Kosovo

Översikt

Kosovo remains in a state of instability and fluidity following its separation from Serbia in February 2008. Although the situation has calmed, volatile ethnic tensions remain, particularly in the northern Mitrovica area where Serbian and Kosovan communities live in close proximity and civil commotion remains an ongoing concern.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Kosovo. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza.

For travellers planning to spend long periods of time in forested areas or in the Prizren region, immunisation against tick-borne encephalitis is also advised. Another tick-borne infection, Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, is endemic in Malishevë, Klinë, Suharekë, and Rahovec municipalities, and every 3–5 years, disease outbreaks with high mortality rates are recorded. The most affected groups are agricultural workers and animal farmers. Furthermore, levels of air pollution in Kosovo can be hazardous. Since accidental emission of toxic substances from plants is not uncommon and public health warnings are not always issued sufferers of asthma or other respiratory diseases should seek specific medical advice on this issue.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Bottled water should be consumed in preference to tap water. Caution should also be applied to ice in drinks, which is often produced from tap water.

Medical facilities in Kosovo are below Western standards since the health system is severely under-funded. There is a shortage of medicines and hospitals generally lack for specialist equipment. Furthermore, a lack of medical training in modern practice and techniques is also a concern for anyone undergoing medical treatment in the country.

Although it is advisable to acquire a comprehensive travel health insurance before travelling, this insurance is unlikely to cover medical treatment at most facilities in Kosovo. Many doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have travel insurance. Life-threatening medical problems will require air evacuation to a country with state-of-the-art medical facilities

Pass

Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for the period of intended stay.

Visum

All nationals wishing to travel to Kosovo must present documentation supporting their reason for entry to the border police at their point of entry. If you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, or the US a Tourist Visa is not required for stays less than 90 days in a six-month period. If you wish to remain in Kosovo for more than 90 days you may apply to extend your stay by registering at the Office for Registration of Foreigners (located in the Main Police Headquarters in Pristina). Holders of a Schengen visa may enter the country for visits of up to 15 days.

A visa may be required for other types of visit or stay. Additional information on entry and registration requirements, including those for work permits may be obtained from the Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Do not attempt to enter Serbia from Kosovo without a valid Serbian visa and entry stamp from a Serbia border crossing post since Serbia does not recognise entry stamps by Kosovo border authorities as valid.

Unless staying at a hotel or official tourist accommodation, all foreign nationals are required to register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. Furthermore, the local police needs to be informed of any change in address. Failure to do so may result in a fine or possible removal from Kosovo.

Carry your passport at all times as you must be able to show some form of identification if requested by authorities. Keep a photocopy of the biographical details page (the page where your photograph is) in a safe location, including details of your next of kin.