Must be valid at time of entry.
You need one passport page for the entry stamp.
Not required for visits less than 90 days in a six-month period.
None
You must declare €10,000 or more in cash.
You must declare €10,000 or more in cash.
U.S. Embassy Pristina
Rr. “4 Korriku” Nr. 25
10000 Pristina, Kosovë
Telephone: +(383) (38) 5959-3000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(383) (38) 5959-3000
Email: [email protected]
U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Kosovo. They may need to show documents stating the purpose of their visit.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for trips lasting up to 90 days within a six-month period.
For work, study, or visits over 90 days in six months, you must apply for a temporary residence permit once in Kosovo. Visit Pristina's Division for Foreigners, Visa, and Residence Permits for additional information before your arrival in Kosovo.
To apply for a temporary residence permit, you must provide:
Visit our Criminal Records Checks page and Embassy Pristina’s local resources page for additional details. The U.S. Embassy cannot assist you with a visa background check at the airport or if Kosovo denies you entry.
Kosovo law requires U.S. citizens to show photo ID (original ID, a driver's license, or a passport) to authorized officials if asked.
Under Kosovo law, unaccompanied children under age 14 must provide notarized, written permission from both parents to leave the country. This applies to all nationalities. Please review our website for more information on children’s issues.
Travel to Serbia: To visit Serbia from Kosovo, you must have a valid, recent Serbian entry stamp and have entered Kosovo through Serbia. Serbia will bar U.S. citizens from entering Serbia if they entered Kosovo from any country except Serbia. This includes arrivals via Pristina's airport. To enter Serbia without a recent Serbian entry stamp, you will need to enter from another neighboring country.
Visit the Embassy of Kosovo website for the most current visa information.
The U.S. Department of State knows of no HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents of Kosovo.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.
For most visitors, Kosovo remains a safe country. Petty street crime is the most common safety concern for U.S. citizens. The Kosovo Police, with help from The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and The Kosovo Force KFOR, are responsible for safety in Kosovo. The U.S. Embassy has no law enforcement authority.
Be aware that terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments take measures against possible terrorist attacks, but the public is still vulnerable to transnational terrorists. Exercise caution at festivals and public events. If you are in a crowd and the security conditions worsen, leave immediately. Remain aware of your surroundings and have a plan for escape should an emergency arise. Monitor instructions from the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
U.S. citizens should avoid protests and large gatherings. Demonstrations occur frequently, particularly in Pristina, often with little or no notice. Demonstrations can cause serious traffic disruptions or violent incidents.
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy Kosovo’s alert and messages page.
Crime: While violent crime against U.S. citizens is rare, be aware of your public profile. Avoid drawing attention to yourself as a U.S. citizen. Theft and petty street crimes occur, especially in tourist areas.
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime:
Victims of crime or sexual assault should first find a safe place and then immediately call the local police to report the incident. After that, contact the U.S. Embassy.
Report crimes to the local police by calling 192. In an emergency, after calling the local police, you can contact the U.S. Embassy at +383 (38) 5959-3000 (available 24/7). Police responsiveness to criminal reports varies greatly. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
Kosovo’s Victims’ Advocacy and Assistance Office (VAO) has a 24-hour, toll-free help line at 0800 11 112. The VAO provides information and guidance. It also allows the public and victims to report crimes. The VAO may help with medical exams, protection orders, or case updates.
Additional in-depth information regarding safety and security in Kosovo can be found at: Kosovo 2019 Crime and Safety Report - OSAC.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas. See Embassy Pristina’s Victims of Crime page.
We can:
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizens who are victims of domestic violence may reach out to the embassy for help.
Tourism: The tourism industry is not regulated. Inspections of equipment and facilities are rare. Hazardous areas may lack proper signage and staff lack proper training. Certification by the host government or recognized bodies may not exist. Injuries can be treated only in or near major cities. First responders usually can't reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.
See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
Some laws are prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Notification of Arrest: If police or prison officials arrest you, ask them to notify the U.S. Embassy. See our webpage for further information. See Embassy Pristina’s arrest of a U.S. citizen page.
The Kosovo criminal justice system differs from U.S. standards. Lengthy detentions are common before and during judicial proceedings. The U.S. Embassy cannot speed up legal proceedings or secure releases. It also cannot help detained U.S. citizens with preferential treatment.
Special Circumstances:
Natural Disaster Risk: Kosovo is in a seismically active area. It is prone to earthquakes. The best way to cope with an earthquake is to prepare in advance. For information on what to do before and during a natural disaster, see:
Explosive Devices: Some areas in Kosovo still have unexploded ordnance and mines. Seek information through local authorities on marked and unmarked areas with leftover mines and unexploded ordnance. Report any suspicious item to the local authorities.
Climbing and Hiking: For outdoor activities, seek a local guide's advice. Stay in touch with family and friends. Provide your route and contact details to someone who is not traveling with you.
Athletes: Some Kosovo sports clubs may not honor contracts. This has been reported by foreign players. Before signing a contract or relocating:
Property and other disputes: The U.S. Government has no jurisdiction over property or private disputes in Kosovo.
Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:
LGB Travelers: Kosovo has no laws against same-sex relations or LGB events. There are no legal barriers to organizing LGB events.
LGB individuals have anti-discrimination protections. In real life, LGB persons face discrimination. LGB travelers should be cautious if they choose to visit Kosovo. This is especially true for public displays of affection.
Please see our LGB Travelers page and the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for further details.
Travelers Who Need Accessibility Assistance. Access for disabled people differs from those in United States. There are anti-discriminatory laws in place which apply to jobs, education, health care, and state services.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Kosovo has a public hospital in Pristina and private clinics around the country. Medical facilities outside Pristina have limited services. Quality controls are lacking and services are very basic. Hygiene may be insufficient. Medical care is below U.S. or Western European standards.
The Embassy does not pay medical bills
Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.
Medical Insurance
Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
See our page on Traveling with Prescription Medication. Check with Kosovo’s Ministry of Health for more information. Ensure your medication is legal in Kosovo. Carry your prescribed medication in original packaging along with your doctor’s prescription.
Vaccinations
Check the CDC web page on vaccine recommendations. Kosovo has no vaccines for children recommended by the CDC.
If you are planning on traveling from Kosovo to Mecca please be aware of the MERS Corona Virus Advisory. Please see our Hajj Fact Sheet and the Saudi Ministry of Health website.
Air Quality
Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas.
Further health information
World Health Organization
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Road Conditions and Safety: Road conditions in Kosovo differ from those in the United States. Some modern highways exist but most roads are still narrow and crowded. Mountain roads can be narrow and poorly marked and often lack guardrails. In bad weather, they quickly become dangerous. Dense fog can obscure visibility while driving.
Traffic Laws: Drivers with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.05 percent are considered intoxicated and will be arrested and prosecuted.
Public Transportation: Taxis are an inexpensive, safe, and reliable means of transportation. Use established taxi companies that have metered taxies activated on departure.
See our Road Safety page for more information.
Aviation Safety and Oversight: There are no direct commercial flights to the United States by carriers registered in Kosovo. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Kosovo’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Kosovo is not a member of ICAO. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Des Moines, IA
Email the Consulate of Kosovo in Des Moines
Telephone (515) 875-4944; Fax (515) 875-4801
New York, NY
Email the Consulate of Kosovo in New York City
Telephone (212) 949-1400; Fax (212) 949-1403
List of Attorneys – U.S. Embassy in Kosovo
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Is Kosovo a party to the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extra Judicial Documents in Civil and Commercial Matters?
No.
How should requests be completed?
Kosovo is not a party to the Hague Service Convention.
Local authorities have advised the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Department of State that, in the absence of any other international agreement, service of process in Kosovo may be accomplished by making a formal request via letters rogatory. U.S. litigants seeking to serve process in Kosovo by other methods may wish to consult legal counsel in Kosovo for guidance.
Does Kosovo permit service via postal channels?
No
Service on a Foreign State:
See also our Service Under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) feature and FSIA Checklist for questions about service on a foreign state, agency or instrumentality.
Prosecution Requests:
U.S. federal or state prosecutors should also contact the Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division, Department of Justice for guidance.
Defense Requests in Criminal Matters:
Criminal defendants or their defense counsel seeking judicial assistance in obtaining evidence or in effecting service of documents abroad in connection with criminal matters may do so via the letters rogatory process.
Is Kosovo a party to the Hague Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil and Commercial Matters?
No.
How should letters of request be completed? Do they require transmittal via diplomatic channels?
All requests for obtaining evidence, including requests to compel evidence or to take voluntary depositions, must be submitted via the letters rogatory process.
Are foreign attorneys permitted to take depositions of willing witnesses without the involvement of the host government or courts?
No.
Kosovo is not a party to the Hague Evidence Convention. Local authorities do not permit foreign persons, such as American attorneys, to take depositions for use in a court in the United States.
All requests for obtaining evidence must be submitted via the letters rogatory process.
It is the U.S. Department of State’s understanding that the Kosovar prohibition on taking depositions by foreign persons extends to telephone or video teleconference depositions initiated from the United States to depose a witness in Kosovo. The State Department advises U.S. citizens contemplating participation in such a proceeding, without Kosovo’s concurrence, obtained through diplomatic channels, to consider carefully the possible legal consequences of doing so. Interested parties should also consult a local attorney.
May consular officers conduct depositions of willing witnesses?
No.
May local attorneys directly petition a court to conduct the deposition of an unwilling witness or must this be requested via letters rogatory?
This must be requested via letters rogatory.
Is Kosovo a party to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalization of Foreign Public Documents?
Yes
Kosovo’s competent authority for the Hague Apostille Convention will authenticate local public documents with Apostilles and maintains an electronic register for the verification of Apostilles.
How can I authenticate U.S. public documents for use in Kosovo?
For information about authenticating U.S. public documents for use in Kosovo, see the list of U.S. Competent Authorities.
To obtain an Apostille for a U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America, contact the U.S. Department of State, Passport Services, Vital Records Office.
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Kosovo is not a party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention or Convention). Under the Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 (UAA), which became effective on July 14, 2014, the requirement that adoption service providers be accredited or approved, and therefore meet the accreditation standards, which previously only applied in Convention cases, now also applies in non-Convention (“orphan”) cases under section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The UAA requires that an accredited or approved adoption service provider act as the primary provider in every Convention or non-Convention intercountry adoption case, and that adoption service providers providing any adoption services, as defined at 22 CFR Part 96.2, on behalf of prospective adoptive parents be accredited or approved, or be a supervised or exempted provider. See additional guidance for limited situations when a primary provider may not be required. Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Convention countries continue to be processed under the Orphan Process with the filing of the Forms I-600A and I 600. However, adoption service providers should be aware of the information on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website on the impact of the UAA on Form I-600A and Form I-600 adjudications, including the requirement that all home studies, including home study updates and amendments, comply with the home study requirements listed at 8 CFR 204.311, which differ from the orphan home study requirements that were in effect before July 14, 2014.
To bring an adopted child to the United States from Kosovo, you must meet certain suitability and eligibility requirements. USCIS determines who is suitable and eligible to adopt a child from another country and bring that child to live in the United States under U.S. immigration law.
Additionally, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States with an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.
In addition to being found suitable and eligible to adopt by USCIS, prospective adoptive parents seeking to adopt a child from Kosovo must meet the following requirements of Kosovo Family Law:
Under the INA 101(b)(1)(F), a child can be considered an orphan because of the death or disappearance of, abandonment or desertion by, or separation or loss from both parents, or in the case where there is a sole or surviving parent who is incapable of providing the proper care and has in writing irrevocably released the child for emigration and adoption.
In addition to qualifying as an orphan under U.S. immigration law, the child must also meet the following requirements of Kosovo:
Caution: Prospective adoptive parents should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are eligible for adoption. In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when possible. In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their parental rights or consented to the adoption of their child(ren).
Kosovo’s Adoption Authority
Department for Social and Family Policy (DSFP), within the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare
The Process
The process for adopting a child from Kosovo generally includes the following steps:
1. Choose a U.S. Accredited or Approved Adoption Service Provider To Act as Your Primary Provider
2. Apply to USCIS to be Found Suitable and Eligible to Adopt (Form I-600A)
3. Apply to Kosovo’s Authorities to Adopt, and to be Matched with a Child
4. Adopt the Child in Kosovo.
5. Apply for Your Child to be Found Eligible to Immigrate to the United States as an Orphan (Form I-600)
6. Apply for a U.S. Immigrant Visa for Your Child and Bring Your Child Home
1. Choose a U.S. Accredited or Approved Adoption Service Provider to Act as Your Primary Provider
Before taking steps to adopt a child from Kosovo, you should select a U.S. accredited or approved adoption service provider to be the primary provider in your case. Your primary provider is responsible for:
For more information on primary providers and the UAA, please see Universal Accreditation Act of 2012. See additional guidance for limited situations when a primary provider may not be required. Learn more about Agency Accreditation.
2. Apply to USCIS to be Found Suitable and Eligible to Adopt
In order to adopt a child from Kosovo, you will need to meet the requirements of the Government of Kosovo and U.S. immigration law.
To meet U.S. immigration requirements, you may choose to file a Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition, with USCIS, to be found suitable and eligible to adopt. If you have already identified the child you wish to adopt, you may also choose to file the Form I-600 petition for the child and include all the required supporting documentation for the Form I-600A application (i.e. an approved home study) so USCIS can make a determination on your suitability and eligibility to adopt before revieiwing the child’s eligibility as an orphan. Please see the USCIS website for more information about filing options. Unless an exception applies, the home study must be prepared by a person who is authorized under 22 CFR 96 to prepare home studies and must comply with the requirements in 8 CFR 204.311.
3. Apply to Kosovo’s Authorities to Adopt, and be Matched with a Child
If you are found suitable and eligible to adopt under U.S. immigration law, Kosovo requires you to submit an adoption application to the Department for Social and Family Policy (DSFP) in the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of Kosovo and be found eligible to adopt a child from Kosovo. You must go to the local Center for Social Welfare (CSW) Office and fill out the appropriate form, which then must be approved by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. This form is not available online.
The competent adoption authority in Kosovo, the Department for Social and Family Policy (DSFP), will review your adoption dossier and, if an appropriate match is found, may provide you with a referral. We encourage families to consider consulting with a medical professional and their adoption service provider to understand the needs of the specific child, but you must decide for yourself whether you will be able to meet the needs of, and provide a permanent home for a specific child. You must also ultimately adhere to USCIS’ suitability determination (i.e. typically the Form I-600A approval notice) with respect to the number of children you are approved to adopt and the characteristics of the child(ren) (such as age, gender, nationality, and/or special need, disability, and/or impairment) that you are approved to adopt. Learn more about Health Considerations.
The child must be eligible to be adopted according to Kosovo’s legal requirements, as described in the Who Can Be Adopted section. The child must also meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law.
4. Adopt the Child in Kosovo
The process for finalizing the adoption in Kosovo generally includes the following:
Before an adoption can be approved and finalized by the courts, prospective adoptive parents are required to appear before the judge along with the adoptee, if the child is over the age of 10. (If a child is under the age of 10, his or her legal custodian should appear on the child’s behalf.) Once all parties consent to the adoption and the court reviews all of the documents, the adoption may be approved and finalized.
Note: See additional guidance for limited situations when a primary provider may not be required.
We encourage prospective adoptive parents to obtain detailed receipts for all fees and donations paid, either by them directly or through their U.S. adoption service provider, and to raise any concerns regarding any payment that you believe may be contrary to U.S. law, or the law of Kosovo, with your adoption service provider, and, when appropriate, through the Complaint Registry. Improper payments may violate applicable law, or create the appearance of buying a child, and could put all future adoptions in Kosovo at risk. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, for instance, makes it unlawful to make payments to foreign government officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business. Further, the UAA and IAA make certain actions relating to intercountry adoptions unlawful, and subject to civil and criminal penalties. These include offering, giving, soliciting, or accepting inducement by way of compensation intended to influence or affect the relinquishment of parental rights, parental consent relating to adoption of a child, or a decision by an entity performing functions as a competent authority, or to engage another person as an agent to take any such action.
In the adoption services contract that you sign at the beginning of the adoption process, your adoption service provider will itemize the fees and estimated expenses related to your adoption process. Some of the fees specifically associated with adopting from Kosovo include:
- Local court administrative taxes
- Birth certificate fee
- Passport fee
- Legalization of documents (Apostille if required)
All documents must be translated into Albanian or Serbian (depending on the place of origin of the child). If a child’s nationality is unknown, the documents should be translated into Albanian.
The three methods local authorities accept for certifying that documents are genuine are: apostilled from the issuing authority, stamped or signed by a competent authority, or notarized by a public notary.
Note: Additional documents may be requested.
5. Apply for Your Child to be Found Eligible to Immigrate to the United States as an Orphan
After you finalize the adoption in Kosovo, USCIS must determine if the child meets the definition of an orphan under U.S. immigration law in order for the child to immigrate to the United States. You will need to file a Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, on behalf of the child and unless an exception applies, you must identify a primary provider.
If you have a valid Form I-600A approval, you may file your Form I-600 petition in the United States with the USCIS National Benefits Center, or at the U.S. Embassy in Pristina, Kosovo. Please see the USCIS website for more information about filing options.
When a Form I-600 petition is adjudicated by USCIS in the United States, the consular section at the U.S. Embassy in Pristina, Kosovo must complete a Form I-604, Determination on Child for Adoption (sometimes informally referred to as an orphan determination), to verify the child’s orphan status. When a Form I-600 petition is adjudicated by an international USCIS office, USCIS generally completes the Form I-604 determination.
When a Form I-600 petition is filed with the Embassy’s consular section, the consular officer must complete the Form I-604, Determination on Child for Adoption, to verify the child’s orphan status. Conducting the Form I-604 determination is a critical part of the non-Convention adoption process. Consular officers appreciate that families are eager to bring their adopted child home as quickly as possible. Some of the factors that may contribute to the length of the process include prevailing fraud patterns in the country of origin, civil unrest or security concerns that restrict travel to certain areas of the country, and the number of determinations performed by available staff. Consular officers make every effort to conduct them as quickly and thoroughly as possible. You are advised to keep your travel plans flexible while awaiting the results.
6. Apply for a U.S. Immigrant Visa for Your Child and Bring Your Child Home
Once your adoption is complete and the Form I-604 determination has been completed, finding that your child meets the legal definition of an orphan for immigration purposes, you need to apply for three documents before your child can travel to the United States:
Birth Certificate
You will need to obtain a birth certificate for your child.
If you have finalized the adoption in Kosovo, you will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child. Your name will be added to the new birth certificate. Local authorities will issue a new birth certificate to the child showing your name listed as the parent(s).
You may apply for a new birth certificate in the local town hall of the municipality where your child was born or where the adoption was finalized. The certificate is normally issued the same day and will include the child’s new name, if part of the adoption decree. You are required to present the following documents to register the birth in adoption cases:
The administrative fee to obtain a birth certificate is 1 Euro (approximately 1.30 USD).
Please see the municipality of Pristina information link for additional information (Albanian only).
Kosovo Passport
Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he or she will need a travel document or passport from Kosovo.
You can apply for a Kosovo passport for your child at the Center for Document Issuance, also known as the Center for Civil Registration, in the municipality where the adoption was finalized. The cost for passport services is 15 Euros (approximately 18 USD) for children under 3 years of age, and 20 Euros (approximately 23 USD) for children over the age of 3. This process usually takes about two weeks.
The child must appear with both parents when applying for a passport. The following documents (original and two copies) must be submitted:
Additional information on how to apply for a Kosovo passport is available at this link (in Albanian only).
U.S. Immigrant Visa
After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child and you have filed Form I-600, you then need to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa for your child at the U.S. Embassy in Pristina. This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you. As part of this process, you must provide the consular officer with the Panel Physician’s medical report on the child.
Before coming for your child’s immigrant visa interview, please complete an Electronic Immigrant Visa Application (DS-260) online at the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). If you filed a Form I-600 petition in the United States, you should receive a letter from the National Visa Center (NVC) confirming receipt of the petition and assignment of a case number and an invoice ID number. You will need this information to log into CEAC to file the DS-260 for your child. You should fill out these forms in your child's name. Answer every item on the form. If information is not applicable, please write “N/A” in the block. Print and bring the DS-260 confirmation page to the visa interview. Review the DS-260 FAQs, our Online Immigrant Visa Forms page, or contact NVC at [email protected] or +1-603-334-0700 if you have questions about completing the online DS-260 form.
Upon receipt of the case at the U.S. Embassy, the Consular Section generally notifies the petitioner. If the consular officer determines that the child is eligible for an immigrant visa, visa issuance after the final interview generally takes 24 hours. It is not usually possible to provide the visa to adoptive parents on the same day as the immigrant visa interview. You should verify current processing times with the U.S. Embassy in Skopje before making final travel arrangements. Additional information on immigrant visa processing can be found on our website.
Child Citizenship Act
For adoptions finalized abroad prior to the child’s admission into the United States: An adopted child residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence generally will acquire U.S. citizenship automatically if the child otherwise meets the requirements of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, including that the child is under the age of eighteen.
For adoptions finalized after the child’s admission into the United States: You will need to complete an adoption following your child’s admission into the United States and before the child turns eighteen for the child (if he or she otherwise meets the requirements of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000) to automatically acquire U.S. citizenship.
Read more about the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.
Applying for Your U.S. Passport
U.S. citizens are required to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. Once your child acquires U.S. citizenship, s/he will need a U.S. passport for international travel. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.
Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The Department of State’s Passport Application Wizard will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print all in one place.
Obtaining a Visa to Travel to Kosovo
In addition to a U.S. passport, you may also need to obtain a visa to travel to Kosovo. Where required, visas are affixed to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation. To find information about obtaining a visa for Kosovo, see the Department of State’s country pages.
Note: No visa is required for tourist stays of less than 90 days. If you intend to visit for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit. Please contact the Kosovo Ministry of Foreign Affairs for information on how to apply for a residency permit.
Staying Safe on Your Trip
Before you travel, it is always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The Department of State provides Country-Specific Information for every country in the world about various issues, including health conditions, crime, currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
Staying in Touch on Your Trip
When traveling abroad during the adoption process, we encourage you to enroll with the Department of State through our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country. Enrollment makes it possible for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Kosovo to contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency. Whether there is a family emergency in the United States or a crisis in Kosovo, enrollment assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
Enrollment is free and can be done online via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Post-Adoption Reporting Requirements
For children adopted abroad, the Kosovo Department for Social and Family Policy requires two written reports on the psychophysical development of the child within the first two years after the adoption is finalized, one after the first year and one after the second year.
Post-adoption reports should be translated into one of the official langagues in Kosovo, preferably Albanian. Reports can be conducted by the adoptive family’s adoption service provider or the appropriate child welfare officials in the state where the child resides, and should be submitted by mail to Kosovo’s Adoption Authority:
Ministry of Labor and Social Family
Department for Social and Family Policy
UCK street, Qafe p.n. Kati III. NR. 14
10000 Pristina, Kosovo
We urge you to comply with Kosovo’s post-adoption/post-placement requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption service provider may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to Kosovo’s positive experiences with U.S. citizen adoptive parents.
Post-Adoption Resources
Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. You may wish to take advantage of all the resources available to your family, whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services. Your primary provider can provide or point you to post- placement/post-adoption services to help your adopted child and your family transition smoothly and deal effectively with the many adjustments required in an intercountry adoptions.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services maintains a website, the Child Welfare Information Gateway, which can be a useful resource to get you started on your support group search.
COMPLAINTS
If you have concerns about your intercountry adoption process, we ask that you share this information with the Embassy in Pristina, particularly if it involves possible fraud or misconduct specific to your child’s case. The Department of State takes all allegations of fraud or misconduct seriously. Our Adoption Comment Page provides several points of contact for adoptive families to comment on their adoption service provider, their experience applying for their child’s visa, or about the Form I-600/A process.
The Complaint Registry is an internet based registry for filing complaints about U.S. accredited or approved adoption service providers. If you think your provider's conduct may not have been in compliance with accreditation standards, first submit your complaint in writing directly to your provider. If the complaint is not resolved through the provider's complaint process, you may file the complaint through the Complaint Registry.
U.S. Embassy in Kosovo
Rr. 4 Korriku Nr. 25
Pristina
Tel: + 383 38 5959 3000
Email: [email protected]
Internet: https://xk.usembassy.gov/
Kosovo’s Adoption Authority
Ministry of Finance, Labor and Transfers
Department for Social Policy and Family
Panel for settling children without parental care in the Foster Care and for Adoption
Contact person:
[Magbule Koci, Senior Officer for the Protection of Abandoned Children]
Address: UCK st, Qafe p.n. Kati III. Nr. 11
10000 Pristina, Kosovo
Tel: +383-38-211-941; +383-38-200-26-018
Fax: +383-38-211-940
Email: [email protected]
Note: The Department for Social Policy and Family is open Monday – Friday; representatives speak English, Albanian and Serbian.
Kosovo Embassy in Washington, DC
Presidential Plaza
900 19th Street, NW
Suite 400
Washington DC, 20006
Tel: +1 202 380 3581
Fax: +1 202 380 3628
Email: [email protected]
Consular services are offered in New York only.
Office of Children’s Issues
U.S. Department of State
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20522-1709
Tel: 1-888-407-4747
Email: [email protected]
Internet: adoption.state.gov
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about filing a Form I-800A application or a Form I-800 petition:
USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC):
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-913-275-5480 (local); Fax: 1- 913-214-5808
Email: [email protected]
For general questions about immigration procedures:
USCIS Contact Center
Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
Internet: uscis.gov
| Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| A-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| C-2 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| C-3 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| E-1 2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| E-2 2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 36 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | N/A | N/A3 |
| H-2B | None | N/A | N/A3 |
| H-2R | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| I | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-1 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| K-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| L-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 60 Months |
| NATO 1-7 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| T-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-4 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-5 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-6 | None | One | 6 Months |
| TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| U-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-4 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-5 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| V-1 | None | Multiple | 120 Months |
| V-2 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
| V-3 | None | Multiple | 120 Months 8 |
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:
An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident or national of a country without a treaty. *When the spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status and are themselves a national of a country that does not have a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principal alien’s country of nationality should be used. **Spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 visa principal applicant, where the spouse and children are also nationals of a country that has a treaty with the United States – the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the spouse and children’s country of nationality should be used.
*Example 1: John Doe is a national of Country A that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country B which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as John Doe, the principal visa holder.
**Example 2: Mike Doe is a national of Country Y that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. however his wife and child are nationals of Country Z that also has a treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the reciprocity issued to nationals of Country Z.
The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.
Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.
Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.
There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.
Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.
In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).
However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.
Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.
Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi, Libyan, Somalian, Sudanese, Syrian or Yemeni nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.
Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.
No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.
V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.
Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:
The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.
The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
Kosovan citizens' records use a unique National ID number, like a U.S. Social Security number. Municipalities issue birth, marriage, and death certificates. Divorce records come from the courts. A birth extract or single status document from the municipal hall will show if the person is divorced. Adoption certificates are unavailable. Life events outside Kosovo are added if reported voluntarily or at the Kosovo Embassies abroad. Document names appear in English, Albanian, and Serbian, with all three languages on civil documents.
General Issuing Authority Information: Ministry of Internal Affair (MIA)/ Municipal Civil Registry Office.
Available
Fees: 1 Euro
Document Name: Certifikate e Lindjes / Izvod iz Registra Rodjenih/ Birth Certificate
Issuing Authority: Municipal Civil Status Office
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Blue color round stamp. The name of the institution and the relevant municipality is written within the stamp.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Municipal Civil Status Office. Also available online through eKosova platform (https://ekosova.rks-gov.net/).
Registration Criteria: Regulated by Administrative Instructions No.1/2014 on general procedures of birth, marriage, and death registration.
In Kosovo, register a newborn by declaring the birth. This is per Article 34 of the Law on Civil Status. It can be done by: a parent, an adult family member, a legal representative, a guardian, or someone authorized by the mother.
To register a child born outside Kosovo, present:
Procedure for Obtaining: Parents apply in person. If registration is done at a consular mission abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs processes the certificate. Website: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (https://mfa-ks.net/).
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: Extract of birth, also available online through eKosova platform (https://ekosova.rks-gov.net/).
Exceptions: None
Comments: After registering in Kosovo's civil database, the mentioned documents are accessible nationwide. For events abroad, a Kosovar citizen can report them to local authorities. Then, they receive a document noting the event occurred outside Kosovo. Events outside of Kosovo won't appear in the registries unless reported voluntarily.
Available
Fees: 1 Euro
Document Name: Death certificate/ Certifikate e Vdekjes/Izvod Umrlih
Issuing Authority: Municipal Civil Status Offices
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Blue color round stamp. The name of the institution and the relevant municipality is written within the stamp
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Municipal Civil Status Office. Also available online through eKosova platform (https://ekosova.rks-gov.net/).
Registration Criteria: Regulated by Administrative Instruction No.1/2014 on general procedures of birth, marriage, and death registration
Procedure for Obtaining: By a family member in Kosovo. If registration is done at a consular mission abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs processes the certificate. Website: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (https://mfa-ks.net/).
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
Exceptions: None
Comments: After registering in Kosovo's civil database, the mentioned documents are accessible nationwide. For events abroad, a Kosovar citizen can report them to local authorities. Then, they receive a document noting the event occurred outside Kosovo. Events outside of Kosovo won't appear in the registries unless reported voluntarily.
Available: Yes
Fees: Fee varies and is paid at the Municipal Civil Status Offices
Document Name: Marriage certificate/ Certifikate e Marteses/ Izvod Vencanih
Issuing Authority: Municipal Civil Status Office. Also available online through eKosova platform (https://ekosova.rks-gov.net/).
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Blue color round stamp. The name of the institution and the relevant municipality is written within the stamp.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Municipal Civil Status Office. Also available online through eKosova platform (https://ekosova.rks-gov.net/).
Registration Criteria: Regulated by Administrative Instruction No.1/2014 on general procedures of birth, marriage, and death registration.
Procedure for Obtaining: Either personally or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if the application is filed in a Consular mission abroad. Website: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (https://mfa-ks.net/).
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: Certificate of Marital Status
Exceptions: None
Comments: Marriage certificates issued by parallel courts/institutions run by the Government of Serbia within Kosovar territory after 1999 are not currently recognized as legal and valid by the Government of Kosovo. Only documents containing the stamp “Republika e Kosoves/Republika Kosovo/ Republic of Kosovo” are valid documents.
Available
Fees: Fee varies
Document Name: Court verdict
Issuing Authority: Basic Court (Gjykata Themelore /Osnovni Sud) that decided the case
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A court divorce decree is typed with "Verdict” (Aktgjykim/ Presuda).
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria
Procedure for Obtaining: Apply at Court for divorce decree or change of marital status-apply at the local municipal hall. Also available online through eKosova platform (https://ekosova.rks-gov.net/).
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: Ekstrakt nga Regjistri Qendror i Gjendjes Civile / Izvod iz Centralnog Registra Gradjana/ Extract from the Central Register of Civil Status.
The civil registrar with jurisdiction over a person's residence can issue a certificate (Ekstrakt nga Regjistri Qendror i Gjendjes Civile / Izvod iz Centralnog Registra Gradjana/ Extract from the Central Register of Civil Status stating that the applicant is married, single, or divorced. Life events outside Kosovo are added if reported voluntarily or at the Kosovo Embassies abroad. Therefore, they may not include all marriages or divorces.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Kosovo does not accept Serbian marriage certificates for marriages in its territory after June 1999. They consider these illegal and invalid. Only documents with the stamp "Republika e Kosoves/Republika Kosovo/Republic of Kosovo" are valid.
Unavailable.
Available: Types: IA (languages ALB, SEB, ENG), IB (language ALB, SEB, ENG and TUR) and IF (Resident Permits).
Fees: 10 Euro
Document Name: Identity card
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Polycarbonate as in the SPECIMEN/ format ID3 (125 x 88mm)
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of Internal Affairs / Civil Registration Agency (CRA).
Registration Criteria: Based on Administrative Order No. 20-2011 on the procedures of the application for ID.
Procedure for Obtaining: Requestor must present an extract of birth and application for the document (enrollment of alpha and bio data). Issuing office: Agjencia e Regjistrimit Civil, Ministria e Puneve te Brendshme, Rr. Luan Haradinaj, 10 000 Pristina
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available
Alternate Documents: Passport and driver’s license
Exceptions: All citizens above 16 years of age should possess an ID card.
Comments: Kosovo identity cards (Leternjoftimi / Licna Karta / Identity Card) are issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA) through the local document processing center. ID cards include a photo, birth date and place of birth. They're valid for ten years. Biometric IDs have the bearer's signature.
Not Available. Courts certificate are required for all applicants.
Available
Fees: There are no fees.
Document Name: Court Conviction Certificate (Certificate of Penal Convictions). It is issued in one of official languages in Kosovo.
Issuing Authority: Kosovo Judicial Council (https://www.gjyqesori-rks.org/).
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A-4 format. It includes the court’s stamp and the clerk’s signature.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Kosovo Judicial Council (https://www.gjyqesori-rks.org/).
Registration Criteria: Convicted person's name is entered in court register.
Procedure for Obtaining: The requestor must file an application with the court and provide an ID copy. The applicant needs to fill in: first name, last name, father’s name, date and place of birth, residence address, and national ID number. This can also be done by someone else on their behalf.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: A digital version of the Court Certificate can be obtained for free through eKosova platform (https://ekosova.rks-gov.net/). It is digitally signed and has a QR code.
Exceptions: Court Certificates are issued only to applicants over 16 years of age.
Comments: Court records are consolidated on a single centralized system.
Kosovo law (chapter 9 – Rehabilitation and Disclosure of information from Criminal Records, available at https://gzk.rks-gov.net/ActDocumentDetail allows convicts to erase their records after some time. Thus, if a subject uses this option, their court record won’t show all offences.
Available
Fees: There are no fees
Document Name: Proof of release
Issuing Authority: The prison where the person was held can provide a statement of time spent in a correctional institution.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: There is no special seal(s)/color/format.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of Justice / Director of the prison can confirm the time served.
Registration Criteria: There are no registration criteria.
Procedure for Obtaining: Submit the request to the Ministry of Justice or the prison's director where the sentence was served.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: None.
Comments: None.
Available: With limitations.
Fees: There are no fees.
Document Name: Vertetim/Potvrda/Certificate.
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare’s (1999-2008) The Ministry of the Kosovo Security Forces’ (KSF) (1999-ongoing).
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: A4, White paper, KSF Stamp or MLSW stamp.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: There is no issuing authority personnel title.
Registration Criteria: Served in Kosovo Protection Corps or Kosovo Security Force.
Procedure for Obtaining: The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare's Division of Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) issues records for personnel that served from 1999 to 2008. To obtain this document, the requester must go to its office in Pristina, Kosovo, in the Qafa Complex, and complete the request form. Website: Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare.
Website: Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (https://mpms.rks-gov.net/).
The Ministry of the Kosovo Security Forces (KSF) has a personnel Department. It helps Kosovan citizens get those records. This document is a letter certifying that a person did not serve in the KSF. To get this document, visit their office at the Adem Jashari Barracks in Pristina, and complete the request form.
Website: MKSF (https://mod.rks-gov.net/).
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: Kosovan citizens who served in the Yugoslav or Serbian military are unable to obtain military records and therefore are not required.
Comments: Military certificates for Kosovar applicants with military service pre-1999 are not required.
Types Available: Regular, Diplomatic, Official.
Fees: Regular -adult 30.00 €, minor 20.00 €; Diplomatic/Offical- No Fees.
Document Name: Passport (Regular, Diplomatic, Official).
Issuing Government Authority: Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The cover of each passport displays wording with gold lettering on the front that says "Republic of Kosovo" and "Passport" in Albanian, Serbian, and English, as well as Kosovo's emblem.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of Internal Affairs / Civil Registration Agency (CRA).
Registration Criteria: Kosovan Citizenship.
Procedure for Obtaining: Proof of Citizenship.
Alternate Documents: Travel document for foreigners (dokument i udhetimit per shtetasit e huaj/putna isprava za strane drzavljane): A light-blue hardcover booklet is issued to persons who do not possess a passport or passport substitute and for whom it is unreasonable to demand that they obtain such a document. The alien must hold a residence permit in Kosovo.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Passports for citizens 18 years of age and over are valid for 10 years; children up to the age of 3 years are issued passports valid for 3 years, while those between the ages of 3 and 18 years are issued passports valid for 5 years.
Kosovan citizens' records use a unique National ID number, like a U.S. Social Security number. Municipalities issue birth, marriage, and death certificates. Divorce records come from the courts. A birth extract or single status document from the municipal hall will show if the person is divorced. Adoption certificates are unavailable. Life events outside Kosovo are added if reported voluntarily or at the Kosovo Embassies abroad. Document names appear in English, Albanian, and Serbian, with all three languages on civil documents.
For IVs, please see List of U.S. Embassies and Consulates that Process Immigrant Visas
For NIVs, please see List of U.S. Embassies and Consulates that Process Nonimmigrant Visas
For IVs, please see List of U.S. Embassies and Consulates that Process Immigrant Visas
For NIVs, please see List of U.S. Embassies and Consulates that Process Nonimmigrant Visas
