RKS Country Report
Political and social stability in Kosovo remains unstable. Parliament’s decision in December 2018 to vote in favor of creating an army further strained relations with Serbia and alienated the EU and NATO. This could lead to increased tension and military activity. Reconciliation between Albanians and Serbs has intermittently turned into unrest, especially in the northern regions near the Serbian border. There have been no major terrorist attacks in Kosovo. However, there are concerns about the threat posed by Kosovo’s association with Islamic extremists and terrorist organizations. Petty crime can be a problem for travelers in Kosovo. Foreigners are often targeted as victims of opportunity or because they are perceived as rich. Although rare, violent clashes between organized crime elements have occurred sporadically in public places and may pose a risk of random violence to onlookers. Air travel is generally considered safe. Bad road conditions and mountainous terrain in most parts of Kosovo make driving conditions dangerous. Medical care and facilities in Kosovo do not meet Western standards. Prescription drugs and other necessities are also in short supply. Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a tick-borne disease, is endemic in Kosovo. Other travel hazards include natural disasters such as heavy snow minor earthquakes and unexploded ordnance near the Kosovo border.
Last updated: April 11, 2022
Security
Crimes such as pickpocketing and extortion are rampant in Kosovo, especially Pristina, and the threat of Islamic extremists in Kosovo is steadily increasing. There have been sporadic outbreaks of ethnic riots and unrest, with tensions between ethnic Albanians in the majority and ethnic Serbs in the minority being the main cause of unrest in Kosovo.
Last updated: April 26, 2022
Infrastructure
The country’s public infrastructure is seriously flawed. Access to public facilities is good in urban areas, but poor in rural areas. Many roads are not maintained especially in rural and mountainous areas. Many roads are not properly marked and road conditions, especially in rural areas, deteriorate after heavy rain or snow.
There is a moderate threat of cyber attacks against individuals and businesses. Travelers are advised to be cyber vigilant. As our reliance on technology increases, so do criminals.
Last updated: April 26, 2022
Environment
The climate varies between a northern continental climate with cold winters and hot and humid summers. Forest fires occur frequently and can negatively affect air quality. Unexploded ordnance, left over from the 1999 war, is common.
Last updated: March 15, 2022
Health and Medical
Kosovo’s health system is poorly funded. Kosovo’s healthcare facilities may not meet Western standards, and doctors and nurses are poorly trained. Government pharmacies do not supply enough basic medicines. This drug can also be found in private pharmacies, but it may be written under an unfamiliar name. Cases of hepatitis A and hepatitis B have been recorded. Tap water is not safe to drink.
Last updated: March 31, 2022
Political
Local elections will be held in April in four cities in northern Kosovo. It was originally scheduled to take place in December 2022, but has since been postponed.
Corruption is widespread and affects foreign investment in the country. After Kosovo’s bitter unilateral declaration of independence, stability in Kosovo has improved somewhat with the signing of an EU-brokered deal to normalize relations with Serbia. Kosovo is not subject to any international sanctions.
Last updated: April 28, 2023