The much-anticipated visa liberalization program of the European Union for Kosovo nationals has finally commenced, allowing them to travel to the borderless Schengen zone in Europe without a visa.
The new regulations, effective from midnight (2300 GMT Sunday), permit Kosovars to enter the passport-free Schengen zone for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
This development is seen in Pristina as a significant stride towards greater recognition and supports the aspirations of the country, which declared independence in 2008, to eventually become a member of the European Union.
βThis is a great relief β¦ feels good,β businessman Rushit Sopi told AFP before boarding a Pristina-Vienna flight.
He was one of 20 winners in a quiz arranged by the government as part of a public awareness campaign regarding the program.
The 48-year-old is the proprietor of a company that produces doors and windows, and he frequently travels to the EU for business purposes.
βEach visa cost me 300 euros ($331). When I last changed my passport, I calculated that the EU visas alone in it cost me 2,500 euros.β
