Approximate Border Location
Border Cities
🇽🇰 Gjakovë
🇦🇱 Qafë Prush
Coordinates
42.30°N, 20.20°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~2000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Albanian/Kosovar
Currency Exchange
Limited near Qafë Prush (ALL, EUR)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Rural, minimal crime
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Gjakovë & Qafë Prush
A Crossing in the Highlands
The border crossing connecting Qafë Prush in Albania with the area near Gjakovë in Kosovo is a journey through the beautiful and rugged highlands of northeastern Albania and western Kosovo. This is a secondary international checkpoint, a quieter alternative to the main crossings at Morinë-Vërmicë and Qafë Morinë. To cross here is to travel a route that is both scenically beautiful and deeply significant, a symbol of the close and special relationship between Albania and Kosovo. It is a passage through a landscape of mountains, forests, and a shared Albanian cultural heritage.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects Albania’s Kukës County with the Gjakovë District of Kosovo. It is a secondary international crossing, open 24/7 to passenger cars and buses. It is located on the old road that connects the Albanian region of Has with the Kosovar city of Gjakovë. The facility is smaller than the main motorway crossings, but it is a fully functional international post. It is a key route for local traffic and for travelers seeking to avoid the potential congestion on the main highways.
Before Crossing
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A History of a Shared Nation
The history of this region is the history of the Albanian nation. For centuries, this was a unified cultural and linguistic area within the Ottoman Empire. The borders of the modern state of Albania, drawn in 1913, left a large Albanian population in what would become Kosovo. The Has region, which this crossing serves, was divided by the new border. During the Yugoslav era, the border was a hard and often hostile frontier, separating families and a nation. The opening and modernization of this crossing after Kosovo’s independence is a powerful symbol of the reunification of a nation and the strong bonds between the two states.
Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a standard two-part process. You will first complete exit formalities at one country’s checkpoint and then proceed to the other country’s checkpoint for entry inspection. You will need a valid passport or, for citizens of many European countries, a national ID card. Vehicle registration and international insurance (Green Card) are also necessary. It is important to check the specific insurance requirements, as you may need to purchase separate insurance for Kosovo at the border. As a smaller crossing, the process is generally faster and more personal than at the main highways.
The Surrounding Region: Albania Side
On the Albanian side, the crossing is in the mountainous region of Has, an area known for its rich folklore and traditional culture. The road from the border offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The nearby city of Kukës is the main regional center. The main “Highway of the Nation” (A1) is accessible from this route, providing a link to the rest of Albania.
The Surrounding Region: Kosovo Side
On the Kosovar side, the crossing is a gateway to the Dukagjini plain. The nearby city of Gjakovë has one of the oldest and largest Ottoman-era bazaars in the Balkans, which has been beautifully restored after being heavily damaged in the war. The city has a charming old town with many mosques and historic buildings. The beautiful Mirusha Waterfalls and the Visoki Dečani Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are also in this region.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is straightforward. The regional road is paved but may be narrower and more winding than the main highways. The official currencies are the Albanian Lek (ALL) in Albania and the Euro (EUR) in Kosovo. Currency exchange facilities may be available, but it is wiser to handle this in the larger towns. Ensure your vehicle’s Green Card insurance is valid for both countries, or be prepared to purchase insurance at the border. Services like petrol stations are available in the towns on both sides.
Final Considerations
The Qafë Prush–Gjakovë border crossing is a valuable secondary artery between Albania and Kosovo. It is a quieter, more scenic alternative to the main highways, and it serves as a vital link for the local communities of the Has region. It offers a beautiful journey through a region of stunning mountain scenery and rich cultural heritage. For the traveler, it is a straightforward and moving passage between two countries that share one heart.