Starting Monday, Kosovo citizens can travel to the Schengen zone without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, thanks to the European Union’s visa liberalization. Kosovo, with a population of 1.8 million, is the last Western Balkan country to receive this privilege.
This move is considered a significant step for Kosovo’s recognition and its goal to join the EU since declaring independence in 2008. The approval, delayed by concerns from France and the Netherlands about migration, comes after Kosovo met all visa-free criteria by 2018. However, five EU members—Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain—oppose Kosovo’s independence.
Before this change, Kosovo passport holders could travel without a visa to only 14 countries. The government is promoting responsible travel to prevent misuse, and Prime Minister Albin Kurti will address the first Kosovo residents traveling to the EU without a visa.
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