COVID-19 Information

***  Effective December 6, 2021, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within one calendar day of travel.  Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.  Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.  

Country-Specific Information

Read the current Health Advisory for Kosovo.
The health situation is subject to changes. Reports of equipment shortages and a lack of space available at local and regional hospitals are present during Covid-19 waves.
It is possible that regional and European land and/or air border restrictions could be re-imposed with little notice.
For information on the number of COVID-19 cases within Kosovo visit: https://kosova.health/en/

COVID-19 Testing

Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Kosovo? Yes
- There are PCR and rapid antigen tests available from several private labs in Pristina and major towns in Kosovo.
- The main public hospital in Pristina, the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), provides free travel testing without a referral although availability and scheduling depend on demand.
Are test results reliably available within 72 hours? Yes
- Turn-around time for results from the private clinics vary from several hours to 24 hours and are available via email and hard copy. Results from UCCK are reportedly available within 24 hours, but it is best to check with them due to expected higher demand.
If you are in Kosovo and have COVID-19 related questions, are symptomatic, or need information regarding testing, please call toll free 038 200 80 800, or dial 194.
The U.S. Embassy does not endorse or recommend any particular healthcare provider, but below is a list of clinics and hospitals who are providing tests. Please contact them directly for details on location, tests offered, and pricing:
- Medical and Laboratory Services SHPK, +383 48 111 000 or +383 38 600 188
- Prolab, +383 49 789 410
- Olive Lab, +383 38 720 055, +383 49 520 056
- UBT – Laboratory I Microbiology e Clinic, + 383 46 500 777, +383 46 500 888
- Avicena, +383 49 825 555
- UCCK – University Clinical Center Kosovo (public hospital), +381 38 500 600

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Has the government of Kosovo approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
- The Kosovo Ministry of Health has approved the use of rapid antigen testing. The standard test in Kosovo for diagnostic purposes is COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) molecular detection of viral RNA using real-time RT-PCR. Serology testing has been used for surveillance as well as diagnostic purposes.
Are vaccines available in Kosovo for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes. The vaccine is available to both resident U.S. citizens and visitors without an appointment. For more details please see Kosovo Ministry of Health information available in Albanian and Serbian only.
Which vaccines are available in Kosovo? Astra Zeneca and Pfizer. The vaccine is limited to individuals over the age of 12.
The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
Information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccination

Entry and Exit Requirements

Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes (see below)

- Until January 2, 2002, every person who enters Kosovo must produce one of the following:
  1. A vaccination certificate for complete vaccination (two doses);
  2. A vaccination certificate for a single dose vaccination, not older than four weeks, together with a negative RT-PCR test for COVID-19, no more than 48 hours prior;
  3. A vaccination certificate for a single dose vaccination, together with the evidence the individual has recovered from COVID-19 (a positive RT-PCR test issued not less than 21 days prior and not more than 180 days);
- Important information: Effective January 3, 2022, entry to Kosovo will be possible only with a complete vaccination certificate (two doses);
- Airlines, transit points, and destination countries impose a patchwork of different testing requirements and airlines may refuse boarding for some passengers (including U.S. citizens and Kosovo residents). Airlines have the sole authority to decide who they allow to board their aircraft. Pre-travel testing can help avoid expensive and time-consuming delays or cancellations.

Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
The Pristina International Airport is open to travelers.
Check with the airlines, airports, and the U.S. Embassies located in your countries of transit to verify entry/exit requirements and be aware that they change frequently.
Check the entry/exit requirements for each country before crossing international land borders.
The latest government decision can be found here: (English) (Albanian) (Serbian).

Movement Restrictions

Is a curfew in place? Yes.
With limited exceptions, movement of individuals is restricted from 00:00 to 05:00. Access to all public institutions, malls and dining inside restaurants is not permissible without evidence of vaccination, a negative PRC or rapid negative antigen test. See full details under entry/exit requirements.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
Public transport is allowed to operate.
Taxis are allowed to work with up to two passengers.
Wearing a mask is mandatory, in all cases except:
- When walking outdoors, alone.
- While driving a vehicle alone or in a group with no more than four persons
- When running, cycling, and exercising
- While eating or drinking

Quarantine Information

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No
Citizens of the Republic of Kosovo, as well as persons with temporary or permanent resident permits, who enter the Republic of Kosovo and do not possess the evidence required above and seek to enter the country shall be given the opportunity to be vaccinated by mobile teams located at the border crossing points including Pristina airport, otherwise, they may be denied entry.

Transportation Options

Are commercial flights operating? Yes
Reduced levels of commercial flights are available, but schedules change frequently so we recommend you check with the airline and/or travel agency for regular updates.
Is public transportation operating? Yes

Fines for Non-Compliance

Fines are being issued for non-compliance with mask wearing requirements, however enforcement is inconsistent.

Consular Operations

American Citizen Services: Although appointments are still limited due to COVID-19 precautionary measures, we are accepting all emergency, first-time, renewal passport applications and records of birth abroad (CRBA); cases will be prioritized based on need. Please follow the directions for the service you require at https://xk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/ and then email PristinaACS@state.gov to schedule an appointment.
Immigrant Visas: We are processing emergency visa cases and other immigrant visa cases based on priorities set by Consular Affairs (these include the following visa types: IR/CR1s, IR/CR2s, IR/IH3s, and IR/IH4s). We will continue to add appointments as resources permit. Recently we started processing fiancé (K1) visas in the order in which they were received at Post. Please email PristinaVisas@state.gov.
Nonimmigrant Visas: Services for first time tourist visas and many other student, work, and exchange visas have not resumed. At this time, we are unable to project a date for when these services will resume. If you have had a valid tourist visa in the past 48 months and are seeking a renewal, please email PristinaVisas@state.gov for instructions on how to apply under the Interview Waiver Program.

Local Resources

Kosovo National Institute of Public Health web and Facebook page (Albanian only)
Pristina airport
Kosovo Border Police
Kosovo University Hospital – Infectious Disease Clinic (Albanian only)

U.S. Embassy in Kosovo