Country Profile for KOSOVO

Overview

The Republic of Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008.  This declaration has subsequently been recognised by 77 UN states and it has become a member country of the IMF and the World Bank.  However Serbia (along with some ethnic Serbs within Kosovo) continue to reject the declaration of independence and political and ethnic tensions remain high.  Sporadic border clashes have taken place along the northern border and travel to the region should be avoided wherever possible. NATO and the EU both have operational military forces in Kosovo which have been tasked to maintain order and prevent further military conflict with Serbia.

Acts of terrorism linked to internal ethnic tensions are fairly common in Kosovo.  The majority of incidents have taken place in the north of the country due to the presence of a minority ethnic Serb population. Foreign nationals are unlikely to be specifically targeted in terrorist attacks, however increased vigilance is advised at all times.

Incidents of civil unrest do break out from time to time in the country and occassionally lead to violence. Most protests are linked to the ethnic tensions between the majority ethnic Albanians and minority ethnic Serbs.  Visitors to the country should avoid all large scale public gatherings as a precaution.

There is a moderate threat of crime in Kosovo and foreign nationals are likely targets of petty criminals. The risk is increased in the capital, Pristina, particularly around transport hubs and areas frequented by foreign nationals.  Visitors to the country should avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carrying large amounts of cash on their person.