The Kosovan passport is currently ranked 96th place on the Guide Passport Index. It is considered one of the lowest ranking passports in the world. Kosovan passport holders have visa-free access and visa on arrival to only 41 destinations including Sri Lanka, Dominica and Madagascar. There are 188 destinations for which a Kosovan passport holder requires to obtain a visa prior to traveling. That is the reason why the passport raking is low on the overall worldwide mobility score. For major destinations such as the USA and the European Union, Kosovans require to apply for a visa in advance. Visa applicants need to present documents such as proof of funds and return flight ticket.
The Kosovo passport ranking relative to other global passports is calculated by adding up the number of countries that allow Kosovo passport holders to enter without a visa (i.e. visa-free countries) and those that allow Kosovo passport holders to enter by obtaining a visa on arrival (i.e. visa-on-arrival countries) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). There are currently a total of 14 Kosovo passport visa-free countries, 26 Kosovo visa-on-arrival countries, and 1 eTA destinations.
Altogether, Kosovo passport holders can enter a total of 41 destinations—either without a visa, through a visa on arrival, or via an eTA. As a result, the Kosovo passport ranks 96 in the world.
Separate from these Kosovo visa-free countries and visa-on-arrival countries, there are 188 additional destinations which Kosovo passport holders either need a physical visa to enter or an eVisa (i.e. visa required countries).
The landlocked Republic of Kosovo is located in Southeastern Europe and is made of 7 districts. It borders North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Serbia. The most significant districts are Pristina, Prizren and Mitrovica. The country has a total surface area of 10,887 square kilometers. The terrain is dominated by a flat fluvial basin surrounded by high mountains. The highest peak is Gjeravica at 2,656 meters high. The climate is continental with very cold winters and hot summers with Alpine and Mediterranean influences.
The overall population is 1.8 million people. The capital of the country is Pristina, which is also the most populous city with over 198,000 inhabitants followed by Prizren and Gjilan. The largest and only airport is Pristina International Airport “Adem Jashari” (PRN) with an approximately yearly passenger traffic of 2.3 million people. The airport is named after Adem Jashari, the founder of Kosovo liberation army. The airport connects to several destinations in Europe.
Kosovo’s culture is a mix of influences from all parts of former Yugoslavia. The official languages are Albanian and Serbian. The legal system is the civil law. The government form is a parliamentary republic. The current chief of state is elect president Vjosa Osmani and the head of government Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
The circulated currency of the country is the Euro (EUR) with the current exchange rate being EUR 0.97 to the USD. Kosovo has an open economy, generating a GDP of approximately $23.5 billion, making it the 43rd largest economy in Europe. The per capita income is $13,017. The main portion of the GDP is generated by the services and industry sector. GDP growth has been slow and the country still relies on foreign aid. Major GDP contributor are also remittances from abroad accounting for 17% of the GDP. Other important export products are lead, zinc, nickel, wheat and corn.
The country has a developing tourism sector and many natural and culturally unique attractions for tourists to explore. Some of the most popular tourist destinations are The Visoki Monastery, the bear sanctuary, the Patriarchate of Peć, the Prizren Fortress, the Museum of Kosovo and the St. George Cathedral. Pristina also offers a variety of museums and exhibitions showcasing the history and natural beauty of the country.