Starting January 1, people from Kosovo can travel to European Union’s Schengen Area without needing a visa. This means Kosovars can stay in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Kosovo, the last Western Balkan country to get this privilege, sees it as a big step toward joining the European Union. The visa-free access is mainly for tourism and personal travel, and it doesn’t allow working.
At a ceremony in Pristina airport, Prime Minister Albin Kurti encouraged citizens to use this opportunity responsibly, calling it an important day that rights a past injustice.
Kosovar President Vjosa Osmani congratulated the 1.8 million citizens on Facebook, saying that 2024 is the “year that begins with freedom of movement.”
Leaders from neighboring Albania also praised this achievement, hoping it would speed up Kosovo’s EU membership. However, Spain is an exception as it doesn’t recognize Kosovar travel documents. Some Kosovars have already started using this opportunity, like 50 winners of a Vienna tour lottery organized by the government. One traveler described it as “a feeling beyond description” at Pristina airport.
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