Prishtina, 1 January, 2024
The long wait is over. Visa liberalization has already come into effect. To mark this historic day, at the International Airport of Prishtina “Adem Jashari”, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, together with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Donika Gërvalla-Shwarz, escorted the citizens who are moving without visas, including the 50 winners of the trip to Vienna, this opportunity won in the framework of our information campaign.
“There is no better way to start this morning of the New Year 2024 than with the expansion of rights and opportunities for the citizens of our Republic.” said Prime Minister Kurti.
He added that we have waited too long, we have been deprived of many opportunities and today a great injustice is being removed and an important right is being gained, that of visa-free travel in the Schengen area. Along with this process, the Prime Minister emphasized that the passport of our Republic is also being strengthened, with which our citizens will be able to travel without visas to 32 more countries, as a strengthening of our identity and dignity as a country in the international arena.
“We must enjoy this hard-earned right responsibly. To respect the requirements and criteria because this is how we respect and elevate our country. Wherever we travel, let us remember and never forget that our home is our beloved Kosovo.” concluded Prime Minister Kurti.
Minister Gërvalla, for her part, congratulated all citizens for this important achievement, recalling the challenges and time lost over the years in securing a visa for short-term travel. She added that this is now an opportunity to visit our family members, but also for Kosovo businesses to expand their field of activity, and for young people an opportunity to explore different opportunities and visit European capitals.
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete speech:
Dear citizens,
Dear journalists,
I am here with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs. Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz.
Since last night after midnight, the decision to liberalize visas has officially entered into force. Therefore, this morning of the New Year 2024, there is no better way to start than with the expansion of rights and opportunities for the citizens of our Republic.
We have waited too long. We are deprived of many opportunities. Therefore, this day is an important day. A great injustice is being removed and an important right is being gained, the right to travel without visas in the Schengen area.
And with it, the passport of our Republic is also being strengthened, with which our citizens will now be able to travel without visas to 32 more countries.
Strengthening our travel documents, in addition to everyday benefits, is strengthening our identity and dignity as a country in the international arena.
To mark this important achievement, 50 citizens who won this opportunity in the framework of our information campaign will travel to the beautiful city of Vienna today.
We must enjoy this hard-earned right responsibly. To respect the requirements and criteria because this is how we respect and elevate our country.
Wherever we travel, let us remember and never forget that our home is our beloved Kosovo.
Happy travels to all those traveling today.
To all citizens, once again congratulations on the New Year 2024, and for the last time, congratulations on the liberalization of visas.
Thank you and congratulations!
Last modified: January 23, 2024
