The simplified border crossing procedure between Albania and Kosovo has been reinstated as of November 1, allowing citizens traveling in vehicles with Albanian or Kosovar license plates to cross without document checks. This measure will remain in effect until February 28, 2026, according to a bilateral intergovernmental agreement.
The previous one-month period, ending in late October, had seen mandatory identity checks for all travelers at Albania-Kosovo border points. With the return of the facilitated crossing, citizens can now enjoy faster movement between the two countries.
The agreement establishes a nine-month simplified procedure divided into two periods:
- Tourist season: May 1 – September 30
- Winter season: November 1 – February 28
These periods coincide with the highest traffic volumes at border points, particularly during summer and end-of-year holidays, according to RTSH.al.
Implementation began during last summer, initially limited to the Morinë-Vërmicë crossing point. Following public demand and increased border traffic, the measure has been expanded to include Qafë Morinë, Qafë Prush, Shishtavec, Borje, and Orgjost border points.
In addition, 22 simplified crossings have been opened along a 30-kilometer border strip to facilitate movement for residents of nearby villages. Joint police patrols also monitor all routes leading to coastal cities, enhancing safety and security.
Both governments have focused on infrastructure improvements alongside border facilitation. In Kosovo, new roads have been constructed, including Kerstec, Pakisht, Zapod, and Gorozhup-Pogaj, among other projects.
According to border police data, over 5.5 million crossings were registered this year at Albania-Kosovo checkpoints, with the Morinë point handling the largest share.
