U.S. Embassy Pristina informs U.S. citizens that according to media reports, a large demonstration organized by political groups against the government of Kosovo is expected to take place in Pristina along Mother Teresa Square and surrounding areas starting at noon on Wednesday February 4, 2015. The end time and date is unknown.
The route is expected to begin in the square in front of the Grand Hotel (Zahir Pajaziti Square) and proceed through Mother Teresa Square, past the Ministry of Culture, Rings Restaurant, Swiss Diamond Hotel, National Theater, Benetton, and towards the end point of the Kosovo Government Buildings. For a map of the route, please view this message on ourwebsite.
Previous demonstrations took place in Pristina along Mother Teresa Square on Saturday, January 24, 2015 and Tuesday January 27, 2015, and became violent with police using tear gas and other methods to disperse demonstrators. The protest may block key road intersections and/or disrupt public transportation.
U.S. citizens should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are advised to respect local laws, pay close attention to developments and potential traffic disruptions through local media, and plan alternate routes should you find your original plans affected. Further demonstrations in Pristina or other areas may form with little or no notice.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Kosovo enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Kosovo. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.
The U.S. Embassy in Pristina, Kosovo is located at 30 Nazim Hikmet St. Arberia/Dragodan, 10000 Pristina and is open between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., (381) 38-5959-3000 . If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is (381) 38-5959-3000.
