Kosovo

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

We currently advise that all New Zealanders do not travel overseas at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, associated health risks and widespread travel restrictions.

The global situation remains complex. International travel can be complicated with fewer international flights available and disruptions to transit routes and hubs. Any destination could experience a sudden increase in cases of COVID-19 and a heightened risk to travellers of contracting the virus. Strict health measures and movement restrictions could be imposed suddenly, particularly in response to new variants of concern. Should you decide to travel overseas at this time, be prepared to remain overseas longer than you intended. You should also be aware that your travel insurance may not cover travel disruption or medical expenses. Talk to your insurer about how sudden changes to the international travel environment might affect your insurance.

Managed Isolation and Quarantine in New Zealand
Travellers to New Zealand may be required to enter government-provided managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ). The length of your stay in MIQ may depend on where you are travelling from. Detailed information about MIQ requirements in New Zealand can be found at www.miq.govt.nz.

Pre-departure testing requirements for travellers to New Zealand
Most travellers must have a negative pre-departure test result and approved documentation to enter New Zealand. Detailed information about pre-departure testing requirements can be found on the Unite Against COVID-19 website here.

We recognise that some New Zealanders do continue to live and travel overseas. We continue to provide destination-specific advice about other safety and security risks below.

Kosovo

Civil unrest/political tension
The security situation in Kosovo is currently calm but remains tense. In the past, violent incidents involving grenades, vehicle expolosions 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. 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
Petty crime, including theft and bag-snatching is common, 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.

Terrorism
Terrorist attacks continue to occur globally and attacks in Kosovo cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be in 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 some rural areas. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all off-road travel and stay on clearly marked paths.

General travel advice
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

MIL OSI