Packing list for Kosovo, travel insurance for Kosovo and taking your belongings

What to take to Kosovo: brief

To pack and check:

• Documents: a valid passport. Your travel document must be valid for at least three months after you leave Kosovo, or six months for some nationalities. Some nationalities need a visa. It is useful to keep a copy of your travel document and travel insurance details both online and offline.
• Money: Kosovo uses the euro. In Pristina and other cities, you can pay by debit card in many places, but also bring cash for taxis, smaller shops, markets, guesthouses and remote mountain areas.
• Clothing: lightweight clothing, such as linen, for hot summer days, with layers for cooler evenings and spring and autumn travel. Heading into the mountains? Layers, including a warm fleece and a windproof and waterproof jacket, are particularly important. Bring modest clothing and, for example, a scarf when visiting religious sites.
• Shoes: comfortable shoes for cities and sturdy hiking boots for the mountains and nature areas.
• Toiletries and personal care: sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and insect repellent.
• Packing and protection: a rain cover for your backpack and a dry bag for your phone, camera, documents, and other belongings that need to stay dry.
• Insects and animals: a good insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, and a tick remover.
• Outdoor essentials: a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, a daypack, and a cap or sun hat for summer. Bring a warm hat and gloves if you are heading into the mountains or travelling in winter.
• Medication and travel first aid: Personal medication, plasters, blister plasters, painkillers, oral rehydration salts (ORS) and a small first-aid kit.
• Technology and equipment: a travel adapter for type C and F sockets. A power bank and headlamp are useful for hikes and remote areas.

To consider:

• Hiking poles for longer mountain walks.
• A water filter or water purification tablets for multi-day hikes.
• A headlamp for camping and walks that take longer than planned.
• A lightweight scarf or shawl for religious buildings.
• An offline hiking map or downloaded hiking routes, as well as information about areas affected by unexploded landmines.
• High-energy hiking snacks.
• A camera for photographing all the monuments.

Are there dangerous insects in Kosovo?

Are there mosquitoes in Kosovo?

• Yes, mosquitoes are found in Kosovo, particularly during the warmer months and in rural areas.
• Mosquitoes can be quite annoying on hikes and camping trips. West Nile virus is also present in the region, and cases have been reported in Kosovo.
• Lightweight, long clothing can help considerably. Insect repellent is useful when you spend a lot of time hiking during the warmer months.
• Read more about mosquitoes.
• Read more about the use of DEET, as well as other ways to protect yourself against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Kosovo?

• Sand flies are found in all seven regions of Kosovo, particularly in warmer rural areas.
• It is not well established whether leishmaniasis is endemic in Kosovo or how common it is among the population. Although sand flies are not considered the main risk for travellers, protecting yourself against bites can still be worthwhile.
• Read more about sand flies.
• Read more about protection against sand flies and sand fleas.

Are there ticks in Kosovo?

• Yes, ticks are also found in Kosovo. They can transmit Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, particularly in certain rural areas and during the warmer months.
• Covering your skin and using suitable insect repellents can help protect you against sand flies and ticks as well. A tick remover should also be on your packing list if you plan to do a lot of hiking or camping.
• Read more about ticks.
• Read more about protection against ticks and leeches.

Are DEET or other insect repellents available in Kosovo?

• Insect repellents are likely to be available at pharmacies and shops in Pristina and other larger towns.
• If you want to be sure you can use your preferred product, it is best to bring it from home.
• If you plan to spend a lot of time in nature, choose a product that also protects against ticks.

Is it legal to buy a joint or weed in Kosovo, or bring it with you to Kosovo?

• Both recreational and medical cannabis are illegal in Kosovo. Even small quantities can be punishable and may lead to serious problems.
• Smoking weed in Kosovo or bringing cannabis into the country is therefore not a good idea.