Kosovars are now exempt from visas to enter the Schengen zone. The measure came into force this Monday, January 1, 2024. It had been delayed by several countries of the European Union.
1 min
With our correspondent in Brussels, Laxmi Lota
The European Commission gave the green light in 2018, but the measure was delayed by France and the Netherlands, who feared new uncontrolled waves of migration.
Five other members of the European Union have expressed their reservations: Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Spain, which do not recognize the independence of Kosovo which occurred in 2008.
Finally, the country is the last of the six Western Balkan states to benefit from visa exemption in the Schengen area.
Kosovars can now travel to the area without a passport or visa for periods of up to three months.
Previously, the visa cost 165 euros and was obtained after long procedures. Young people expressed their joy at the news, previously feeling isolated from their neighbors.
Kosovo made its official application for entry into the European Union in December 2022. But this application is not recognized by the EU for the moment.
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