A visa‑free regime with partially recognized Kosovo will be implemented by the EU no later than January 1, 2024. This update comes from the European Commission’s official reporting, reflecting the union’s intentions and timelines for travel liberalization in the Western Balkans.
The visa liberalization decision between the European Union and Kosovo was signed in Strasbourg on April 19 by Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, together with the Swedish representative leading the Council presidency. The agreement marks a formal step in recognizing Kosovo’s readiness to join a broader visa‑free framework within Europe, subject to the satisfaction of all ongoing conditions.
Earlier, on April 18, the European Parliament approved the move to liberalize the visa regime with Kosovo. This approval aligned with the EU’s broader strategy to streamline travel for Kosovo citizens who meet the set criteria and obligations, including border control standards and security requirements.
Looking ahead, the abolition of the visa regime is tied to the introduction of ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System. Once liberalization is in place, Kosovo passport holders will be able to travel visa‑free to the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180‑day period, enabling easier business, study, and tourism across participating countries.
Historically, Kosovo, though partially recognized, stands as the last Western Balkan country to reach this milestone with the EU. The European Commission acknowledged that Pristina had fulfilled all the prerequisites set by the union for liberalization in 2018, yet several EU member states previously held back the final step due to related political and security considerations. This progression reflects ongoing EU efforts to harmonize travel policies with reform and stability initiatives across the region, and it signals a forthcoming convergence of travel rules that will affect the daily lives of Kosovo citizens seeking broader mobility within Europe. [citation: European Commission]”