Kosovo lifts visas for Bosnians
Kosovo PM Albin Kurti speaks at a meeting organized by the Association of Independent Intellectuals Krug 99 at the Vijecnica Library in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on December 06, 2024. (AA Photo)
Kosovo has announced its decision to unilaterally lift visa requirements for Bosnian citizens starting January 1, 2025. The move allows Bosnian nationals to travel to Kosovo using only an ID card, signaling an effort to improve relations and promote regional mobility.
Key points
- Visa-free travel: Bosnian citizens will no longer need a visa to enter Kosovo and can travel with their ID cards from January 2025.
- Government decision: The decision was made during a virtual cabinet meeting of the Kosovar government.
- Call for reciprocity: Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti urged Bosnia and Herzegovina to reciprocate by removing its strict visa regime for Kosovar citizens.
- Existing restrictions: Bosnia and Herzegovina has not recognized Kosovo’s independence and maintains stringent visa policies. Kosovo had enforced a reciprocal visa regime for Bosnian citizens since 2014.
Bigger picture
- Regional agreement: The Berlin Process agreement, signed in 2022, promotes travel across Balkan countries using only ID cards. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina has not implemented this agreement for Kosovo due to opposition from the Serb entity within its government.
- A step towards integration: This decision by Kosovo underscores efforts to strengthen regional ties and reduce barriers to free movement, despite lingering political disagreements.
Why it matters
The decision reflects Kosovo’s commitment to fostering better relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina while addressing broader regional integration goals. It also places pressure on Bosnia to reconsider its stance on mobility and its relationship with Kosovo.
