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Byevisa » Kosovo Travel Visa

A visa is required. We cannot assist in processing this document, but we provide instructions on how to apply.

All About the Kosovo Visa

Since declaring independence from Serbia in 2008, the Republic of Kosovo has been diplomatically recognised by 111 countries. So, what does this mean for travel to this new nation? Do you need a visa for Kosovo?

Here at Byevisa, it’s our job to research Kosovo’s visa policy so you don’t have to. We’ve read all about how to travel to Kosovo with a tourist visa and have boiled it down to a few concise sections below.

Fortunately, at present, over 100 countries can explore this Balkan nation for up to 90 days within a 180-day period with just a valid passport. This includes nationals from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan, plus the Schengen Zone Member States. So this means no fees, no forms and no lines for a Visa on Arrival at the airport.

On the other hand, foreign visitors who are not eligible for permit-free entry must apply for a traditional tourist authorisation from their nearest embassy or consulate.

Keep reading to see who is exempt from applying for an authorisation, how to apply for one if not, and what a Kosovo tourist visa can offer you!

Kosovo Visa Requirements and Eligibility

Fortunately for many foreign travellers, there’s a long list of countries whose nationals can visit Kosovo visa-free. To take advantage of this open travel policy, make sure your passport will be valid at least 90 days past your travel dates and has at least 2 blank pages for your entry and exit stamps.

With this document in hand, you’re free to wander one of Europe’s most off-the-beaten-path destinations for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

To see if you’re eligible, just find your nationality in our eligibility checker tool below.

Or, take a look at our list of Kosovo visa-free countries below:

Albania
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Columbia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
East Timor
El Salvador
Estonia
Fiji
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guiana

Holy See
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Kiribati
Kuwait
Latvia
Lesotho
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Monaco
Montenegro
Namibia
Nauru
Netherlands
New Papua Guinea
New Zealand
Nicaragua
North Macedonia
Norway

Oman
Palau
Panama
Paraguay
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Republic of Korea
Romania
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and Grenadine
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Serbia
Seychelles Islands
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Spain
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Turkey
Tuvalu
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Venezuela

Keep in mind that all foreign visitors exploring this country for short stays of 90 days or less must register with the police if you’re staying at a homestay or with friends or family. This applies even if you’ve entered through the visa-free scheme. For travellers staying in a hotel or registered hostel, your hosts will usually register your stay on your behalf.

Kosovo Visa Application Process

To travel to Kosovo, the visa requirements are pretty straightforward. No more than 3 months before your trip, you’ll need to gather some basic travel documents and present them at the nearest Kosovo embassy. Your embassy’s consular section will provide nationality-specific application information and schedule you an appointment to drop off your documents.

Before making your final appointment, make sure that your passport will be valid at least 90 days from your planned date of departure. In addition, it should have at least 2 blank pages for the visa sticker and entry/exit stamps.

Once approved, you’ll need to pick up your passport in person from the embassy. From here, you’ll have 90 days to roam this nation’s scenic country roads and explore Pristina’s music and nightlife scene. If applying for a Multiple-Entry document, these entries must be used in a 180-day period.

Kosovo Visa Form and Documents

Once you’ve contacted the embassy and finalised your appointment, it’s time to gather your paperwork. To apply you’ll need:

  • A completed and signed application form.
  • A recent (no older than 1 month) passport-size photo.
  • Your passport (valid at least 90 days after your date of departure from Kosovo and with at least 2 blank pages).
  • Documents indicating the purpose of your journey (hotel bookings, a round-trip flight itinerary).
  • Proof of financial means (bank statements or a certificate of employment from your company).
  • Travel insurance that is valid for the Republic of Kosovo.
  • A non-refundable application fee.

When evaluating your documents, consular officers will want to see proof that you can support yourself during your travels to the Republic, as well as evidence of your intention to return to your country of residence. Documents such as a round-trip ticket and a certificate of employment on official letterhead are an important way to support your application.

When filling in the actual application form, it’ll be helpful to have this information at hand:

  • Your passport information such as the number, date of issue and date of expiry.
  • Your nationality and place of birth.
  • Your itinerary, including your date of entry/departure.
  • The full names of your parents.
  • Your marital status details.
  • Evidence of permanent residence if you are currently living in another country (proof that you can re-enter legally after visiting Kosovo).
  • Your occupation and employer details.

Please submit all original documents, plus 2 copies of each. Keep in mind that all supporting documents should be in Albanian, Serbian or English.

Can I Enter Kosovo With a Schengen Visa?

Yes, a valid Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa can take the place of a Kosovo entry authorisation. This document will allow you to enter or transit through the Republic for up to 15 days within a period of 6 months.

Keep in mind that you’ll have to have entered another Schengen Member State prior to entering Kosovo’s territory for this authorisation to be recognised.

Likewise, foreign visitors who otherwise must apply for a travel permit can enter for up to 15 days, if one of the following applies:

  • You hold a valid biometric residence permit issued by a Schengen Member State.
  • You hold a diplomatic or service passport issued by the Russian Federation, China, Egypt, Indonesia or Ukraine.
  • You hold a United Nations Laissez-Passer.

Visa Status Check

When you visit the embassy to drop off your documents, the consular section will indicate the approximate time frame for processing your application. Typically, embassies do not give updates on the status of entry permits until a final decision has been made.

After processing, you will receive an email from the consular section directly that indicates:

  • If your document was approved or rejected.
  • When you can pick up your passport.
  • How to authorise a third party to pick up your document if needed (usually they will need a copy of your photo ID and a signed authorisation letter).

How Much Is a Kosovo Visa?

The Kosovo visa fee is 40 EUR. This amount will be paid directly into the embassy’s bank account. For bank details, please check with the particular embassy where you apply.

Keep in mind that this amount is not refundable in the case that your application is rejected. You can greatly reduce the risk of this happening by minding the details on your application and following our suggestions outlined above.

More Kosovo Visa Information

We hope you’ve found the information in the above sections to be helpful. For more tips that may be useful when planning your trip, please check out our FAQs below.

This authorisation allows you to explore this country for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
You should apply no earlier than 3 months and no less than 10 days before your intended visit. Contact the embassy well in advance to give yourself plenty of time for the document to be processed.
No, there’s no need. Your travel permit will be fixed in your passport.
The processing time may vary depending on your nationality and the embassy where you apply. In general, expect to wait around 10 business days.
If your application is denied, you may file a complaint with the embassy within 8 business days. You can greatly reduce the risk of this by following the instructions above carefully.
Yes, if your nationality is not exempt, you can apply for a Kosovo student visa for up to 90 days. This authorisation is issued for students taking part in projects or short-term internships. If travelling for studying or training, the application fee is typically waived.
Pakistani nationals must request a travel permit prior to entering Europe’s newest nation. They can do so by following the process outlined above. This travel authorisation can be requested from the embassy of Kosovo in Istanbul, Turkey:
  • Vali Konağı Cad. No: 74 D 3, Nişantaşı, İstanbul / Turkey, E-mail: visa.ist@rks-gov.net, http://www.ambasada-ks.net/tr/
If you’re a Pakistani citizen who holds a valid residence permit for a Schengen Member State or a valid Multiple-Entry Schengen Visa, you can enter the country visa-free for up to 15 days.
Indian travellers should apply for a visa following the steps outlined above. If you’re an Indian passport holder who also holds a valid Multiple-Entry Schengen authorisation or residence permit, then you can use this document to enter the country for up to 15 days.

Keep in mind that your Schengen documents must have been used first to enter a country in the Schengen Area before they can be used to enter Kosovo.

US passport holders can visit or transit through this country without an entry permit for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. All you need is a valid US passport.
UK nationals can visit or transit through this Balkan nation without an entry authorisation for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you’re a UK permanent resident wishing to apply for a travel permit, you may contact the Kosovan embassy in London to complete your application:
  • Consular section: Tel: +44(0) 207 405 1010 Email: consulate.london@rks-gov.net
If your passport is due to expire within 90 days of your travel date, it’s possible that your application will be rejected or your entry to the country will be denied. To prevent this, be sure to double-check your dates before finalising any travel plans.
If one of your nationalities qualifies for visa-free entry, be sure to use it for all your travel-related bookings to the country. This way you ensure that you use the same passport throughout your journey here.
Yes, the Republic is generally considered to be quite safe. This being said, it’s always a good idea to exercise caution, keep a close eye on your belongings and stay close to well-marked roads and routes.
The euro is the official currency here, despite the fact that this country is not part of the Eurozone or the EU. ATMs are common and most establishments accept credit cards.
The official languages here are Albanian and Serbian. English is also widely spoken, especially by young people who learn it in primary school.
If visiting this Southern European country as part of a longer Balkans road trip, you should take into account the border situation between Kosovo and Serbia.

In particular, Serbia does not currently recognise the designated crossing points to be official ‘international border’ crossing points. In some cases, foreign travellers have been denied entry to Serbia if they have Kosovan stamps on their passports

To prevent this, you should not travel directly from the Republic into Serbia unless you have a valid Serbian entry stamp from either Belgrad airport or one of Serbia’s other land borders (with Montenegro, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria or North Macedonia).

Here’s an example of what your travel authorisation will look like.
We hope you’ve found this information helpful. For more Kosovo travel tips, check out our other links below.
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