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TRAVEL REPORT
Kosovo

1. RECENT UPDATES

The information on H1N1 has been moved to Section 7.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Kosovo

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Independence was declared by Kosovo on February 17, 2008. Canada recognized Kosovo on March 18, 2008. The Serbian government has not recognized Kosovo and is challenging the legality of its declaration of independence. The level of tension remains elevated around Mitrovica, in Northern Kosovo. The United Nations agreed to the reconfiguration of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), and the European Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) started its mandate on December 9, 2008. The NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) remains in Kosovo and continues to contribute towards maintaining a safe and secure environment.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is prevalent, especially in public areas such as markets and public transportation facilities, particularly in Pristina. Carjacking and car theft also occur.

Any unattended bag, suspicious device, or anything out of the ordinary should be immediately reported to the appropriate local authorities. The UN has advised its staff to check under and around their vehicles before they are driven.

Demonstrations

Canadians are advised to avoid all crowds and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they could occur, as they can turn violent without warning.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance

International explosive ordnance disposal teams have cleared all major routes and population centres, in addition to marking remaining sites known to contain mines or other unexploded ordnance (UXO). However, unexploded landmines may remain along the Albania-Kosovo border. UXO, particularly cluster bombs, is a problem throughout rural areas but can also be found elsewhere, including urban areas. Off-road travel and hiking in wooded areas can be dangerous. Exercise vigilance and risk-avoidance strategies.

General Safety Information

Do not show signs of affluence or carry large sums of money. Exercise caution and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure.

For emergency assistance dial 92 for the police, 93 for the fire department and 94 for ambulance service.

For more information on the political status of Kosovo, tune in to KFOR radio (96.6 FM), which is the official radio channel for NATO's peacekeeping force in Kosovo.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Kosovo. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure. Canadians do not require visas for stays of up to 90 days.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Not required

When travelling by road from Serbia, travellers will be asked to provide proof of the purpose of their visit to Kosovo at the checkpoint between Serbia and Kosovo. Some categories of travellers will be exempted, for example holders of a Serbian ID card. Canadians intending to stay for more than 90 days must apply for an extension of stay to a police officer at a designated UNMIK police station.

For more information on current regulations on the movement of people, see http://www.unmikonline.org/misc/FAQ_Movement_ofPersons.htm.

Travel between Serbia and Kosovo may be subject to delays or prohibited entirely. Some border posts have been closed for short periods. The situation changes often and should be verified before any travel is undertaken.

Travellers should pay careful attention that Serbia does not recognize entry points direct from Kosovo or those on Kosovo's external borders with Albania or Macedonia. Canadians who wish to travel from Kosovo to Serbia must transit via a third country unless they already have a valid Serbian entry stamp in their passport. The only option available from Kosovo to Serbia by road is to transit via Macedonia.

There are international airline services to Pristina, (i.e.: from Vienna, Ljubljana, Zagreb), and there are no reported problems with crossing land borders from Macedonia, Albania or Montenegro

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

The Embassy of Canada in Zagreb, Croatia, has consular responsibility for Kosovo. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Croatia - ZAGREB, Embassy of Canada
Address: Prilaz Gjure Dezelica 4, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Tel.: 385 (1) 488-1200 or 488-1238
Fax: 385 (1) 488-1230
E-Mail: zagrb@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.Croatia.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Zagreb and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Carry a sufficient supply of medications, as shortages of prescription medicine are common outside major cities. Medical care is not up to Western standards. Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 Flu Virus.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Penalties for use of illegal drugs can result in long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Photography of military or police installations, vehicles, and personnel is prohibited.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road Travel

Secondary roads are often narrow and poorly maintained. Roadside assistance is available by calling 987.

Drivers of vehicles bearing foreign licence plates must pay for compulsory third-party Green Card insurance. Road tolls may be paid in local currency. Posted speed limits are strictly enforced. There have been incidents where police target vehicles with foreign plates, often demanding immediate cash payment for alleged traffic violations. If stopped, you should request a full explanation and, if an explanation is not forthcoming, request permission to speak to the Embassy of Canada in Zagreb (see Section 5 above). Always carry identification and vehicle registration papers.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Third-party automobile insurance is mandatory and can be purchased upon entry into Kosovo. Visitors can enter and leave Kosovo by road or through Pristina airport. Travel to Mitrovica North may be restricted and requires approval from UNMIK. There are no acceptable train services.

Public Transportation

Public transportation is old and overcrowded. Use only officially marked taxis and pre-negotiate fares if a meter is not in use. Periodic disruptions of bus service may occur. Rail services are generally poor.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The economy is largely cash-based. The currency used throughout Kosovo is the euro (EUR).

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Kosovo is located in an active seismic zone.

Bush and forest fires are common between the months of June and September, particularly in northern Kosovo.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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