US Department of State warning traveling to Kosovo, is increased the risk of terrorism and ethnic tensions

Exercise Albanian Lion

SManalysis

As NATO is preparing to deploy to Albania and Montenegro, the political stability of the SEE countries is at stake, as a result of some regressive developments with political instability but also conflicts with the neighbors.

After Turkey, the US State Department has informed its citizens that the risk of terrorism and ethnic problems remains high in Kosovo.

NATO is worried that there may be ethnic violence but also terror in Kosovo, restoring 2003 schemes, from the outbreak of ethnic violence between Kosovar Albanians and Serbs.

Follow the announcement of the US Department of Kosovo.

Link

Exercise increased caution in Kosovo due to terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

North Mitrovica, Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Zvecan due to civil unrest.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the Balkans region, including Kosovo. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.  In addition, politically motivated violence occurs throughout Kosovo.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Kosovo:

Avoid demonstrations.
Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
Review the Crime and Safety Report for Kosovo.
U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
North Mitrovica, Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Zvecan

Tensions within and between communities in northern Kosovo continue to provoke violence, demonstrations, and other unrest in North Mitrovica, Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Zvecan. Although recent unrest has been politically-related and does not involve tourists or members of the international community, bystanders can be affected if violent incidents occur.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in northern Kosovo as U.S. government employee travel to North Mitrovica, Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Zvecan is restricted.