The governments of Albania and Kosovo have officially reintroduced the no-border control regime, allowing citizens of both countries to travel freely across their shared border from November 1, 2025, until February 28, 2026.
This arrangement, based on a bilateral agreement signed last spring, entered into force yesterday and marks another major step toward strengthening ties and easing mobility between the two nations. Citizens can now cross the border without the need to present a passport or ID card, reaffirming the commitment of both governments to a closer regional integration.
Simplified travel and faster crossings
During this four-month period, border checks will only apply to vehicles with foreign license plates, and even those inspections will follow a fast-track procedure. This decision aims to reduce traffic congestion and long waiting times at the main crossing points, particularly at Morinë and Vermicë, the busiest border gates between the two countries.
The initiative comes as a relief for thousands of commuters, business travelers, and tourists who regularly cross the Albania–Kosovo border for work, family visits, or leisure. The simplified procedures are expected to boost regional tourism, trade, and economic cooperation while promoting a stronger sense of unity between the two Albanian-majority countries.
Background and temporary suspension
The free-movement regime had been temporarily suspended throughout October to allow authorities to conduct a technical registration and verification of vehicles and travelers. However, even during that period, weekends and public holidays remained exempt, allowing citizens to cross without restrictions.
The temporary suspension was primarily aimed at improving system efficiency and ensuring better coordination between Albanian and Kosovar border agencies. With those updates now completed, the reimplementation of the open-border regime marks the start of a smoother, more efficient system for both nations.
A shared goal: easier travel and stronger ties
The agreement is part of a broader Albania–Kosovo cooperation framework, designed to facilitate travel and enhance bilateral relations. It represents an important milestone toward deeper regional integration, following similar European models that promote free movement between neighboring states.
According to official reports from ATSH and KosovaPress, the arrangement establishes two main periods of reduced or zero border control throughout the year:
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May 1 to September 30 – peak summer months with heavy tourism flow.
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November 1 to February 28 – the winter period, which includes holidays and seasonal travel.
This means that for a total of nine months each year, citizens of Albania and Kosovo enjoy simplified or unrestricted border crossing. The remaining three months — March, April, and October — remain under standard border control procedures, except for weekends and official holidays in both countries.
Economic and social impact
The free-border regime has already shown positive results, especially during the summer season, when thousands of Kosovar tourists visit Albania’s coastline, and Albanian citizens travel to Kosovo for cultural and business activities.
Local businesses near border towns like Kukës, Prizren, and Gjakovë have reported increased economic activity due to the smoother flow of people and goods. Hotels, restaurants, and service industries in both countries are expected to benefit further from this arrangement during the upcoming winter season.
Beyond the economic aspects, this policy also holds social and emotional significance. Families separated by administrative borders can now travel more freely, strengthening people-to-people connections and cultural exchange.
Toward a unified regional vision
The no-border regime between Albania and Kosovo is widely seen as a symbol of unity and shared national aspirations. It aligns with both countries’ long-term vision for regional cooperation and European integration, promoting the idea of a common space without barriers for citizens who share language, culture, and history.
Observers believe that this bilateral success could also inspire similar models of cooperation among other Western Balkan countries, as the region continues to progress toward EU standards of free movement and mutual trust.
From November 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, the Albania–Kosovo border will once again operate without traditional checks, reaffirming the two nations’ shared commitment to open travel, unity, and partnership. With simplified border procedures and improved coordination, the initiative represents not just an administrative change but a meaningful step toward a more connected and cooperative Balkans.