Kosovo Serbs Issued Serbian Passports Can Travel to EU States without Visas as of Oct. 13

Kosovska Mitrovica bridge (BETA/SASA DJORDJEVIC)

Serbian passport holders from Kosovo, who own passports issued by the Coordination Directorate of Serbia, can travel to EU countries without visas starting Oct. 13, when a visa suspension regulation published in the EU Official Journal on Sept. 23 takes effect.

"This regulation is fully binding and directly applicable in member states in accordance with the Treaties," the document, which was quoted by the Serbian Broadcasting Corporation (RTS),  says.

Representatives of the European Parliament (EP) and the Council of the European Union (EU) signed in Strasbourg, on Sept. 18, a law permitting visa-free travel for Kosovo Serbs with passports issued by the Coordination Directorate of Serbia. The EU Council adopted a Decision on visa exemptions for Serbian passport holders from Kosovo on July 22.

After the Regulation enters force, the entire Western Balkan region will be subject to the same visa regime, since Kosovo Serbs with Serbian passports were the only group of citizens requiring visas to enter the EU after visa requirements were lifted for Kosovo citizens on Jan. 1, this year.