Holders of Serbian-issued ID cards registered to municipalities in Kosovo—such as those issued by the “Police Directorate for Kosovska Mitrovica”—may soon be unable to cross into or out of Kosovo using these documents, officers at border crossings are warning.
KoSSev journalists witnessed this firsthand today at the Jarinje crossing point.
A police officer at Jarinje informed a KoSSev reporter that individuals carrying such ID cards would “soon” no longer be able to enter—or leave—Kosovo with them.
Prior to conducting ID checks on passengers aboard a bus, the officer addressed travelers in Albanian, first asking if anyone spoke English or Albanian in order to translate the message. He then issued a polite warning.
In response to a follow-up question from our journalist, who was among the passengers, the officer explained:
“The system has been updated, and these ID cards will soon no longer be readable. I don’t know the exact date—it could be a week, ten days, or sooner. But I’m informing you now so you’re aware in advance.”
Several KoSSev readers have reported receiving similar verbal warnings in recent days at various border crossings.
When asked whether such a decision had been officially made and on what basis, the Kosovo Police Regional Directorate for the North stated they had no such information. They referred our inquiry to the central Kosovo Police Directorate in Pristina, which oversees border operations.
KoSSev has also reached out to Kosovo Police spokesperson Baki Kelani via email, as well as to the Serbian Government’s Office for Kosovo and Metohija, seeking clarification.
Background: September 2022 Agreement
On September 1, 2022, an agreement confirmed by both Belgrade and Pristina came into effect, under which Kosovo-issued ID cards were recognized throughout Serbia. In return, Serbian ID cards—including those issued for Kosovo municipalities—were permitted to be used for entry at three designated border crossings into Kosovo.
However, these Serbian ID cards have never been valid for travel from Kosovo to third countries, such as North Macedonia.
The agreement followed a decision by the Kosovo government to begin issuing entry/exit declaration forms to holders of Serbian ID cards entering Kosovo, citing reciprocity measures in response to Serbia’s policies.
KoSSev continues to follow this developing situation and will update with new information as it becomes available.
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