A significant development in travel freedom has occurred for Kosovo’s Serbian passport holders. Starting mid-October, these citizens will be able to travel visa-free to all Schengen countries, a major step towards greater mobility and integration within Europe.
This decision was formalized by the European Union through new regulations announced in the Official Gazette on September 18th. The abolishment of visa requirements for Kosovo citizens holding passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate was signed by representatives of the EU, allowing these citizens to travel for short-term stays in EU countries without needing a visa. The new regulation was officially signed in Strasbourg by Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Janos Boka, Hungary’s Minister of European Affairs.
The new regulation, expected to be fully implemented within 20 days of its publication, aligns with the European Union’s ongoing efforts to unify visa regulations across the Western Balkans. This initiative aims to ensure that all residents in this region are subject to the same visa conditions for short-term travel within the EU.
Prior to this decision, Kosovo citizens with passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate were required to obtain visas for travel within the Schengen Area. While visa liberalization for Kosovo was announced earlier in 2023, Serbian passport holders were initially excluded from the benefits of the changes. However, this latest development addresses this exclusion, allowing Kosovo citizens holding these passports to travel visa-free across EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The new visa-free regulation will undoubtedly ease travel restrictions for many Kosovo citizens, facilitating short-term stays, business visits, and tourism. This development reflects the EU’s commitment to supporting regional stability and integration across the Western Balkans. The announcement was also shared on social media by Dragiša Mijačić, the coordinator of the National Convention for Chapter 35, confirming the signing event in the European Parliament.
This move represents a positive step in Kosovo’s relationship with the EU and fosters stronger ties with Europe. It signifies a commitment to greater mobility and integration across the region, enhancing the ability of Kosovo citizens to engage in the wider European community.
