Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Kosovo is a developing nation classified as lower middle income. Located in southeastern Europe (south of Serbia and north of North Macedonia), the climate is classified as humid temperate (no dry season).
Vaccinations
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, or rabies. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
No statement given.CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
Moderate risk exists throughout the country, with minimal risk in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures may be inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.
Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include anthrax disease, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, hantavirus, hepatitis C, leptospirosis, tuberculosis.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Consular Travel Advice
Due to ongoing violence and ongoing security concerns, US (DOS), UK (FCO), Canada (GAC), and Australia (DFAT) advise reconsidering travel (or avoiding nonessential travel) to the municipalities of Zvecan, Zubin Potok, and Leposavi and to northern areas of the city of Mitrovica (Mitrovica Municipality).
Terrorism Risk
Risk of attack by transnational terrorist groups exists throughout Europe. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.
Crime
Low risk of violent crime (armed robbery, home invasion, sexual assault, and carjacking) exists throughout the country. Organized criminal groups are active in casinos and nightclubs.
Low risk of petty crime exists throughout the country, mainly in Pristina, in airports, on or near public transportation, in markets and crowded places, and in areas frequented by foreigners and tourists. Theft of valuables from unattended vehicles is common.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations occur throughout the country and are generally peaceful, especially in Pristina, but have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.
Unsafe Areas
Ethnic tensions may be present in northern areas, including the northern part of the city of Mitrovica; in Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Zvecan municipalities; and in areas bordering Serbia. Landmines and other unexploded ordnance are present in areas bordering Albania and Serbia, in the Dulje Pass area near the city of Prizren, and in western and southern areas of the country.
Transportation Safety
National incidence data on traffic-related injury or death are not available.
Speed laws are poorly enforced.
Natural Disasters
Forest fires occur during the dry season from June through September, especially in northern areas.
Seismic activity frequently occurs.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Kosovo
- United States: [+383] 38-59-59-3000; xk.usembassy.gov
- Canada: Canada does not have an embassy or consulate in Kosovo.
- United Kingdom: [+383] 038-254-700; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-pristina
- Australia: Australia does not have an embassy or consulate in Kosovo.
Kosovo's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: www.ambasada-ks.net/us
- In Canada: [+1] 613-569-2828
- In the U.K.: [+44] 020-7405-1010
- In Australia: www.ambasada-ks.net/au
Visa/HIV Testing
HIV testing is not required to obtain a tourist, work, or residence visa.
