COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel  to North Mitrovica and the northern municipalities of Leposavic, Zubin Potok and Zvecan due to ethnic tensions, politically-motivated violence and civil unrest (level 3 of 4).

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Kosovo due to the potential for civil unrest (level 2 of 4). 

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Kosovo

Civil unrest/political tension
The security situation in Kosovo is currently calm but remains tense. In the past, violent incidents involving grenades, vehicle explosions and unrest have occurred in several towns in northern Kosovo, including the northern part of the city of Mitrovica. There have also been a number of recent protests in central Pristina, some of which have turned violent.

New Zealanders in Kosovo are advised to maintain a high degree of personal security awareness at all times. We recommend you avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning.

New Zealanders are also advised to monitor local developments closely. Information on the security situation can be found on the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) website  or the NATO led Kosovo Force (KFOR) website . KFOR radio (96.6FM) also broadcasts security information.

Kosovo/Serbia border
The security situation along the Kosovo-Serbia border remains unpredictable and could result in sudden violent, armed, inter-ethnic conflict. There have been security incidents in the past at the northern Kosovo border crossings, specifically Gates 1 and 31 in Jarinje and Brnjak. If travelling to Serbia you should find alternative routes.

Crime
While violent crime towards foreigners is not common, foreigners may be the targets of opportunistic crime, such as theft and bag-snatching, particularly at airports and on public transport. Foreigners or tourists, who are often assumed to carry cash, may be targeted in crowded areas. Exercise security awareness and guard your personal belongings carefully. Avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as electronic devices, cameras and jewellery, including in vehicles.

Terrorism
Terrorist attacks continue to occur globally and attacks in Kosovo cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate and target areas visited by foreigners such as places of worship, sporting venues or transport hubs.

New Zealanders in Kosovo are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising vigilance in public places.

Landmines
While clearance of unexploded landmines and munitions has proven effective in most parts of Kosovo, some mines and explosives remain along the borders with Albania, Serbia, in the Dulje Pass area in central Kosovo and in the west of the country in the mountainous regions between Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all off-road travel and stay on clearly marked paths.

General travel advice
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Kosovo, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Kosovo should consider.

Medical facilities outside of Pristina have limited capabilities. New Zealanders travelling or living in Kosovo should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

Authorities may ask for proof of your identity, so carry a colour photocopy of your passport and visa for Kosovo at all times.

New Zealanders in Kosovo are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

See our regional advice for Europe