what you'll spend daily in Kosovo on a mid-range budget.

• Daily spending - Expect to spend about €40 ($42) per person per day. This includes:

• Meals - You can enjoy a meal at a budget restaurant for around €10 ($11) per person. Mid-range restaurants typically charge around €20 ($22) per person.

• Transport - taxis are relatively cheap in Kosovo, with short journeys costing around €3 ($4). Bus tickets are also affordable, with most routes costing less than €5 ($7).

• Hotel - You can find budget accommodation options in Kosovo for as little as €20 ($22) per night.

On average, a trip to Kosovo for two people for one week can cost up to €560 ($600).

Transport and best ways to travel around Kosovo

Kosovo is easily accessible and offers various connections via air, train, and bus. Here are the best ways of getting to and around Kosovo.

Getting to Kosovo

The easiest way to reach Kosovo is by flying to Pristina Airport (also known as Airport Adem Jashari). Some of the airlines flying to Kosovo are:

• Austrian Airlines

• Edelweiss Air

• Eurowings

• Pegasus Airlines

• SWISS

• Turkish Airlines

• EasyJet

• Wizz Air

However, if you are already traveling through the Balkans, you might want to take public or private transportation from Serbia, Albania, Montenegro, or Macedonia. Border crossings can be slow.

Arrival and immigration tips for Kosovo

A few tips to make the immigration process smoother:

• Check all Kosovo entry and exit requirements, including visas, daily before you go. Rules can change with little or no warning. Note that Serbia, along the Northern Kosovo border, does not recognize Kosovo as an independent country.

• Please note that rental companies from Serbia won’t let you take the car into Kosovo for safety concerns due to the political tension between these nations.

• Previously, having a stamp from Kosovo meant you couldn’t travel to Serbia. This is no longer the case. However, local authorities will still stamp/put a sticker over your Kosovo visa with a "canceled" stamp.

• Some governments advise that travelers don't enter Serbia from Kosovo unless they initially traveled into Kosovo from Serbia.

• If you’d like to return to Serbia after your trip to Kosovo, remember that your Serbian visa/entry stamp will still count on your trip to Kosovo, so don’t exceed the maximum stay (usually 90 days).

Getting around Kosovo

There are several ways to travel around Kosovo, and your chosen method will largely depend on your personal preferences and budget. Here are some options:

• Taxis: Taxis are a convenient way to get around Kosovo and are widely available in urban areas. Look for licensed taxis with a yellow license plate and negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

• Buses: Buses are a popular mode of transportation in Kosovo, especially for longer distances. They're relatively affordable and operate on a regular schedule. Stick to reputable bus companies and be prepared for potential delays.

• Car rental: If you're comfortable driving in Kosovo, you can rent a car. This gives you more flexibility and the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, be aware that driving in Kosovo can be challenging, especially in urban areas. Avoid going off-road because of landmines left from the Serbia-Kosovo war.

Safety in Kosovo

Kosovo is generally a safe country for tourists to visit. However, like any other country, there are some precautions that tourists should take to ensure their safety.

Here are some tips for tourists visiting Kosovo:

• Kosovo is still dealing with the aftermath of the 1998-1999 conflict, and there are still areas that may contain landmines. Stick to well-traveled paths and avoid venturing off-road, especially in rural areas.

• Kosovo is a politically charged country, and there may be demonstrations or protests that can turn violent. It's best to avoid these gatherings and stay away from any potential conflicts, and to monitor local media for up-to-date information.

• When using taxis, look for licensed taxis with a yellow license plate. Unlicensed taxis may not be safe or reliable.

• Kosovo is a conservative country, and it's important to dress appropriately and respect local customs and traditions. For example, showing the soles of your feet is considered rude, so avoid sitting with your legs crossed.

• If you plan on renting a car, be careful when driving. Kosovo has narrow roads, and drivers can be aggressive. Additionally, there may be poorly marked speed limits, so keep an eye out for signs, and always follow local laws.

As always, our travel advice is to get travel insurance that covers emergency services and medical evacuation.

Weather in Kosovo

Kosovo has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The best time to visit Kosovo is during the spring (April to May) or the fall (September to October) when the temperatures are mild, and the weather is pleasant.

However, the summer months (June to August) can also be a good time to visit if you don't mind the heat, as in most European cities.

Must do and see in Kosovo

Here are the top 5 things to do and see in Kosovo:

1. Pristina: The capital city of Kosovo is a vibrant and bustling destination with a mix of modern architecture and historical landmarks. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, the National Museum of Kosovo, and the modernist National Library of Kosovo.

2. Exploring the Rugova Canyon: Rugova Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder in western Kosovo. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and stunning views of the canyon.

3. Discovering the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kosovo has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Patriarchate of Peć and the medieval town of Prizren. Both of these sites are well worth a visit for their cultural and historical significance.

4. Skiing in Brezovica: Brezovica is one of the best ski resorts in the Balkans, with over 20 km of ski slopes and stunning views of the Šar Mountains. The ski season runs from December to March, making it a great winter destination.

5. Admiring the Kalaja Fortress: Admire views of Prizren, witness the surrounding mountains, and explore the remains of the erstwhile capital of the Serbian empire at Kalaja Fortress.

Typical Kosovo food to try

Kosovo's cuisine is a mix of Balkan, Ottoman, and Mediterranean influences, with a variety of delicious dishes to try. Here is the best food to try in Kosovo:

• Flija: Flija is a traditional dish made by layering thin crêpes with a mixture of sour cream and butter. It is then baked in a wood-fired oven and served hot with honey or yogurt.

• Pite: Pite is a savory pie filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese. It is a popular street food in Kosovo and can be found at markets and bakeries throughout the country.

• Tava e Prizrenit: Tava e Prizrenit is a hearty meat and vegetable stew cooked in a clay pot. It typically includes beef, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes and is seasoned with paprika and other spices.

Vaccine information for Kosovo

We advise you to check the CDC website for up-to-date info about all vaccination requirements, COVID-19 measures, and recommended medicine for Kosovo.

Crossing the border to Kosovo from Serbia

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, putting an end to many years of conflict. The country offers an authentic culture, untouched landscapes, and gorgeous Ottoman architecture.

Kosovo is safe for tourists. However, visiting Kosovo from Serbia requires some preparation. While the border is open, be aware that tensions still exist between the two countries.

Important things to consider when visiting Kosovo:

• Since Serbia does not recognize Kosovo's international borders, entering Kosovo from Montenegro, Albania, or North Macedonia would be considered illegal entry to Serbia. If you subsequently would like to cross the border to Serbia from Kosovo, you’ll be denied entry.

• You can enter Serbia legally from Kosovo if you visit Serbia in the first place.

• When crossing the border from Serbia to Kosovo by bus, you may be escorted by a Serbian Army car for the first few kilometers, which is nothing to worry about.

• Although you might see Serbian armored vehicles, especially when you visit Serbian Heritage sites like Dečani Monastery, they are just remnants of the conflict.