{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624894,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:34"}},"data":{"country-iso":"XK","advisory-state":1,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":1,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Kosovo","url-slug":"kosovo","friendly-date":"February 19, 2014 17:05 ","advisory-text":"Exercise a high degree of caution; see also regional advisories.","recent-updates":"An editorial change was made.","advisories":"
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Kosovo. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution as political tensions may arise.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada advises against non-essential travel to the municipalities of Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, and to the northern part of the city of Mitrovica where the level of tension remains elevated. Consult the Security tab for more information.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>","security":"
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.<\/p>\n
The level of tension remains elevated in the municipalities of Zvecan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic and the northern part of the city of Mitrovica. Protests, as well as political and inter-ethnic violence, may occur at any time. <\/p>\n
There is limited freedom of movement at the border crossings of Brnjak and Jarinje (also known as Gate 1 and Gate 31). Avoid travelling in these areas until the security situation improves. If required to travel in these areas, be vigilant, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and follow the advice of local authorities.<\/p>\n
Kosovo declared independence on February 17, 2008, and Canada recognized Kosovo on March 18, 2008. However, the Serbian government has not recognized Kosovo and continues to challenge the legality of its unilateral declaration of independence. Direct bilateral talks between Serbia and Kosovo began in March 2011 in Brussels, Belgium, under European Union mediation.<\/p>\n
The United Nations (UN) agreed to the reconfiguration of the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), and the European Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) started its mandate on December 9, 2008. The Kosovo Force (KFOR) led by NATO remains in Kosovo and continues to contribute toward maintaining a safe and secure environment.<\/p>\n
Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is prevalent. Foreigners could be targeted by thieves, especially in crowded public areas such as markets and public transportation facilities, particularly in Pristina. Carjacking and car theft also occur.<\/p>\n
Should you see an unattended bag, suspicious device or anything out of the ordinary, you are advised to immediately report to the appropriate local authorities. The UN has advised its staff to check under and around their vehicles before they are driven.<\/p>\n
Demonstrations occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.<\/p>\n
International explosive ordnance disposal teams have cleared all major routes and population centres. They have marked remaining sites known to contain mines or other unexploded ordnance (UXO). However, unexploded landmines may remain along the Albania-Kosovo border. UXO, particularly cluster bombs, is a problem throughout rural areas, and can also be found in urban areas. Off-road travel and hiking in wooded areas can be dangerous. Exercise vigilance and avoid taking risks.<\/p>\n
Secondary roads are often narrow and poorly maintained.<\/p>\n
Travel to Mitrovica North may be restricted and requires approval from UNMIK.<\/p>\n
There have been incidents where police target vehicles with foreign plates, often demanding immediate cash payment for alleged traffic violations. If stopped, you should request a full explanation and, if an explanation is not forthcoming, request permission to speak to the Embassy of Canada to Croatia in Zagreb.<\/p>\n
Public transportation is old and overcrowded. Periodic disruptions of bus service may occur. Rail services are generally poor. Use only officially marked taxis and negotiate fares in advance if a meter is not in use.<\/p>\n
Consult our Transportation Safety<\/a> page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\n Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash.<\/p>\n Dial 92 for police, 93 for fire fighters, 94 for an ambulance and 987 for roadside assistance.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadians must present a passport<\/a> to visit Kosovo, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country.<\/p>\n Entry to Kosovo from Serbia is subject to delays or may be prohibited entirely. Some border posts have been closed for short periods. Verify the border situation before you undertake travel. If travelling by road, you will have to provide proof of the purpose of your visit to Kosovo at the checkpoint between Serbia and Kosovo. Some travellers will be exempted, such as holders of a Serbian ID card.<\/p>\n Serbia does not recognize any border crossing points from Kosovo as official international entry points. Do not attempt to enter Serbia directly from Kosovo, unless you initially travelled into Kosovo from Serbia and obtained a valid entry stamp from the Serbian immigration authorities. Otherwise, you should transit via a third country such as Albania, Macedonia or Montenegro. For more information, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days<\/p>\n Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days<\/p>\n Student visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days<\/p>\n If you intend to stay for more than 90 days, you must apply for an extension of stay to a police officer at a designated UNMIK police station.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tRabies<\/a> is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>General safety information<\/h3>\n
Emergency services<\/h3>\n
Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the sovar authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Consulate General of Kosovo in New York<\/a> (New York), United States, for up-to-date information.<\/p>\nPassport<\/h3>\n
Visas<\/h3>\n
Children and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Rabies<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>