Kosovo Citizens Holding Serbian Passports Can Travel Visa-Free to Schengen from Mid-October Under New European Union Rules

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Starting mid-October, Kosovo citizens holding passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate will be able to travel visa-free to Schengen countries, following new regulations established by the European Union. This move marks a significant shift in travel freedom for Kosovo’s Serbian passport holders, aligning with the EU’s broader efforts to standardize visa policies across the Western Balkans.

The Official Gazette of the European Union has announced a significant update on September 18, confirming the abolishment of visa requirements for Kosovo citizens holding passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate. This decision, signed by representatives of the European Union, opens up visa-free travel for short-term stays in the EU for these citizens, effective from mid-October.

The new regulation was signed in Strasbourg by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and Hungary’s Minister of European Affairs, Janos Boka. It is expected to be fully implemented 20 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, extending visa-free travel to all EU countries for eligible Kosovo citizens.

A Step Toward Regional Equality in Visa Policies

This decision aligns with the European Union’s goal to unify visa regulations across the Western Balkans. The European Union Council had already agreed in July to lift the visa requirements for Kosovo citizens with Serbian Coordination Directorate passports. This measure ensures that all residents of the Western Balkans are subject to the same visa conditions for short-term travel in the EU.

Before this ruling, Kosovo citizens with passports issued by the Serbian Coordination Directorate were required to obtain visas for Schengen Area travel. While visa liberalization for Kosovo had been announced earlier in 2023, Serbian passport holders were initially excluded from benefiting from the changes.

The Impact of the New Visa-Free Travel Rule

Kosovo citizens holding these passports will now enjoy the freedom to travel visa-free across EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, facilitating short-term stays, business visits, and tourism. This marks a major milestone in Kosovo’s relationship with the EU and fosters stronger ties with Europe.

The announcement was also echoed by Dragiša Mijačić, the coordinator of the National Convention for Chapter 35, on his social media platform “X,” affirming the signing event in the European Parliament.

The new visa-free regulation will undoubtedly ease travel restrictions for many Kosovo citizens, reflecting the EU’s continued efforts to support regional stability and integration across the Western Balkans.