The European Union visa liberalization for the citizens of Kosovo took effect on January 1, allowing them free travel to Union member states.

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti told a ceremony at Pristina airport that “a huge injustice was being removed and an important right acquired” with the visa free regime. Kurti and Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla-Shwarz saw off a group of 50 people traveling to Vienna.

Gervalla-Shwarz said that this is an opportunity to visit family and expand businesses.

Of the 5 EU member states that do not recognize Kosovo, Spain is the only one that does not allow Kosovo passport holders visa-free entry. The other four – Slovakia, Romania, Cyprus and Greece – allow Kosovo citizens entry without visas for up to 180 days.