Kosovo Visa – Application, Requirements, Fees and Validity
Are you planning a visit to the lovely country of Kosovo? If your answer is yes, you may be wondering what it will take to obtain a Kosovo visa for your trip.
The Republic of Kosovo, a province in Serbia, is located in the south of the country. Furthermore, the province has a population of over one million people, who are majorly Muslims.
Kosovo is a fantastic destination to visit! There is a lot to see and do, and the people are nice and hospitable.Â
However, you may decide to stay in Kosovo for up to 90 days if you are a citizen of a nation that does not require a visa to visit.
It is also vital to become acquainted with the Kosovo visa criteria. This includes understanding whether or not you need a visa and where to apply for one.
This article will provide comprehensive instructions on how to apply for a Kosovo visa, including its requirements among others.
Kosovo visa
The Kosovo visa is a visa that allows citizens of the European Union and some other countries to travel to Kosovo.Â
In addition, the Kosovo visa is valid for up to 90 days and can be used for tourism, business, or medical reasons. The visa can be obtained at any registered embassy or consulate in the EU.
The Kosovo embassy represents the Kosovo government in your home country and hence has the authority to allow or deny you entry into the Republic of Kosovo on behalf of the government.
Suppose your country of residence does not have a Kosovo embassy; you can look for a consulate or a visa application office to start your visa application. Â
Alternatively, you can also contact the embassy of another county with which Kosovo has a bilateral agreement or strong relationship.
A bilateral agreement is an important type of international agreement where two or more countries agree to cooperate on specific issues.Â
However, this type of agreement can be beneficial because it allows the countries involved to work together to reach a common goal without having to go through the entire process of negotiating an international treaty.
Bilateral agreements can also be helpful when one country is not able to negotiate effectively with other countries.
Who can apply for Kosovo Visa?
Nationals of the following countries will need a visa to visit Kosovo legitimately:
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Côte D’Ivoire
- Cape Verde
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- The central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Comoros
- Congo
- Cuba
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- The Gambia
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- North Korea
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lao People’s Democratic Republic
- Lebanon
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Republic of Moldova
- Russian Federation
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- SudanÂ
Kosovo visa exemptions
Foreign nationals seeking to travel to Kosovo must get a visa from one of the country’s official representatives unless they are residents of visa-exempt nations.
Here is a list of countries whose citizens can enter and stay in the country without a visa
- Visitors with a valid digital residency permit approved by a Schengen member state can enter Kosovo without a visa for three weeks.
- Travelers with a verified multiple-entry Visa application can remain in Kosovo for fifteen days without a visa.
- Foreigners holding diplomatic or service passports issued by China, Ukraine, Indonesia, Russia, or Egypt can stay in Kosovo for up to three weeks without a visa.
- Visitors with Taiwanese travel credentials are excluded from a Kosovo visa if they notify the Kosovo Consular Mission two weeks in advance.
- Individuals with travel papers issued by an EU member state, a Schengen state, the United States of America, Australia, Japan, or Canada based on refugee or stateless status can visit the country without a visa for up to three weeks.
- Travelers with valid travel credentials issued by the Republic of China’s Special Regulatory Districts of Hong Kong and Macao can travel to the country without a visa.
- Individuals with Laissez-Passer permits authorized by NATO, the Council of Europe, and United Nations Organizations (NATO) are free from acquiring a visa, regardless of nationality.
Kosovo visa application fees
If you are considering traveling to Kosovo, knowing the visa application fees is important.Â
The visa application fee for citizens of most countries is €40, but this fee can vary depending on your nationality. For example, Russian citizens must pay a €60 visa application fee.
In addition, several other fees must be paid, such as the biometric fee (€25) and the translation fee (€50).
Required paperwork to obtain a Kosovo visa
To acquire a Kosovo visa, you must submit specific papers to the embassy or consulate in your home country. They are:
Visa application form you must download the Kosovo visa application form online and fill it out completely. Also, remember to print it out and include your signature.
Travel documents/ international passport
A copy of your travel documents, such as a passport or Laissez-Passer, is required. However, it must have two blank pages for you to attach your visa sticker.Â
However, it must be valid for more than three months before you travel to Kosovo.
Passport size photo
One of the most vital Kosovo visa requirements you must provide is a passport photo.
Most importantly, the passport photograph must be recent and follow the Schengen norm for passport photographs.
Cover letter
You must submit a letter of purpose stating your reasons for visiting the country, the duration of your return, and other documents demonstrating that you will return to your home country after your trip to Kosovo is completed.
These papers may include a reserved travel ticket, a letter from your company (if you are employed), or a letter stating that you have a business in your home country.
Evidence of financial sustainability
You must not only tell the embassy you have the money to fly to Kosovo but also provide formal confirmation that your claim is valid. E.g., bank statement.
Health insurance coverage
Before you plan your trip to Kosovo, you must provide valid travel health insurance coverage.
Furthermore, your insurance company must cover your medical costs if you have a medical emergency in Kosovo.
Evidence of lodging in Kosovo
You will need proof that you have a place to stay in Kosovo. However, this verification might take the form of a private housing arrangement, rental agreement, or hotel reservation.
Payment of visa fee
You must provide proof that you have paid the application cost associated with your visa. Most essential, all of your documentation must be in English or Albanian.Â
If you have all your documents in other languages besides English or Albania, you should get them translated by a professional.
How to apply for a Kosovo visa
If you wish to stay in Kosovo for a lengthy period, you must apply for a visa. Here are the visa application procedures to enter the country.
- Examine the requirements of the species you want to obtain.Â
- Plan your trip and get the relevant papers.
- Make an appointment to apply with your local embassy or consulate.
- Bring your documentation to the meeting on time.
- Schedule an appointment and attend the interview.
- Wait for the embassy or consulate’s decision and prepare ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Question
Can a foreigner work in Kosovo?
In Kosovo, the law allows foreigners to work in a limited number of professions. The most common exception is the tourism industry, where foreigners are heavily employed.
The government is working to improve employment opportunities for foreigners in other sectors, but progress has been slow.Â
Foreigners must have a work permit and pass a security clearance. They must also have a valid passport and visa.
How much money should I have in my account to obtain a Kosovo visa?
If you are planning to travel to the Kosovo Republic, it is important to have sufficient funds in your bank account.Â
Depending on the country you are visiting and the type of visa you are applying for, the amount of money you will need may vary.
Generally speaking, applicants will need at least €2,000 to visit Kosovo.
Is Kosovo in Schengen?
Kosovo is not a part of the European Union and has not been a part of the Schengen Area since it gained independence in 2008.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Kosovo?
If you are a national of a country that is not listed on the visa-on-arrival list, you may be able to get a visa at the border.Â
The visa-on-arrival process is usually quick and easy, but you must submit valid travel documents and proof of financial resources. You may also need to have a passport photo taken.
Can I enter Kosovo with a Schengen visa?
Kosovo is a European Union member country recognized by the United States as an independent state.Â
As such, citizens of Kosovo who hold Schengen visas can visit any Schengen country without obtaining a new visa.Â
Do Ghanaians need a visa to travel to Kosovo?
Ghanaians need a visa to travel to Kosovo, as Kosovo is not a member of the Schengen Area.
However, visitors must have a valid passport and proof of a return ticket. It is also important to note that Ghanaian citizens are not eligible for asylum in Kosovo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the application process, requirements, fees, and validity period are all very straightforward for citizens of countries who do not require a visa to visit Kosovo.
We encourage anyone interested in visiting this beautiful country to do some research on the visa application process, as it can vary depending on your nationality.