Kosovo Travel Information

Kosovo is a small landlocked country located in the Balkans, with a rich history and culture. Despite its size, it offers a wide variety of things to see and do, from stunning natural scenery to historic sites and delicious cuisine. Here are the top 10 things to do in Kosovo:

1. Visit the National Museum of Kosovo

The National Museum of Kosovo is located in the capital city of Pristina, and it is home to an impressive collection of artifacts from Kosovo's history, including items from the Illyrian, Roman, and Ottoman periods.

2. Explore the Patriarchate of Peć

The Patriarchate of Peć is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in western Kosovo, and it is home to some of the most impressive medieval Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries in the country.

3. Hike in the Rugova Canyon

The Rugova Canyon is a beautiful natural attraction located in western Kosovo, and it is a popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

4. Visit the Gracanica Monastery

The Gracanica Monastery is a beautiful medieval Serbian Orthodox monastery located near Pristina, and it is known for its stunning frescoes and architecture.

5. Enjoy the local cuisine

Kosovo is known for its delicious cuisine, which is a mix of Balkan, Turkish, and Mediterranean influences. Some must-try dishes include cevapi, burek, and ajvar.

6. Visit the Gazimestan Monument

The Gazimestan Monument is a historic site located near Pristina, and it commemorates the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, a pivotal moment in Balkan history.

7. Explore the city of Prizren

Prizren is a beautiful historic city located in southern Kosovo, and it is home to many cultural and historic attractions, including the Sinan Pasha Mosque and the Prizren Fortress.

8. Visit the Gadime Cave

The Gadime Cave is a natural wonder located in southern Kosovo, and it is home to a series of underground lakes and unique rock formations.

9. Learn about traditional crafts

Kosovo has a rich tradition of handicrafts, including rug weaving, wood carving, and pottery. Visitors can learn about these traditional crafts and purchase handmade items from local artisans.

10. Attend a cultural event

Kosovo is home to a vibrant cultural scene, with many festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the most popular include the Dokufest documentary film festival and the Pristina Jazz Festival.

Kosovo has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit Kosovo is during the spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) when the weather is mild, and the countryside is filled with colorful foliage. Summer (June to August) can be quite hot, while winter (November to February) is very cold and snowy, making some areas difficult to access. Below are the details of the climate and the best time to visit Kosovo.

Climate

Kosovo has a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching 30°C (86°F) or higher. Winter is cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, and snowfall is common. Spring and fall are mild, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kosovo is during the spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) when the weather is mild and comfortable. During these seasons, the countryside is also at its most beautiful, with blooming flowers in the spring and colorful foliage in the fall. Summer (June to August) can be quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), making it difficult to explore some parts of the country. Winter (November to February) is also not the best time to visit as the cold and snow can make it challenging to access some of the rural areas.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Kosovo has a variety of hotels, ranging from budget to luxury. Most hotels are located in the larger cities and offer a range of amenities such as restaurants, bars, and fitness centers.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a popular option in Kosovo, particularly in rural areas. They offer a more intimate experience than hotels and are often run by local families.

Hostels

Hostels are a great option for budget travelers and those who want to meet other travelers. Kosovo has a range of hostels, many of which offer private rooms as well as dormitory-style accommodation.

Bed and Breakfasts

Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) are a popular option in Kosovo, particularly in rural areas. They offer a more intimate experience than hotels and are often run by local families.

Apartments

Kosovo has a range of apartments available for short and long-term stays. This is a good option for those who want more space and independence during their stay.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available in Kosovo, particularly in the larger cities. You can usually hail a taxi on the street or book one in advance.

Buses

Buses are a common mode of public transportation in Kosovo. The country has a well-developed bus network that connects most cities and towns.

Trains

Kosovo has limited train services, with only a few routes available. The trains are operated by Kosovo Railways and connect the capital city of Pristina with other major cities in the region.

Car Rental

Car rental is a good option for those who want more freedom and flexibility during their stay in Kosovo. Most major car rental companies have offices in the larger cities.

Private Drivers

Private drivers are also available in Kosovo and can be arranged through travel agencies or online services. This option is more expensive than taxis or public transportation but offers more comfort and convenience.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.