EU To End Visa Requirement For Kosovo Citizens With Serbian Passports

In a significant move towards harmonising the visa policies across the Western Balkans, the European Union Council has decided to lift visa requirements for Kosovo citizens holding Serbian passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate.

“Today, the Council adopted a regulation ensuring that the whole Western Balkan region is subject to the same visa regime, by removing the exclusion previously applied to holders of Serbian passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate.”
EU Council

This new regulation will come into effect 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU and will apply across all EU member states.

Since January 2024, Kosovo citizens have enjoyed visa-free travel through the Schengen Zone. However, this exemption did not previously extend to those with passports issued by Serbia's Directorate for Kosovo. This new regulation addresses that gap, allowing all Kosovo citizens, regardless of their passport type, to travel visa-free within the Schengen Zone.

Visa liberalisation for a non-EU country means exemption from the requirement to apply for a visa to enter the Schengen area. This area has abolished internal borders, allowing nationals of visa-exempt states to use their national passports to travel and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period in EU and Schengen countries.

Background and Implications

The decision to harmonise the visa regime for the Western Balkans reflects the EU's commitment to regional stability and integration. It removes a longstanding discrepancy that affected Kosovo citizens holding different types of passports.

The Schengen Zone, comprising 27 European countries, allows passport-free travel across its borders. This facilitates easier movement for tourism, business, and personal visits, promoting greater cultural and economic exchange.

This move is part of a broader EU strategy to streamline visa policies and enhance relations with the Western Balkan countries. The EU has been progressively working towards integrating the Western Balkans into its fold, recognizing the region's strategic importance and the potential for economic and political stability.

For Kosovo, this regulation is a significant step towards greater integration with the EU. It simplifies travel for its citizens and strengthens ties with Europe, fostering opportunities for economic growth and cooperation.

What’s Next?

With the regulation set to take effect soon, Kosovo citizens with Serbian passports can look forward to the same travel freedoms as other Western Balkan nationals. This change not only facilitates easier travel but also symbolises the EU’s ongoing efforts to support and integrate the Western Balkan countries.

Kosovo’s journey towards full EU integration continues, with visa liberalisation being a crucial milestone. The EU’s decision marks a positive development in the region's path to closer European integration, highlighting the benefits of a unified visa policy across the Western Balkans.

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