Gjakova

Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Kosovo page at Yoogo.

Kosovo uses the euro (EUR) despite not being a European Union member, which makes it straightforward for eurozone travellers. Card payments are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in the main cities, but cash remains essential at local markets, smaller cafes, and in rural areas.

Kosovo is generally considered safe for tourists, with low rates of violent crime against visitors. Petty theft can occur in busy areas, so the usual precautions around bags and valuables apply.

Intercity buses are the main form of public transport, connecting Pristina to Prizren, Peja, Gjakova, and other towns at low fares. Within Pristina, urban buses cover most of the city for around 40 euro cents per ride, and shared minibuses known as furgons provide flexible connections across the country.

Spring (April to June) is widely regarded as the ideal time, with mild temperatures, green mountain scenery, and wildflowers in bloom. Summer brings higher temperatures and some increased visitor numbers, while winter can bring snow and cold that makes mountain travel more demanding.

Albanian is the dominant official language, with Serbian also holding official status and spoken in some communities. English is widely understood by younger people in Pristina, Prizren, and Peja, though some basic Albanian phrases are appreciated by locals outside the main tourist areas.

Routine vaccinations including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria, and polio should be up to date before travel. Hepatitis A vaccination is commonly recommended, and travellers who may come into contact with animals in rural areas are sometimes advised to consider rabies vaccination.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Leaving around 5 to 10 per cent of the bill in restaurants is a common and welcome gesture, and rounding up the fare for taxi drivers or guides is standard practice.

Yes, eSIM coverage works well in Kosovo through international travel eSIM providers such as Airalo, with 4G available across most urban areas and major roads. Coverage can become patchy in more remote mountain areas, so downloading offline maps beforehand is a sensible precaution.

Kosovars are known for generous hospitality, and accepting an offer of coffee or tea in someone's home or shop is a warm social gesture. Modest dress is expected when visiting mosques and monasteries, and removing shoes before entering a mosque is required.