Visiting Balkan Countries on Pakistani Passport

The word Balkan is Turkish and means ‘mountain’. The Balkans, or the Balkan Peninsula, is a region in the south-east of Europe. Geographically these are 12 countries on the map that are Mountain region

Albania
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Greece
Kosovo*
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Romania
Serbia
Slovenia
Turkey (partially located in the Balkans)

How can Pakistanis visit Balkan Countries

All of the Balkan countries falls in Europe and Pakistani Passport holders require SCHENGEN visa to visit Europe. However there are few countries in Balkans that allow Pakistanis to enter without visa if you have below visas on your passport

Valid USA visa
Valid UK visa
Valid Multiple Entry Schengen visa

and these countries are:

Serbia
Bosnia
Montenegro
Albania (UK/US/Schengen visas must be valid + used atleast once)
North Macedonia
Bulgaria (only on Multiple entry Schengen that must valid + used atleast once)

All of the above countries were once part of one country YUGOSLAVIA, however this region went through decade of civil wars from 1992 and hence Yugoslavia country got split into these countries.

I visited all of the above countries on my valid USA visa in winters of 2022 and here is my experience one by one. Other Balkan Countries: Slovenia, Romania, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo and Bulgaria do not allow entry on the basis of US or UK visas.

SERBIA

ENTRY: I entered in Serbia capital Belgrade via flight while coming from Toronto (canada) however you can take cheapest FlyDubai flight from Karachi to Serbia

https://youtu.be/Gt6npQ5vYLY

(FIRST DAY IN BELGRADE – SERBIA)

TRANSPORT IN BELGRADE: I was amazed to see public transport seems FREE in Belgrade. No one pays for the buses and train. Saw only few people who were actually paying.

CURRENCY: The currency of Serbia is the Serbian dinar. I exchanged few dollars at the airport and rest of the currency in the city center for better rates.

PLACES TO VISIT: I visited only capital city of Belgrade in Serbia. Following are the well known places in which i visited a few which you can watch in below VLOG:

Kalemegdan Fortress and Park
St. Sava Temple
Skadarlija
National Museum of Serbia
Ada Ciganlija
Nikola Tesla Museum
Belgrade Zoo
Republic Square
House of Flowers
Museum of Yugoslav History

https://youtu.be/qyMKVVkJ8uc

(2ND DAY IN BELGRADE – SERBIA)

MY HOSTEL: I stayed in HABITAT HOSTEL that was right in the city center and was cheap. You can check its rates HERE. There are many Halal food outlets in the city and you will find many Indian, Turkish and Arabic restaurants. However dont forget to try famous Cheese Borek of Balkans.

BOSNIA & HARZEGOVINA

ENTRY: The bus from Belgrade to Sarajevo has 25 Euro ticket. I bought ticket from Belgrade Main Bus station one day before. The bus departed at 0800 hrs and Dropped me in Sarajevo at 1530 hrs. I thought the bus will drop me at some City center but it was going outside city center. So i asked the driver to drop me on the main road from where i walked around 3 km with may backpacks. Watch below video to see detail experience of Border crossing and entering Bosnia (Sarajevo) on my USA visa basis.

https://youtu.be/_r-HPw0hx7w

(BORDER CROSSING EXPERIENCE FROM SERBIA TO BOSNIA)

CURRENCY: The official currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (KM), also known as the Bosnian Mark. During your Balkans trip, always buy currency of next country from the departing country so that you may easily use public transport after reaching your destinantion. I bought the Bosnian currency in Belgrade Bus terminal.

MY HOSTEL: Here i stayed in a shared Apartment that was converted into ZEYNEP HOSTEL. The hostel was very good and right at the middle of all Touristy places within the Old and New Bazar of Sarajevo. I got it in 8 Euro per nite however you can check latest rates HERE.

SARAJEVO – PLACES TO VISIT:

Here are some places to visit in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Baščaršija: The old bazaar and historical center of Sarajevo, featuring Ottoman-era architecture, markets, and cafes.
Latin Bridge: The site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, which sparked World War I.
Sebilj: A wooden fountain in Baščaršija, considered to be the heart of the old town.
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque: A 16th-century mosque located in Baščaršija, one of the largest and most important mosques in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sarajevo City Hall: A magnificent Austro-Hungarian building, which has been restored after being destroyed during the Bosnian War and now serves as a museum.
Vrelo Bosne: A nature park and spring located on the outskirts of Sarajevo, featuring trails, picnic areas, and wildlife.
Sarajevo Tunnel Museum: A museum dedicated to the tunnel that was used during the Bosnian War to smuggle supplies and people in and out of the city.
Yellow Fortress: A historic fortress overlooking the city, offering panoramic views of Sarajevo and the surrounding mountains.
National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina: A museum featuring exhibits on the history, culture, and natural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Trebević Mountain: A mountain located near Sarajevo, featuring hiking trails, ski slopes, and a panoramic cable car.

I spent 2 days in Sarajevo filmed few of the places as shared in below video:

https://youtu.be/75kCGtYb0TQ

(A DAY IN CAPITAL OF BOSNIA – SARAJEEVO)

….. and yes I know i have spoken SARA-JEE-VO instead of SARA-EE-VO at many places in the above video, but i liked to speak in that way.. 🙂

https://youtu.be/a0_y2EA5KGk

MOSTAR TOWN: This is the old Ottomon Period town which you should not while visiting Bosnia. I had a great time exploring this beauty. My Hostel in MOSTAR was MUSALA HOSTEL

https://youtu.be/CAKHPFXo2L4

(A BEAUTIFUL TOWN OF BOSNIA – MOSTAR)

IMPORTANT !! BE CAREFULL WHILE BOOKING YOUR BUS IN BALKANS

Yes, thats right otherwise you can get in trouble just like me. As you must know that not every Balkan country allows to enter on US/UK visas hence you must always ask the exact route of the bus before buying ticket from the booth. I mistakenly booked a bus from MOSTAR (Bosnia) to Montenegro whose route was not direct. The bus took a road that passed from CROATIA who do not allow entry on the basis of US/ UK visa. Hence the bus dropped me at the Border and took all other Nationalities with them as they do not have any such restrictions on their passports. Below video explains in detail what happened with me at the Border

https://youtu.be/XPi9eItrUbg

(I WAS SENT BACK FROM BOSNIA – CROATIA BORDER)

MONTENEGRO

ENTRY: So again i bought a different bus ticket in 27 Euro that took me directly to Montenegro. The bus left from Mostar at 10:00 hrs and reached Kotor Terminal at 15:30 hrs. Whole experience of journey and border crossing can be watched in below video

https://youtu.be/HTyAqzLcsZo

(BOSNIA TO MONTENEGRO BORDER CROSSING)

MY HOSTEL

This HOSTEL PUPA was one of the best hostel i stayed in Balkans. It was 14 EU/nite during my stay. A perfect location on the bank of water coast and just in front of Old town. Bus stop was only 5 min walk and grocery store was only 2 min walk. The kitchen was good for self cooking as you have seen in the video

CURRENCY:

The currency in Montenegro is Euros hence it is little expensive than other Balkans

PLACES TO VISIT IN MONTENEGRO

Montenegro is a beautiful country with many places worth visiting. Here are some of the top places to visit in Montenegro:

Kotor: A stunning coastal town with a well-preserved old town, Kotor is a must-visit destination in Montenegro.
Budva: Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, Budva is a popular destination for tourists.
Durmitor National Park: This park offers spectacular mountain scenery, including the deepest canyon in Europe, the Tara River Canyon.
Sveti Stefan: A small island located off the coast of Budva, Sveti Stefan is famous for its luxury resort and stunning views.
Biogradska Gora National Park: This park is home to one of the last remaining primeval forests in Europe, as well as a stunning glacial lake.
Ostrog Monastery: Located in the mountains, Ostrog Monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Balkans.
Lake Skadar: The largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Lovcen National Park: This park offers breathtaking views of the Montenegrin coastline, as well as the historic Njegos Mausoleum.
Cetinje: Once the royal capital of Montenegro, Cetinje is now a cultural and historical center with many museums and art galleries.
Ada Bojana: A long, sandy beach located near the Albanian border, Ada Bojana is a popular spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Coffs Harbour: There’s another coastal gem waiting to be explored known as Coffs Harbour NSW. This coastal haven, tucked away in New South Wales, Australia, offers its own unique blend of sun-soaked beaches and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for beach enthusiasts. From the sandy shores of Ada Bojana in Montenegro or the coastal allure of Coffs Harbour, these destinations beckon travelers to experience the serenity and excitement that only beachside paradises can provide.

HIKING IN KOTOR

I visited only one city KOTOR and did a hiking in rain along with its Old Town walk

https://youtu.be/iBOia4XtAGA

(HIKING IN MONTENEGRO)

ALBANIA

ENTRY: The ticket from Kotor to TIrana (Albania) was 30 Euro. The bus started at 1030 hrs from Kotor and reached Tirana Bus Terminal (Ring Center) at 18:30 hrs

In order to enter Albania, you must apply E-Visa from their official website: https://e-visa.al/apply If you want to enter ALBANIA on the basis of US/ UK/ SCHENGEN visa then your visa must valid and you must have used that visa atleast one time.

Following information is mentioned on their website:

Exemption of visa to enter and stay in the Republic of Albania for up to 90 days in 180 days:

1. Foreign nationals that have a valid multiple entry Schengen visa, with the condition that the visa must have been used previously in one of the countries of the Schengen area or persons have a valid residence permit in one of the countries of the Schengen area.

2. Foreign nationals that have a valid multiple entry visa or a valid residence permit issued by United States of America, Great Britain or Northern Ireland, with the condition that visa issued must have been used previously in the issued country.

3. Foreigners who are provided with a 10-year residence permit, issued by the authorities of the United Arab Emirates, valid not less than one year from the moment of entry.

4. Foreign citizens who enter and stay without visa in the Schengen area

https://youtu.be/b3IxOVXg37A

(ENTERING IN ALBANIA ON USA – VALID VISA)

CURRENCY:

The official currency of Albania is the Albanian LEK (ALL). LEK is taken from ALEKZANDER nickname LEK.

PLACES TO VISIT IN TIRANA (Capital)

Tirana, the capital of Albania, has a rich history and a unique culture, making it a great destination to explore. Here are some places to visit in Tirana:

Skanderbeg Square: The main square in Tirana, it’s surrounded by important government buildings and is home to a large statue of Skanderbeg, an Albanian national hero.
Et’hem Bey Mosque: A beautiful mosque located in the city center, it’s one of the oldest in Tirana and is famous for its colorful frescoes.
National History Museum: A must-visit for history buffs, this museum showcases the country’s fascinating history, from ancient times to the present day.
Bunk’Art: A unique museum located in a former underground bunker, it showcases Albania’s communist past and the country’s struggle for independence.
Mount Dajti National Park: Just a short drive from Tirana, this park offers stunning mountain views and hiking trails.
Blloku: A trendy neighborhood known for its bars, cafes, and restaurants, it’s a great place to experience Tirana’s nightlife.
Piramida: A controversial monument located in the city center, it was built as a museum to former dictator Enver Hoxha but has since fallen into disrepair.
Grand Park of Tirana: A large park in the heart of the city, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Tanners’ Bridge: A historic bridge located in the old part of the city, it’s one of Tirana’s oldest structures and is a great spot for photos.
National Art Gallery: Featuring works by Albanian artists from the 16th century to the present day, it’s a great place to experience the country’s art and culture.

https://youtu.be/MS2ZsostTKk

(EXPLORING CAPITAL OF ALBANIA – TIRANA)

MY HOSTEL AND NEAR TO DEATH EXPERIENCE IN TIRANA

The hostel i stayed in Tirana was ME AND YOU HOSTEL. This came out to be a worst hostel experience of my backpacking when a Depressed drug addict attacked on the hostel 2:00 am at night

https://youtu.be/03Px9RViK6E

(ATTACK IN OUR HOSTEL)

KOSOVO

NO ENTRY: I tried to visit Kosovo during this trip from Tirana but their embassy told me that i can not enter Kosovo on US/ UK visa and i have to apply a separate visa in Istanbul. Hence i decided to move towards North Macedonia

NORTH MACEDONIA

ENTRY: It was only 20 Euro Bus ticket from Tirana to Skopje (Capital of Macedonia). The bus started at 0800 hrs and reached Skopje at 15:30 hrs

CURRENCY: The official currency of North Macedonia is the Macedonian denar (MKD).

PLACES TO VISIT IN SKOPJE:

Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, has a rich history and a unique blend of cultures, making it a great destination to explore. Here are some of the top places to visit in Skopje:

Skopje Fortress: A medieval fortress located on a hill overlooking the city, it offers panoramic views and a glimpse into Skopje’s past.
Stone Bridge: An iconic symbol of Skopje, this Ottoman-era bridge spans the Vardar River and is beautifully illuminated at night.
Old Bazaar: One of the largest bazaars in the Balkans, it’s a lively and colorful place to shop for souvenirs and sample local food.
Macedonia Square: The main square in Skopje, it’s home to the impressive statue of Alexander the Great and is a great spot for people-watching.
Mother Teresa Memorial House: A museum dedicated to the life and work of Mother Teresa, who was born in Skopje.
Kale Fortress: Another fortress located in the city center, it dates back to the 6th century and offers stunning views of the city.
Memorial House of Tito: A museum dedicated to the former Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito, who was born in Croatia but spent much of his life in Skopje.
Skopje Aqueduct: A well-preserved Roman aqueduct located on the outskirts of the city, it’s a fascinating example of ancient engineering.
Museum of Contemporary Art: Featuring works by local and international artists, it’s a great place to experience Skopje’s vibrant art scene.
Millennium Cross: Located on the summit of Vodno Mountain, this massive cross is one of the tallest in the world and offers breathtaking views of Skopje and the surrounding area.

https://youtu.be/Mu4RgXWvNfk

(A DAY IN CAPITAL OF MACEDONIA – SKOPJE)

MY HOSTEL

I stayed in HOSTEL VALENTIN which was a family run apartment type hostel only 7 Euro per night.

VISITING MATKA CANYON

https://youtu.be/HmnorhAqFBk

A DAY TRIP TO MATKA CANYON NEAR SKOPJE