Visas
You need a valid passport to travel into Kosovo, and citizens of the UK, EU and US can stay up to 90 days. Be aware if you are travelling on into Serbia from Kosovo you may be refused entry into Serbia if you have a Kosovo entry stamp in your passport. However, if you entered Kosovo from Serbia and are returning to Serbia, or have travelled via Albania, Montenegro or Montenegro, that is OK. Avoid the border crossings between Jarinje and Brnjak (also known as Gates 1 and 31) due to local tensions.
Money
The Euro is the official currency in Kosovo. Cash is king, and credit cards are not widely accepted although there are some cash machines in Pristina. Mastercard and Visa can sometimes be used in upmarket places, but rarely American Express or Diners. Serbian dinars are used in Serbian areas.
Safety
As a tourist you should take as much care of your valuables as you would at home. Beware of pickpockets and petty theft, and don’t walk down dark, empty streets at night. Avoid large gatherings of people, rallies or demonstrations that may spark violence as political tensions run high. Currently parts of Northern Kosovo including the northern city of Mitrovica and the metropolitan areas of Zvečan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, can experience some scenes of politically-motivated violence and travellers should avoid all but essential travel there. Roads and tracks have been cleared of landmines throughout the country, although there may be residual ordnance present in remote areas.
Electricity
Electricity sockets in Kosovo are of the 2-pin variety, 220 volts. Parts of the country suffer from regular daily power cuts, and you will often see generators in use.
Water
The local water is safe to drink but many visitors will prefer to drink bottled water.
Language
The official language is Albanian, but all official signs are also in English and Serbian. Many place names are spelled in different ways – for example Peja and Pec are the same place.
Driving in Kosovo
UK driving licences are valid but you will need proof of vehicle ownership, registration documents and insurance valid for Kosovo – check before you leave home. It is not likely that you can hire a car in Serbia and drive it into Kosovo, or vice versa, due to the security situation.
Public holidays 2013-2014
1-2 January 2014 New Year
7 Jan 2014 Orthodox Christmas
17 February 2014 Independence Day
9 April 2014 Constitution Day
20 April 2014 Catholic and Orthodox Easter
1 May 2014 Labour Day
9 May 2014 Europe Day
28th Jun – 28th Jul 14 Ramadan
4th – 5th October 2014 Eid Al-Adha
28 November 2014 National Flag Day
25 December 2014 Catholic Christmas
Religion
Most Kosovan Albanians are Muslim, and most Kosovan Serbs are Orthodox Christians. There are some magnificent medieval monasteries around the country.
For more information regarding travelling in Kosovo please email Tara@ReadyClickAndGo.com or check our website at www.ReadyClickAndGo.com
About the author: Tara
The travel professional with years of experience in the travel industry – in guiding, reservations, operations, contracting, customer service and product development – and have travelled extensively in Asia and Eastern Europe not just on holiday but also for work, inspecting hotels, visiting attractions and seeing exactly what each destination has to offer. The only way I could do this properly was with my own guide, car and driver and this inspired me to create my own range of customised private day tours for other people to be able to explore in-depth and learn to love their destination as much as I do.
Website: www.readyclickandgo.com
Website: http://www.readyclickandgo.com
