Suggested length of stay
The suggested length of stay for a holiday in Kosovo depends on your interests and the places you plan to visit. If you plan to explore Pristina’s capital city, two to three days would be enough. However, if you want to explore other towns and natural attractions in the country, you may need to plan for a week or more. The country has a lot to offer, ranging from historic sites to natural wonders, so the longer you stay, the more you can explore and enjoy.
Modes of transport
Road
Driving as a tourist in Kosovo is generally safe and easy. However, it’s important to note that the road conditions in some areas of the country may not be as good as in other parts of Europe. It’s also important to be aware of the local driving laws and regulations. In Kosovo, you drive on the right side of the road, and the speed limit is usually 50 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on highways. It’s mandatory to wear a seatbelt while driving, and it’s illegal to use a mobile phone while driving. If you plan to drive in Kosovo, make sure you have a valid international driver’s license and insurance. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules and regulations before hitting the road.
Rail
Rail travel in Kosovo is not as extensive as in some other European countries. The country has a single railway line that runs from the border with North Macedonia to the border with Serbia, passing through the capital city of Pristina. The trains in Kosovo are operated by the state-owned company Trainkos and offer basic facilities. The trains are generally safe, but the services are limited, and the schedules may not always be reliable.
Air
Domestic air travel in Kosovo is limited, and there are only a few airports in the country. The main airport in Kosovo is the Pristina International Airport, which is located about 15 kilometres south of the capital city of Pristina. The airport is relatively small and offers limited facilities, but it is well-connected to other airports in Europe and the Middle East. Other airports in Kosovo include the Gjakova Airport, the Gjilan Airport, and the Prizren Airport, smaller regional airports offering limited services.
Food
The cuisine of Kosovo is influenced by its location at the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe. The traditional dishes in Kosovo are hearty and flavorful, often featuring meat, dairy products, and vegetables. Kosovo also has a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, and bread. The local cuisine is often accompanied by homemade rakija, a traditional fruit brandy.
Drinking water
The tap water in Kosovo is generally safe to drink, but it’s recommended to drink bottled water to be safe, especially for travellers who are not used to the local water. Most restaurants and cafes in the country serve bottled water and other drinks. It’s also advisable to avoid drinking water from streams or rivers, as it may not be safe for consumption.
Visas
As a tourist, you won’t need a visa for stays of less than 90 days.
Money
The official currency of Kosovo is the euro. In some places in northern Kosovo, the Serbian Dinar (RSD) is accepted.
Inoculations & health precautions
Health risks in Kosovo are broadly similar to those in Australia.
Embassy Contacts for Kosovo
Australia doesn’t have a resident embassy or consulate in Kosovo. The Australian Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, provides consular assistance to Australians in Kosovo. The British Embassy in Pristina can provide limited emergency consular assistance to Australians in Kosovo. This doesn’t include passport or visa services.
Australian Embassy, Zagreb
Grand Centar
5th Floor, Hektoroviceva 2
10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Phone: (+385) 1 489 1200
Fax: (+385) 1 489 1216
Email: austemb.zagreb@dfat.gov.au, consular.zagreb@dfat.gov.au
Website: croatia.embassy.gov.au
Electricity
The electrical plugs used in Kosovo are type C and F, which are the two-pin plugs commonly used throughout Europe. The standard voltage is 230V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz.
Getting there
You would need to take a connecting flight from a major European airport, such as Frankfurt, Vienna, or Istanbul. The most convenient route is usually to fly to the capital city of Pristina, which has a well-connected international airport. Many major airlines offer flights to Pristina, including Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and Austrian Airlines.
Time Zone
Central European Time UTC+1
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