Kosovo

Landmines and unexploded weapons

Landmines and unexploded remnants of war are present in Kosovo. The main areas of risk include:

• mountainouse regions in the west between Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro and east near Serbia’s Presevo Valley
• regions bordering North Macedonia and Albania
• the Dulje Pass area (central Kosovo)

To protect yourself in these areas:

• keep to the main roads
• look out for hazardous areas, marked by red ‘MINES’ signs
• ask locals about ways to stay safe
• don’t travel off-road
• don’t hike in woodland areas

Driving permit

To drive in Kosovo, you need to carry your valid Australian licence.

We recommend also getting an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Get your IDP before leaving Australia.

If you break traffic laws, authorities may take your driver’s licence.

More information:

Road travel

Driving can be dangerous.

Hazards include:

• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• poor local driving skills
• pedestrians and farm animals in rural areas
• heavy snowfalls
• landslides, particularly on the main route between Pristina and Skopje in North Macedonia

Roadworks are common and traffic conditions change frequently.

Heavy snowfalls can severely disrupt road travel.

Road rules

You must have third-party vehicle insurance to drive. You can buy insurance when you enter.

You must pay any road tolls and fines in cash in the local currency.

Speed limits are strictly enforced.

If you hire a car, the hire company may not let you cross the border to and from Kosovo.

To reduce your risks when travelling by road:

• check your travel insurance will cover you before driving
• understand local road rules
• avoid travelling at night
• always carry identification and vehicle registration papers

More information:

Motorcycles

Check whether your travel insurance policy covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only authorised taxi and limousine services. Arrange these through your hotel.

Unofficial taxis may overcharge.

Public transport

Buses connecting Pristina with other major cities are frequent.

Standards aren’t the same as Australian buses.

More information:

Rail travel

Trains operate regular services:

• from Skopje to Pristina via Hani i Elezit
• from Pristina to Peja/Pec

Trains are slow, but generally reliable.

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Kosovo’s air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government