Visa-Free Travel for Kosovo Passport Holders Approved

Council Grants Visa Exemption

On 9 March 2023, the Council of the European Union adopted its first reading position on visa-free travel for holders of passports issued by Kosovo. This significant milestone reflects Kosovo's progress in enhancing security and migration management systems in alignment with EU standards. The approval represents a major step toward ensuring consistent visa policies across the Western Balkans region.

Travel Terms and Implementation

Under the new rules, Kosovo passport holders will be able to travel within the European Union's Schengen area without a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The exemption from visa requirements will take effect either when the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) becomes operational or on 1 January 2024, whichever occurs first. ETIAS registration will eventually become mandatory for visa-exempt travelers, introducing a pre-travel authorization requirement similar to systems in other countries.

Western Balkans Regional Alignment

This decision continues the EU's commitment to bringing security standards across the Western Balkans into full alignment with European norms. Kosovo's advancement through the visa liberalization roadmap underscores the region's ongoing cooperation on border management, law enforcement, and document security. The Council will monitor implementation through the post-visa liberalization mechanism to ensure sustained compliance with EU requirements.

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