This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Political Situation, Kosovo (explosion on the 24 September).  The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Terrorism

There is an underlying risk from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Please read Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas for further information and advice.
 
Crime
 
As in other parts of Europe, you should be aware of the incidence of street crime, particularly in larger cities.  Be extra vigilant for pick pocketing in public places such as airports and on public transportation.  As a foreigner, you may be a target for criminals who may assume you are carrying large amounts of cash.  Four wheel drive and luxury vehicles are also a popular target. Isolated incidents of armed violence in major cities are a problem. These are usually linked to organised crime and are not directed against foreigners, including British nationals.  All incidents of crime should be reported to the local police from whom you should obtain a report.
 
For further general information please see:  Victims of Crime Abroad
 
Political Situation
 
Serbia
 
Serbia Country Profile.
 
The situation in Serbia is generally stable.  However, you should avoid all demonstrations and public gatherings, which have in the past turned violent.  In Southern Serbia the security situation has much improved as a result of the political process involving the Serbian Authorities and the local Albanian minority.  But events in Kosovo continue to have an impact in South Serbia and you should continue to check local developments before starting your journey.
 
Kosovo
 
Kosovo Country Profile.
 
A UN-led process to determine the future status of Kosovo is currently underway.  As the process continues, tensions may rise.  You should avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which have in the past turned violent.  In March 2004, widespread inter-ethnic rioting occurred, resulting in 20 fatalities.
 
The Albanian nationalist ‘Self Determination Movement’ (‘Vetevendosje’ in Albanian) have held a number of demonstrations, which have led to public disturbances.  On 10 February 2007, a demonstration in central Pristina ended in violence with two deaths.  Other incidents include explosive devices targeted at UNMIK Headquarters (July 2005) and UNMIK vehicles (September/October 2005 and February 2007).  On 21 March 2007, a grenade was thrown into the compound of a restaurant in the centre of Pristina and, on 26 March 2007, an explosion outside a hotel destroyed a vehicle.  Both locations are frequented by members of the international community.
 
There have also been sporadic incidents not directly targeting foreign nationals or interests, one of the most serious being an explosion that took place on 24 September 2007 on Bill Clinton Boulevard in Pristina, causing two deaths and a number of injuries.

To avoid the possibility of being inadvertently caught up in any violent incidents, you should check local developments before and during your journey. In the event of civil disorder, you are strongly advised to stay at home or in your hotel and restrict your movements as much as possible, especially after dark.  You should register your presence in Kosovo with the British Office in Pristina (see the Contact Details section of this travel advice).
 
UNMIK and KFOR provide daily security bulletins via the Internet.  In the event of a crisis, information will be provided by KFOR radio (96.6FM) and at: http://www.nato.int/kfor/welcome.html

We recommend you stay alert at all times and take particular care to avoid public gatherings, political rallies, protests and polling stations, and pay close attention to local media reports.

Local Travel
 
There is still some danger from residual mines and other unexploded ordnance left over from the 1999 conflict in Kosovo and in South Serbia.  Since 2002, 16 people have been killed and 49 seriously injured by mines or unexploded ordnance in Kosovo.  In Kosovo, the main areas of danger are on the border with Albania, in the Dulje Pass area (in central Kosovo), and in the west and south of the province.  The mountainous region between South Serbia’s Presevo Valley and Kosovo is also problematic.  Special care should be taken in all these areas, and you should keep to the main roads.  Most of the remaining dangerous areas are in high mountainous regions covered with dense vegetation.  If you see anything suspicious, DO NOT TOUCH IT, and report it immediately to the police (or in Kosovo, to the nearest KFRO patrol).
 
You should exercise caution when travelling in Kosovo. In 2006 there were instances of armed individuals stopping vehicles travelling in west and central Kosovo, although these tended to target Kosovo Albanians rather than foreigners.
 
Road Travel
 
Serbia
 
You must have a valid international driver’s licence to drive in Serbia.  If you are taking your car, you must have vehicle registration/ ownership documents and a locally valid insurance policy.  European green card vehicle insurance is now valid in Serbia, but not in Kosovo.  You are advised to confirm that you insurance company recognises that your policy covers Serbia.  You are required by law to wear a seatbelt. You are advised to drive defensively and to avoid confrontation with other drivers.
 
You should be aware that many Serbian car hire firms will not allow their vehicles to be driven in Kosovo, Albania or Bulgaria due to concerns about the security situation. There have been some incidents where Serbian registered cars have been targeted in more isolated areas of Kosovo.
 
The general standard of roads is fair to poor with conditions worsening in rural areas, especially in and after bad weather. One particularly notorious road is the Ibarska Magistrala (linking Serbia to Montenegro).  Bad conditions and overcrowding can make it dangerous.
 
Roadworks on the main highways across Serbia (from the Croatian and Hungarian border to Bulgaria and Macedonia) may cause delays.
 
There are several toll booths along motorways.  Toll charges vary from 20 - 200 Euros depending on the size of your vehicle.  Foreign registered vehicles are charged a higher toll than those registered locally. You are advised to have sufficient cash (Dinars preferred) to pay these toll charges.
 
You should also be aware that some parts of the motorway between Novi Sad and Belgrade have two-lanes with a hard shoulder on only one side.  Some drivers use the ‘middle’ lane to overtake, thus forcing the ongoing traffic onto the hard shoulder.  We advise you to take additional care when driving on these stretches.
 
Public transport is outdated and overcrowded although there have been improvements in the major cities.  When using taxis, it is possible to negotiate fares where a meter is not in use.  You should only use taxis that are officially marked.
 
Kosovo
 
A UK driving licence is valid in Kosovo.  However, European Green Card vehicle insurance is not and you should purchase local third party insurance at the border on entry.  Where an insurance bureau is unavailable you should purchase insurance from the nearest town at the earliest opportunity.  You should ensure that you have sufficient local currency to pay for insurance and petrol.  Fuel is widely available but the quality varies.  Delays at the border crossings between Kosovo and Macedonia are common.  Roads are poor and can be dangerous in bad weather.  On 15 January 2006, a landslide south of Kaçanik (near the Macedonia border) blocked the main road between Pristina and Skopje.  Though the road has since reopened there remains an inherent risk of landslide.  You are advised against travelling at night.
 
You should be aware that many Serbian car hire firms will not allow their vehicles to be driven in Kosovo due to concerns about the security situation.  There have been some incidents where Serbian registered cars have been targeted in more isolated areas of Kosovo. Train and bus connections within Kosovo and to Serbia and Montenegro are poor and prone to delays.  Taxis are readily available in Pristina.

For more general information see:  Driving Abroad

Rail Travel
 
Trains can be slow, particularly in winter when there are often long delays.  On overnight trains, sleeping berths can be locked.  Each carriage has an attendant on watch for the journey.
 
Air Travel
 
Both Belgrade and Pristina airports have a single modern terminal handling all international arrivals and departures.  For more information on what can be taken on board please visit  Department for Transport

Drugs laws are similar to those in the UK.  Possession or trafficking of drugs will be met with strict penalties and usually a lengthy prison sentence.

 

There are no laws against homosexual activity and same-sex couples are tolerated, but the nature of society makes public displays of affection inadvisable.

 

Please note that taking photographs of military and police installations and/or personnel or vehicles anywhere in Serbia and Kosovo may lead to difficulties with the authorities.

Serbia

 

Visas

 

Visit Visas are not required for entry to Serbia for British passport holders for stays of up to 90 days.  For further information on entry/exit requirements and exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact Serbia Embassy in London.

 

On entering Serbia make sure you get an entry stamp in your passport from the border police. Temporary residents (in the country for more than 90 days) should have exit-entry visas as well as residence stamps in their passports.  If you try to leave Serbia without an entry stamp or exit-entry visa you may face charges of illegal immigration, a heavy fine and possible imprisonment.

 

You should only enter Serbia through recognised border crossings. The Serbian government does not recognise entry points from Kosovo or those on Kosovo's external borders with Albania, Macedonia or Montenegro. You should not attempt to enter Serbia from Kosovo, unless you initially travelled into Kosovo via Serbia. (For more information please visit the Serbian Ministry for Foreign Affairs website at: http://www.mfa.gov.yu/Consularaffairs.htm)

 

Passport validity

 

Before you travel, you should ensure that your passport is undamaged and valid for the duration of your stay in Serbia.  The British Embassy in Belgrade only issue temporary passports and emergency passports.  For information on standard passports please visit the British Embassy website at  British Embassy

 

Registration

 

It is essential that you register with the local police in the town/city where you are staying within 24 hours of your arrival in Serbia, unless you are staying in a hotel where you will be registered automatically on checking-in.  If you do not register you may be fined, detained or face a court appearance.  You are also advised to register with, or make your presence known to, the British Embassy in Belgrade and/or with the Honorary Consul in Nis as appropriate.  Contact details are below.

 

Travelling with children

 

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting children to leave.  For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact: Serbia Embassy in London.

 

Customs declarations

 

You will be required to declare money (including travellers’ cheques) in excess of €5,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) that you bring into Serbia.  Customs Officers hold declaration forms and will require a receipt of purchase for Dinars bought from a foreign bank.  On departure, you will need to return a certified copy of this declaration to customs so that money (up to the amount brought in but not exceeding €5,000 in value) can be taken out again. If you fail to comply with these rules, your money may be confiscated.

 

In order to avoid customs charges, you will be required to declare items of value (eg. jewellery, photographic and computing equipment) that you are temporarily importing into Serbia.  These items should be intended for your own personal use and you must take them with you on leaving the country.  (For more information on declaration of money and the importation of goods please visit the Serbian Ministry for Foreign Affairs website at http://www.mfa.gov.yu/Consularaffairs.htm)

 

Kosovo

 

Visas

 

Visas are not required to enter Kosovo for British passport holders.  Since July 2005, a new law on the movement of persons into and out of Kosovo came into force.  You may be required to provide documentary evidence giving a reason for your entry and stay to local authorities when entering Kosovo.  A 90-day entry stamp will be issued which is renewable for longer stays. Amended UNMIK Regulation No. 2005/16 of 8 April 2005 provides further information: http://www.unmikonline.org/regulations/ADMDIRECT/2005/ADE2005_08.pdf

 

Please note that the authorities in Serbia do not consider the designated crossing points from Kosovo to be official border crossing points; see the entry requirements for Serbia, above.

 

Passport validity

 

Before you travel, you should ensure that your passport is undamaged and valid for the duration of your stay in Kosovo. When visiting Kosovo, you should inform the British Office in Pristina.  The contact details are belos.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on vaccination requirements for Serbia (including Kosovo).

 

For further information on endemic diseases, like malaria, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements for Serbia (including Kosovo) you should check the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) at:  http://www.nathnac.org/travel/index.htm and NHS Scotland's Fit for Travel at http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/.

 

For more general health information see the Travel Health

 

Serbia

 

There is a reciprocal healthcare agreement for British nationals, which entitles you to free genuine emergency treatment in Serbia.  However, the health system in all parts of Serbia (including Kosovo) is suffering from widespread shortage of medicines and other essentials.  Payment in cash is normally required for treatment and you are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical evacuation.

 

Cases of rabid foxes and dogs have been reported in Serbia, largely in parks and the outskirts of major cities, including in areas that have been rabies free for decades. You should be wary of, and try to avoid contact with, stray dogs. If bitten, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

 

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

 

The Serbian Ministry of Agriculture confirmed on 9 March 2006 that the H5N1 form of avian influenza (bird flu) has been found in one dead swan in the Veliki Backi canal near Sombor in north-eastern Serbia. The Serbian authorities have declared the 10-kilometre radius to be an infected area and have taken measures to prevent any spread, including isolating domestic poultry and disinfecting access roads and paths to the area. No human infections or deaths have been reported in Serbia.

 

The risk to humans from avian influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

 

You should read this advice in conjunction with the Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet, which gives more detailed advice and information.

 

Kosovo

 

The health system in Kosovo is severely under-funded. Hospitals lack specialist equipment and there is a widespread shortage of medicines and other essentials. Many in the medical profession lack training in modern techniques and practices.  A small payment in cash (currently €4) is required for treatment but you are advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover any medical evacuation.

 

Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is endemic to Kosovo. Although, most cases of CCHF occur in the region around Malishevo (Central Kosovo), during the summer months other rural areas of Kosovo can be affected. CCHF is caused by a virus and is transmitted by tic bite or by infected blood.  Anyone who has visited Kosovo and is suffering from a fever – headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, red rash (which does not fade when pressed under glass), bleeding on the roof of the mouth – or any other unexplained symptoms should seek medical advice immediately.

 

NATURAL DISASTERS

 

During especially hot and dry periods water shortages can occur and there is a danger that forest fires will become more frequent. Please take care to conserve water and when visiting or driving through woodland areas, ensure that cigarette ends are properly extinguished, and do not light barbecues.

 

Serbia lies in a seismically active zone, and earth tremors are common. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but do occur.

Insurance

 

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see Travel Insurance

 

If things go wrong when overseas, please see: What We Can Do To Help

 

Passport

 

You should carry your passport at all times.  We therefore advise that you keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place.  This will help you to obtain a replacement, in case your passport is lost or stolen.

 

The loss or theft of a British passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the British Embassy in Belgrade, Honorary Consular Agent in Nis, or British Office in Pristina as appropriate. The Honorary Consular Agent in Nis cannot issue new passports but can assist with the arrangements to apply for a new passport via Belgrade.

 

For further information on passports, please visit the Identity and Passport Service website at: http://www.passport.gov.uk/

 

Serbia

 

If you lose your passport in Serbia (excluding Kosovo), exit visas are required in replacement travel documents as your original entry stamp will have been lost with your passport. It is sometimes possible to obtain these from the local Police, but you can also receive one at the Foreigners’ Police Department of the Serbian Interior Ministry in Belgrade.

If your passport is lost or stolen the British Embassy in Belgrade can issue you an Emergency Passport or a Temporary Passport only.  Applications for new passports are accepted at the British Embassy in Belgrade for forwarding to the British Embassy in Vienna, where they will be issued and returned.  This may take around 3-4 weeks.  This is due to requirements for all new passports to be machine readable and capable of storing biometric information and to help reduce forgery.  For full details on applying for passports please visit the Embassy website on http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/serbia.

 

Kosovo

 

You should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a sufficient number of unused pages before you arrive in Kosovo.  If your passport is lost or stolen, the British Office in Pristina can issue with an Emergency Passport (valid for up to seven days and for your return journey to UK only).

 

Applications for new passports are accepted at the British Office in Pristina for forwarding to the British Embassy in Vienna, where they will be issued and returned.  This may take between 4-6 weeks.  A courier service is available to speed up this process, but you will have to bear the cost.

 

Money

 

Serbia

 

The official currency of Serbia is the Dinar. Credit cards and travellers cheques are now accepted in many of the larger hotels and shops, and ATMs increasingly also accept international bank cards. There are many money exchange machines in Belgrade (including at Belgrade Airport) that accept Sterling, US Dollars and Euros and will give back Dinars.

 

Please be aware that British banks do not generally exchange Dinars.  You are advised to exchange any unwanted Dinars before you leave Serbia. You should only change money through banks or official exchange offices and not through street dealers.  The British Embassy in Belgrade cannot exchange currency.  You will be unable to exchange Scottish and Northern Irish bank notes in Serbia.

 

Kosovo

 
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in Kosovo (the Yugoslav Dinar is not accepted outside Serb-majority areas).  The current banking system is embryonic and you will be expected to pay in cash.  Credit cards are not widely accepted but there are a small number of ATMs in Pristina which accept international bank cards.  You should bring enough Euros to cover your expenses while in Kosovo.

 

CONSULAR SERVICES

 

When you arrive in Serbia you are advised to register with, or make your presence known to the British Embassy in Belgrade.  When visiting Kosovo, you should make your presence known to the British Office in Pristina.

 

Serbia

 

A full consular service is available in Belgrade at the British Embassy. 

 

Emergency consular services (passport and notarial services are not provided) are also available from the Honorary Consular Agent in Nis:

 

Telephone:  (381) 18 221 469

                      (381) 63 408 224

 

Email:           petarbos@Eunet.yu

 

Kosovo

 

The British Office provides a limited consular service (notarial and visa services are not provided):

 

Address:

Ismail Qemajli 6

Arbëri/Dragodan

Pristina

 

Telephone:   (381) 38 254 700

 

Facsimile:     (381) 38 249 799

 

Email:           britishoffice.pristina@fco.gov.uk

 

Office Hours:

 

GMT:

Mon-Thurs:  0730-1600; Fri:  0730-1230

 

Local Time:

Mon-Thurs:  0830-1700; Fri:  0830-1330