Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Presidential Inauguration

U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that on April 8, 2016 starting 09:00, there will be several areas of downtown Pristina that will have access restricted by the Kosovo Police due to official events of the presidential inauguration.

U.S. citizens should be mindful of the downtown area and understand that there may be heavy traffic in Pristina due to closed areas.

The Kosovo Police, in order to avoid congestion and possible creation of columns in traffic will stop and redirect all vehicles, except those that are involved in this operation.

Blocking, stopping and re-direction of all vehicles will take place in the following locations:

*Blocking the road “Agim Ramadani” will begin from 09:00 (from the junction to the mosque that leads toward the intersection Germia to the Ministry of Education), until the end of the ceremony.

*Blocking the narrow roads associated with the “Agim Ramadani” main street that connects to the square as well as “Luan Haradinaj” street that connects to the square (the same interval).

*Re-direction and occasional blocking the road that leads to Pristina International Airport, “Adem Jashari” in intervals of time while higher escorts delegations drive by.

U.S. citizens should exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.  Even gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.  U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.

Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.  Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.

  • 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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