Spain permits entry for Kosovars as visa-free regime takes effect

MADRID – The government of Spain has decided to allow entry of Kosovo citizens days after vis relaxation was offered to the country by the European Union.

According to an official source from the Department of Spanish Foreign Ministry, the country has agreed to accept Kosovo passports to allow them entry to Spain.

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti stated that Spain, on the eve of the 16th anniversary of independence, has now joined the European Union nations in acknowledging Kosovo’s passport.

“With the commencement of visa-free movement on January 1, Spain has been included in the Schengen countries, allowing us to travel more freely, where previously, the primary impediment was the lack of recognition for our passport,” stated Bislimi, the deputy prime minister of Kosovo who also leads Kosovo’s EU dialogue team.

“Spain now also recognizes the passports of the Republic of Kosovo,” he said and confirmed travel without [a] visa to the country.

Despite the permission to allow citizens from Kosovo to enter the country, Spain has not recognized the independence of the country.

Kosovo, a nation with a population of 1.8 million that declared independence from Serbia in 2008 has been accepted by multiple countries but not Spain.

The recent development comes after the country was offered After EU visa liberalization scheme.

This scheme enables citizens of Kosovo to travel to Europe’s borderless zone without requiring a visa and the relaxation came into effect on January 1st.

Under the new regime, Kosovars can enter the Schengen zone without a visa, allowing stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

In Kosovo, the reform is seen as an additional stride towards complete recognition and a significant advancement in its aspirations to become a member of the European Union.

Kosovo was the final among the six Western Balkan countries to obtain the visa waiver. Before this change, citizens of Kosovo were restricted to visiting a total of 14 countries worldwide without needing a visa.

Kosovo, with a rich cultural heritage, boasts landmarks like the medieval Gračanica Monastery and the Ottoman-style Kosovo Museum. Its diverse terrain includes the scenic Shar Mountains and vibrant cities like Pristina.