Security Message for U.S. Citizens: October 23, 2015

U.S. Embassy Pristina informs U.S. citizens that according to media reports, a blockade of the Parliament session at 4:00 pm is expected to take place inside or in front of the Assembly building near the National Theatre in downtown Pristina, on October 23, 2015.  The anticipated size of the protest is unknown.

Previous related demonstrations include a protest that took place in Pristina along Mother Teresa Square on Monday October 12, 2015, and became violent.  The events may block key road intersections and/or disrupt public transportation.

NGO and civil society groups have called for a peaceful march starting at 11:00 am in the same area in support of the peaceful resolution of political concerns.

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. 

Further demonstrations in Pristina or other areas may form with little or no notice.  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.  Demonstrations in one city have the potential to lead to additional public rallies or demonstrations in other locations around the city and country.

 

  • See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Kosovo Country Specific Information.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Contact the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo located at 30 Nazim Hikmet St. Arberia/Dragodan, 10000 Pristina, at +(381) 38-5959-3119 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal or Kosovo holidays). After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +(381) 38-5959-3000.
  • Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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