Prishtina, 5 October, 2023
The Information Campaign for Visa Liberalization was launched today, which campaign will inform the citizens of Kosovo for more detailed information on the free movement without visas that will start from January 1, 2024.
On this occasion, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, who also opened this campaign in front of many interested in this process, said that during the past year 2022, when the Czech Republic held the Presidency of the European Council, we worked closely with the Czech Presidency and the European Commission to put this topic on the agenda of the Council of the European Union.
“Although liberalization means free movement, we must be careful because it contains rules, you must have a passport, you can only travel 90 days within 180 days, proof of the purpose of the trip, where you will stay, sufficient financial means and return ticket”, emphasized the Prime Minister, adding that the liberalization of visas is for short-term visits and not for studies or work and calling on citizens to be careful in respecting the rules of the Schengen area.
He once again congratulated the citizens of the Republic for the liberalization of visas, underlining that the process until the removal of the visa regime has been too long and overdue.
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete address:
Dear citizens,
Dear journalists,
Today the visa liberalization campaign is starting here in Pristina and throughout October and November it is expected that the campaign will take place in many municipalities throughout Kosovo.
This campaign is funded by the Prime Minister’s Office and the German GIZ. The staff of the Prime Minister’s Office has already held meetings with various stakeholders, including the municipalities of the Republic, the communities of our country and the Chamber of Tourism to explain the rules related to the liberalization of visas.
As you all know, because we have experienced it together, this process has been too long and overdue for the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo.
During the year 2022, when the Czech Republic held the Presidency of the European Council, we worked closely with the Czech Presidency and the European Commission to put this topic on the agenda of the Council of the European Union.
We have all achieved this together through the democratic and economic progress of our country, where in particular I would have emphasized the achievements in the rule of law, in the fight against organized crime and corruption, in repatriation, the management of asylum and migration and now therefore, together we are approaching the day when visa liberalization will be implemented and the citizens of our beloved Republic of Kosovo will be able to travel freely to the Schengen area, since the visa regime for Kosovo will end on January 1, 2024.
Although liberalization means free movement, we must be careful because it contains rules, you must have a passport, and you can only travel 90 days within 180 days, proof of the purpose of the trip, where you will stay, sufficient financial means and return ticket. So visa liberalization is for short-term visits and not for studies or work. Citizens, all of us together must be careful because violations of the rules even individually when collected can then lead to fines and a ban on entry to the Schengen area.
Congratulations once again for this very great achievement for our country and from now on you will be able to travel freely, something that we have always deserved but which will be implemented from January 1 of next year.
I filled out a questionnaire here. I had encouraged you all that in addition to learning, you should also try this test and if you get the five random questions right then you get 100 points, and a hat and a bag.
Kosovo, its citizens travel without a visa from January 1, 2024.
Thank you, cheers and congratulations once again to everyone.
Last modified: October 6, 2023