Monitoring of the Transport situation in Western Balkans by TCT Secretariat
February 2022 updates:
January 2022 updates:
December 2021 updates:
November 2021 updates:
October 2021 updates:
September 2021 updates:
August 2021 updates:
July 2021 updates:
June 2021 updates:
May 2021 updates:
April 2021 updates:
March 2021 updates:
February 2021 updates:
January 2021 updates:
December 2020 updates:
November 2020 updates:
October 2020 updates:
September 2020 updates:
August 2020 updates:
July 2020 updates:
June 2020 updates:
May 2020 updates:
The table showing updated waiting times at EU-WB borders can be viewed here.
Please find all compiled information relevant to the COVID-19 outbreak here.
The table showing updated waiting times at WB6 borders can be viewed here.
The table showing updated waiting times at EU-WB borders can be viewed here.
Details on statistics for April 2020 on the Green Corridors/Lanes initiative can be read here.
MONITORING OF ROAD BORDER CROSSING WAITING TIMES
April 2020 updates:
The Republic of Croatia has abandoned the convoy regime and transit corridors have been set up. For more information and a map showing gas stations designated to resting purposes use the following link.
The table showing updated waiting times at WB6 borders can be viewed here.
The table showing updated waiting times at EU-WB borders can be viewed here.
Please find TCT Monitoring report related to the functioning of “Green” priority corridors in the Western Balkans on the following link.
The table showing updated waiting times at WB6 borders can be viewed here.
The table showing updated waiting times at EU-WB borders can be viewed here.
MONITORING OF ROAD BORDER CROSSING WAITING TIMES
Please find all compiled information relevant to the COVID-19 outbreak here.
On 6 April 2020, the Minister of Health of the Republic of Bulgaria, Kiril Ananiev, has issued a new ORDER, RD-01-183/ 06.04.2020 in view of the situation with COVID-19. You can read the details of the document here.
The table showing updated waiting times at EU-WB borders can be viewed here.
MONITORING OF ROAD BORDER CROSSING WAITING TIMES
The next update will be available on 06 April.
Please find all compiled information relevant to the COVID-19 outbreak here.
Please find all compiled information relevant to the COVID-19 outbreak here.
Please find all compiled information relevant to the COVID-19 outbreak here.
Please find all compiled information relevant to the COVID-19 outbreak here.
March 2020 updates:
Please find all compiled information relevant to the COVID-19 outbreak here.
Albania
No change.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
No change.
North Macedonia
No change.
Kosovo*
Curfew hours are set from 5:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Montenegro
Railway station in Tuzi is open until further notice.
Serbia
No change.
EU
Temporary exceptions granted by EU and non-EU Member States due to the COVID-19 outbreak can be found of the following link.
DG MOVE has set up a dedicated site providing the information regarding travel restrictions, updated daily. Please see the site linked here.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ISJ Opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
MONITORING OF ROAD BORDER CROSSING WAITING TIMES
Data has been compiled based on official reporting from Croatia, Hungary and Romania, as well as unofficial field reports from road hauliers. Official data, where available, were given priority. Road hauliers usually report longer waiting times than the official figures.
The chart above reflects the situation at 3:00 PM (8:00 AM for the road transport hauliers reporting). All figures are indicative, as the situation at all border crossing points is fluid and likely to change in a matter of hours.
TCT recommends all road users to seek for updated data on a regular basis and carefully plan their journeys based on all available sources of information.
Albania
No change.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
No change.
North Macedonia
No change.
Kosovo*
No change.
Montenegro
No change.
Serbia
The Government has adopted the latest measures to prevent the spreading of the COVID-19, including the decision to extend all self-isolation measures from 14 to 28 days and to introduce a ban on movement on weekends from 3:00.
As of 28th March 2020:
Notice for drivers in international transport
“Drivers in international transport must have a contract of employment. When arriving from abroad they should spend maximum working hours in the cab of the truck, besides the truck (during loading / unloading), in the business premises of the company in which they work or in their home in self-isolation until their next trip. It is necessary for drivers to report to the competent institute, i.e. public health institute, on a daily basis by phone and to report their health status while in the Republic of Serbia.”
EU
Temporary exceptions granted by EU and non-EU Member States due to the COVID-19 outbreak can be found of the following link.
DG MOVE has set up a dedicated site providing the information regarding travel restrictions, updated daily. Please see the site linked here.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ISJ Opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
MONITORING OF ROAD BORDER CROSSING WAITING TIMES
Albania
No change.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
No change.
North Macedonia
The Government has reviewed and adopted Information on Regional and EU Activities to Facilitate the Transport and Trade of Goods following the Outbreak of COVID-19 and accepted the Joint Proposal of the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community and CEFTA Secretariat to facilitate transport and trade of essential goods in Western Balkans.
The Government requested the Office of the Prime Minister in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance – Customs Administration, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Interior, The Ministry of Agriculture and Water Economy and the Ministry of Transport and Communications to coordinate the activities related to the implementation of the measures contained in the Joint Proposal of the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community and the CEFTA Secretariat.
Kosovo*
No change.
Montenegro
No change.
Serbia
No change.
EU
DG MOVE updates daily the information regarding border-crossing within the EU and between the EU and neighbouring countries. Please see the site linked here.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ISJ Opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
MONITORING OF ROAD BORDER CROSSING WAITING TIMES
CURRENT SITUATION AT BORDER CROSSINGS WITH MEMBER STATE NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
Albania
The State Police, on its official website, has released a new app titled “Covid-19 – Vehicle Controlled Circulation!”.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
No change.
North Macedonia
The Government issued a conclusion to inform the public that the decision prohibiting entry into and exiting from, as well as movement within the territory of the municipality of Kumanovo by public and intercity passenger and rail passenger transport, applies exclusively to regular commercial passenger transport by city, intercity and rail public transport.
Kosovo*
No change.
Montenegro
No change.
Serbia
Today, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia and the Minister for Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Zorana Mihajlovic, asked the relevant counterparts from Slovenia and Croatia to do everything within their competence to solve the problem of long truck waiting times at the Gorica, Sežana and Bajakovo-Batrovci border crossings.
Mihajlovic addressed letters to Jernej Vrtovec, Minister of Infrastructure of Slovenia, and Oleg Butkovic, Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure of Croatia, noting that about 300 trucks are waiting at the exit from Serbia toward Croatia, while 100 Serbian trucks are at the entrance to Slovenia from Italy.
She expressed her gratitude to the line ministers for their effective cooperation when it comes to the flow of all types of traffic in these difficult conditions, but also indicated that the reduced number of border crossings for road transport in transit creates huge truck queues and long waiting times at the borders.
EU
Temporary exceptions granted by EU and non-EU Member States due to the COVID-19 outbreak can be found on the following link.
DG MOVE has set up a dedicated site providing the information regarding travel restrictions, updated daily. As of today, the information relating to the waiting times and conditions at EU-WB BCPs will also be reported.
Please see the site linked here.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ISJ Opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
MONITORING OF THE SITUATION IN RAIL TRANSPORT
Albania
All passenger transport is suspended.
The joint railway border crossing between Albania and Montenegro in Tuzi is closed as from Wednesday, 25th March until further notice.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
International and domestic passenger traffic is suspended. Freight transport works regulary. All major rail BCP are open 24h.
North Macedonia
International freight transport is performed without any restriction, following the Protocols given by the Ministry of Health, especially on the border crossings. Local freight transport is drastically reduced.
Kosovo*
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, passenger railway transport in Kosovo has been suspended on 13th March 2020, while freight railway transport continues to run normally, both locally and internationally through North Macedonia. Train operations are made with reduced staff, guaranteeing safety of railway transport but also affecting the spread of the pandemic.
Montenegro
Montecargo issued a transport restriction for Albania. However, the ban has been suspended today (27th March 2020) for a few days, since there are several trains from Serbia and Albania carrying food supplies to Albania. Moreover, the transport in Tuzi is deemed to be organized again in the upcoming period.
On 16th & 18th March 2020 passenger rail transport, both international and local, has been completely suspended.
Serbia
Since 12:00 PM on 20th March 2020, passenger transport for all international, cross-border and domestic trains has been suspended, in line with the Decision of Government of the Republic of Serbia.
Transport of freight is functioning normally, while the Government of Republic of Serbia revised its previous Decision on closure of borders crossing on 18th March 2020, thus removing railway border crossing Kikinda from the Decision, so both border crossings towards Romania are now open for traffic. Still, railway traffic is closed on Mokra Gora (SRB/BIH), Sremska Raca (SRB/BIH) and Bogojevo (SRB/CRO) border crossing stations, which has minor impact on freight traffic.
Regarding the volume of traffic, there is monitoring of all important parameters on a daily basis.
MONITORING OF ROAD BORDER CROSSING WAITING TIMES
Albania
The joint railway border crossing between Albania and Montenegro in Tuzi will be closed as from Wednesday until further notice.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Republika Srpska requested to the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina to:
- Establish a team for negotiation with the Republic of Croatia regarding freight road transport operation, in which representatives of the entities and Brčko district would also take part.
- Enable passing of freight motor vehicles transiting through the Republic of Croatia in all directions, on border crossing Šamac, which is now not feasible.
- Enable presence of veterinary inspection on border crossing Šamac which is one of the three border crossings with the Republic of Croatia for transit of freight motor vehicles.
- Enable transit of freight motor vehicles through the Republic of Croatia without convoy formations.
- Enable transit of freight motor vehicles through the Republic of Croatia also on the border crossing Izačić.
The Committee also demanded that the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina establishes a team for negotiation with the Republic of Serbia regarding freight road transport operation, in which representatives of the entities and Brčko district would also take part.
More information can be found on the source link.
The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted a Decision on the temporary closure of Sarajevo International Airport for passenger traffic from Monday, 30th March 2020. In addition to the Sarajevo airport, the Decision on the Transport of Passengers also closes the airports in Mostar, Banja Luka and Tuzla.
North Macedonia
Based on the proposal of the Commission for Infectious Diseases, and following the conclusion of the Chief Coordination Crisis Headquarter for full coordination to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19, the Government adopted a Decision amending the Decision on ban on movement on the entire territory of the Republic of Northern Macedonia during the weekends. With these amendments, the ban on movement on Saturdays and Sundays, will start at 4:00 PM and will last until 5:00 AM. All public institutions and private companies that work on weekends should adjust to the new movement restrictions and complete the work process by 3:00 PM. All previously enacted bans and restrictions remain in force.
More information can be read on the source link.
Kosovo*
No change.
Montenegro
The Directorate for Maritime Transport and Inland Waterways of the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs prepared an Action plan for the reception of vessels whose embarking was approved by National Coordination Body.
The Action plan forbids departures from ports or docks and sailing of yachts and vessels as long as the temporary measures caused by COVID-19 are in force.
In the aim of suppression of spreading virus COVID-19, joint stock company “MONTECARGO” Podgorica introduced the transport restriction No 2/2020, on 25th March, to all railway undertakings about temporary suspension of rail freight operation in the railway station Tuzi.
More information can be read on the source link.
Serbia
No change.
EU
Temporary exceptions granted by EU and non-EU Member States due to the COVID-19 outbreak can be found on the following link.
DG MOVE has set up a dedicated site providing the information regarding travel restrictions, updated daily. Please see the site linked here.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ISJ Opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
MONITORING OF ROAD BORDER CROSSING WAITING TIMES
Albania
No change.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Council of Ministers adopted a decision on the temporary closure of international border crossings for passenger traffic in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Only freight cargo traffic will be allowed. The decision enters into force on 30th March at 6:00 AM.
The Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be leading the discussion on the temporary closure of smaller border crossings with the line Minister of the Republic of Croatia.
The Council of Ministers adopted a Decision on the identification of the border crossing points for the transport of goods by road in transit through Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Decision establishes a list of border crossing points between Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro for the transport of goods in transit and routes allowing the movement of freight motor vehicles registered in other countries in transit.
The border crossings for transit through Bosnia and Herzegovina with the Republic of Croatia are:
1 – Bijača – Nova Sela;
2 – Gradiška – Stara Gradiška,
3 – Šamac – Slavonski Šamac.
with the Republic of Serbia: Rača – Sremska Rača and with Montenegro: Klobuk – Ilino Brdo.
The Council of Ministers has beeen informed by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations on the regional measures to facilitate the circulation of essential goods due to the crisis caused by the COVID.
These measures will facilitate the flow of goods between CEFTA Parties, based on the proposal of the Permanent Secreatariat of the Transport Community, CEFTA Secretariat, the Regional Cooperation Council, the Directorate General for Neighborhood and Enlargement (DG NEAR) and the Directorate General for Taxation and Customs (DG TAXUD).
North Macedonia
The Government issued an amendment to the Decision on prohibition and special regime of movement on the territory of the Republic of Northern Macedonia by prohibiting entry into and exiting from, as well as movement within the territory of the municipality of Kumanovo for public and intercity passenger and rail passenger public transport.
Kosovo*
No change.
Montenegro
The National Coordinating Body for Infectious Diseases made several decisions aimed at preventing the further spread of the Coronavirus.
- Suspension of international passenger traffic, except for the announced arrival of Montenegrin nationals, through diplomatic missions and consular posts, to the Operational Headquarters of the National Coordinating Body for Infectious Diseases, with mandatory quarantine accommodation, in accordance with the decision of the health and sanitary inspection;
- Ban on passenger long-distance traffic, except for passenger motor vehicles performing activities relevant to the traffic of goods, supply and delivery of medicine, emergency medical services, utilities, supply of fuel and electricity, transportation of employees, transportation of persons located outside their place of residence in order to return to their place of residence;
- Ban on the presence and retention of more than 2 people together in an open public space (sidewalks, squares, streets, parks, promenades, beaches, etc.), except for persons carrying out their regular work duties;
- The authorities that perform the control and regulation of traffic on the roads are obligated to consider traffic licenses which have expired as valid if a driver with the license has a valid insurance policy and evidence of a performed technical inspection of the vehicle.
Serbia
No change.
EU
Temporary exceptions granted by EU and non-EU Member States due to the COVID-19 outbreak can be found of the following link.
DG MOVE has set up a dedicated site providing the information regarding travel restrictions, updated daily. Please see the site linked here.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ISJ Opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
MONITORING OF MARITIME PORTS OPERATION
Port of Bar
The port of Bar works regularly. The main operations for today include:
- one train of bauxite ore will be unloaded and loaded to the ship for export (China)
- one container train with wheat will come from Serbia for unloading
- one ship with iron ore will come from Egypt for unloading – final destination Smederevo (Serbia)
- one ship of copper ore will come from New Orleans (final destination Bor-Serbia).
Port of Durres
Today, 25th March 2020, at the port of Durres there are two ships being processed.
MONITORING OF ROAD BORDER CROSSING WAITING TIMES
MONITORING OF TRAFFIC OPERATIONS AT THE INTERNAL BCPs
Albania
No change.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina – Federal Authority of Civil Protection issued an order that bans movement of citizens and staying outdoors without keeping a distance less than 1.5 metres. The same order allows taxi drivers to transport only one person at a time, respecting the hygienic and epidemiologic measures and mandatory usage of protective mask and gloves, both for taxi driver and the passenger.
North Macedonia
On the 26th session of the Government of the Republic of Northern Macedonia, a decision amending the decision to restrict the movement of citizens throughout the country was rendered. The prohibition of movement for all citizens from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM is replaced by the restriction of movement from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM due to the crowds created in public transport and due to the need for citizens to reach their work place in the morning.
In addition, the government decided to ban the movement of citizens over 67 years of age from 11:00 AM to 5:00 AM the following day.
The government rendered a decision to restrict the movement of minors and for them the ban on movement shall start at 9:00 PM and last until 12:00 PM the next day.
The Government adopted a Decree imposing that the citizens arriving at the border crossing points of entry into the country shall be transported to the state quarantines every day at 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
Passenger train traffic operates in restricted traffic conditions. Namely, a curfew has been established from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Kosovo*
The Government of the Republic of Kosovo approves the request of the Ministry of Health to take measures to prevent and control the spread of the COVID-19 virus as follows:
- The circulation of citizens and private vehicles is prohibited from 24th March 2020 between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM and from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM except for medical needs, production, supply and sale of essential goods (food and medicine for people and animals / poultry), and for services and activities related to pandemic management (essential government and municipal management and personnel from the following sectors: health, security and public administration);
- Free circulation is provided for economic operators classified as important under NACE codes that the Ministry of Economy, Labor, Trade, Industry, Entrepreneurship and Strategic Investments allows to operate in this emergency period related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as free transport of goods / services to ensure supply chain operation;
III. No more than 2 people can be together in a vehicle and they should keep a distance of 2 meters at all times.
Montenegro
The transport of more than 2 adults in a passenger motor vehicle at the same time is now officially banned, unless they are transported by members of a shared family household. This ban does not apply to vehicles of legal entities engaged in a transport of employees, vehicles of media representatives and vehicles used for the needs of emergency services (health, police, military, fire services, etc.). Moreover, if a company has official cars, the same can be used for the purpose of transport of employees with more than 2 passengers per car. Finally, if a company does not have an official vehicle, but only a private one, the company must issue a travel order or similar document explaining the purpose of using the private vehicle for official purposes.
Serbia
No change.
EU
Temporary exceptions granted by EU and non-EU Member States due to the COVID-19 outbreak can be found on the following link.
DG MOVE has set up a dedicated site providing the information regarding travel restrictions, updated daily. Please see the site linked here.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ISJ Opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
MONITORING OF ROAD BORDER CROSSING WAITING TIMES
Albania
The State Police informed that State administration and business employees are permitted to drive to work by completing the SELF DECLARATION form, from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM in the morning and return from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
All vehicles for the transport of goods, foodstuffs, fruits and vegetables and livestock for the purpose of supplying to markets and grocery stores shall be exempted from this limitation.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina asked the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina to close without delay all border crossings for the crossing of people, except for those where quarantines have been established in tents of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina in accordance with the Decision of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina of 18 March 2020.
Starting from today, in the entity of the Republic of Srpska, passenger public road transport on distances longer than 50 km is suspended.
North Macedonia
No change.
Kosovo*
No change.
Montenegro
No change.
Serbia
As of today, 32 so-called “corridor lines” are operating in Belgrade, which transport health and workers of utility companies, as well as those companies with a work order, and will operate from 5:30 AM to 8:00 AM and from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
EU
The Commission published today a communication SEC (2020) 1897 of 23.03.2020 on the implementation of the Green Lanes under the Guidelines for border management measures to protect health and ensure the availability of goods and essential services. Para 15. of the communication instructs the Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community to “facilitate the coordination and implementation of measures between the EU and the Western Balkans Six countries”. The communication can be found on the following link.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ISJ Opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
MONITORING OF ROAD BORDER CROSSING WAITING TIMES
Albania
No change.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Federation of BiH issued an order on restriction of movement of citizens in its territory from 6 PM to 5 AM, which came into force on Sunday, 22 March 2020.
The Republic of Srpska issued an order on restriction of movement of citizens in its territory from 8 PM to 5 AM, which came into force on Sunday, 22 March 2020.
North Macedonia
The Government of North Macedonia decided:
- To prohibit the movement of the population in the Republic of North Macedonia from 9 PM to 6 AM. This prohibition excludes people who needs of emergency medical care /with life-threatening condition / dialysis patients, exclusively accompanied by up to two persons.
- To oblige taxi companies to introduce off-limits vehicles and use them exclusively for transportation to / from a hospital or pharmacy. Taxi drivers are required to use personal protective equipment in the vehicle (protective mask and gloves).
- To suspend public transport from 9 PM until 6 AM.
Kosovo*
No change.
Montenegro
Serbia
Starting from Sunday, curfew has been extended for all citizens from 5 PM to 5 AM.
EU
DG MOVE has set up a dedicated site providing the information regarding travel restrictions, updated daily. Please see the site linked here.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ISJ Opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
MONITORING OF ROAD BORDER CROSSING WAITING TIMES
Albania
Starting from Saturday at 1:00 p.m. until Monday at 5:00 a.m. public transport will not be in operation and private cars will be prohibited to circulate.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
No change.
North Macedonia
No change.
Kosovo*
No change.
Montenegro
No change.
Serbia
Starting from Saturday, public city transport will stop operation from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. every day.
EU
DG MOVE has set up a dedicated site providing the information regarding travel restrictions, updated daily. Please see the site linked here.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ISJ Opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
MONITORING OF ROAD BORDER CROSSING WAITING TIMES
Albania
No change.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
No change.
North Macedonia
No change.
Kosovo*
No change.
Montenegro
It is prohibited to transport more than two adults in a passenger vehicle at the same time.
Serbia
The Serbian Government has taken a decision to close all border crossings/entry points for passenger traffic from 8.00 AM (Friday 20 March). This includes air, road, railway and water border crossing/entry points. In accordance with this decision, only heavy vehicles for cargo transport are allowed to enter the territory of the Republic of Serbia.
Intercity bus and rail passenger traffic is suspended from 12.00 on Friday, but citizens are left with the possibility of travelling by private cars.
EU
DG MOVE has set up a dedicated site providing the information regarding travel restrictions, updated daily. Please see the site linked here.
Following the meeting of the EU ministers of Transport which took place last Wednesday 18 March, a proposal to set up “green corridors” is under preparation under the aegis of DG MOVE.
MONITORING OF AIRPORT OPERATIONS
Airports of Pristina, Podgorica, Skopje and Belgrade are closed for passenger flights in accordance with the decisions taken by the national authorities. These airports remain, however, open for humanitarian, health and military purposes. These airports also remain open for flights with special permits to repatriate citizens from abroad.
Airports in Sarajevo and Tirana have reduced further their flight operations.
MONITORING OF MARITIME PORT OPERATIONS
Port of Durres
Port operations are proceeding with unloading of ships with goods arriving from Russia, Greece, Iran and Italy.
MONITORING OF ROAD BORDER CROSSING WAITING TIMES
Figure 1. Road border crossing waiting times
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ISJ Opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
Albania
No change.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
No change.
North Macedonia
The Government has proposed to the Parliament to declare the state of emergency (the adopted measures could further affect transport).
Kosovo*
Point 5 of the Government Decision Nr. 01/09, dated 13 March 2020 is amended and supplemented, regarding the travel / entry ban.
Exceptions are included: travel companies with passengers originating from the Republic of Kosovo who were denied return due to the aforementioned Government Decision no. 01/09, or diplomatic staff accredited in the Republic of Kosovo, may be allowed to enter Kosovo upon a special permission issued by the authorities of Pristina.
Montenegro
The new measures are:
- Public transport of passengers (suburban and urban) by bus and van is suspended;
- Taxi services are suspended.
Serbia
International air traffic from Constantine the Great airport in Nis is suspended until further notice.
According to a decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, from 19.03.2020 at 12.00, all international commercial flights from Belgrade Airport have been temporarily suspended.
In addition, the right of entry into the Republic of Serbia was extended to military convoys and transport for military purposes with required approvals.
EU
No change.
MONITORING OF MARITIME PORTS OPERATION
Port of Durres 19.03.2020
8 merchant ships are being processed at all three freight terminals, with a total of 23,500 tons, while another three ships with about 10,500 tons of goods are expected to reach the port.
A ferry with trucks and trailers of food and import equipment is set to arrive at the ferry terminal this morning. 270 containers are being unloaded from a ship bound for the respective Terminal.
At the West Terminal, five vessels are processing cement, glass and wheat. Meanwhile, a cement ship is being loaded for export to the Eastern Terminal, and another is being scrap unloaded.
Port of Bar 19.03.2020
Operations are running normal, there is no restriction. Nothing is affecting the unloading operations.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ISJ Opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
Foreword.
By Alain Baron
Today, the TCT Permanent Secretariat participated in a conference call, set up under the aegis of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and gathering representatives from WB6 Sherpas, other regional organizations such as CEFTA and the European Commission.
The purpose of the meeting was to assess the possibility to set up a coordinated response to cope with the current restrictions of travel affecting transport and trade in the region in order to secure the movement of goods of first necessity and the possible re-patriation of WB6 nationals living abroad.
The TCT Secretariat is fully committed to give its contribution to this exercise and the first concrete (and fully operational) measures will be unveiled in the coming days, possibly already tomorrow.
UPDATE: Situation monitored by the TCT Secretariat on 18 March at 14:30
Albania
No change.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
In case of international transit by road, cargo crew cannot stay more than 12 hours on the territory of BiH.
North Macedonia
No change.
Kosovo*
No change.
Montenegro
The Ministry of Health issued new set of precautionary measures, in order to protect citizens from the spread of Covid-19.
- Public transport of passengers (suburban, urban and intercity) by buses and vans is suspended;
- Public transport of passengers by rail (domestic traffic) is suspended;
- The crossing of the border crossings Sitnica – Župci (HN – Trebinje road), Meteljka – Metaljka (PV – Čajniče road) and Čemerno (PV – Priboj road) is suspended;
In addition, Montenegro issued Notification for drivers of freight motor vehicles in accordance with health sanitary surveillance guidelines. Please read these guidelines here (courtesy translation in EN).
Serbia
Rail passenger traffic: trains to Montenegro, Croatia and Bulgaria are temporarily stopped.
Trains to Hungary (Budapest) from Novi Sad are still scheduled but only citizens of the country of destination are allowed to enter the country.
There are no other international trains to other neighbouring countries at the time of the declaration of the State of Emergency (15.03.2020).
Rail freight transport: traffic at border-crossings Kikinda (towards Romania), Sremska Rača (towards BiH) and Bogojevo (towards Croatia) is suspended. Other rail border crossings of the Republic of Serbia remain open for freight traffic. It must be noticed that Romania also decided to stop rail freight traffic on the axis Vrsac – S. Moravic.
EU
No change.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ISJ Opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
Albania
All the freight transport, international and domestic ones, by road, railway, sea and air, are all allowed to operate.
All the ferry lines with Italy and Greece for passenger transport are suspended until an undefined date.
All the airlines with Italy and UK are interrupted for an undefined period of time. The other airlines are still operating in Tirana International Airport, depending on the restriction measures of the destination airports.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Rail Border Crossing Point “Mali Zvornik” and IBCP Brasina – railway station (on SRB territory) are temporarily closed.
North Macedonia
By Decision of the Government, all BCP are closed for foreign citizens, passengers and vehicles.
Entrance and transit of heavy good vehicles, representatives of diplomatic missions, as well as of other persons for which the Ministry of Interior issues a special permit remain possible. Heavy good vehicles and persons can enter the country only in accordance to the Health Protocol for special protection measures issued by the Ministry of Health (http://zdravstvo.gov.mk/korona-virus/)
The airport in Skopje will be closed, except for military, State, humanitarian, sanitary and cargo flights, as of 18 March.
Kosovo*
No change.
Montenegro
Suspension of all international passenger transport in road, rail and air transport.
Serbia
No change.
EU
EU external borders are closed from today (17 March, 12 :00 CET). Travel restrictions are in place for an initial period of 30 days, but can be prolonged as necessary. Professional travel to ensure transport of goods and services should be enabled. In that context, the facilitation of safe movement for transport workers, including truck and train drivers, pilots and aircrew, across internal and external borders, is a key factor to ensure adequate movement of goods and essential staff.
The travel ban covers all EU member states and the four non-EU Schengen members (Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland).
All persons, EU and non-EU nationals, who cross the external borders to enter the Schengen area are subject to systematic checks at border crossing points. Border checks may include health checks. Additional details will follow tomorrow.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ISJ Opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
Albania
All land border crossings with neighbouring countries are closed for passengers. Freight transport operates under new instructions issued by the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy informed all international freight forwarding companies to submit by March 14, 2020, the list of names of drivers who will carry out international transport.
This list should include: name, father’s name, surname, birthday, passport number and international driving license number. Authorities will allow circulation only for companies that provided such information.
Flights with Italy, Greece, Serbia, Germany are being cancelled until further notice.
All citizens entering the Republic of Albania from the territories affected by COVID-19 should put themselves in quarantine for a period of 14 days in the place where they are hosted, as a precautionary measure. In case quarantine obligation is not respected, the person will be fined.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
There is no special traffic ban at international border crossings except at border crossings closed by neighbouring countries.
Foreign nationals are prohibited to come to Bosnia and Herzegovina from areas with intensive coronary transmission of viruses: Province of the People’s Republic of China (Wuhan), South Korea, Japan, Italy, Iran, the Republic of France, Romania, Germany, the Republic of Austria, Spain, Switzerland and Belgium.
The measure does not apply to road hauliers as well as aircraft crews arriving in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
North Macedonia
All major BCPs: Tabanovce, Deve Bair, Bogorodica, Kjafasan and Blace, as well as the airport Skopje are open for traffic.
All other (non-major) BCPs are closed for passengers and light vehicles, but remain open for freight transport.
At the border with Greece, the entrance in the next 30 days is allowed only for Greek citizens and foreigners with legal permits.
Freight transport remains normal, with the exception of the period from 21h00 to 05h00 during which entrance and exit are forbidden.
Entrance to North Macedonia is forbidden to all foreigners coming from high and medium risk countries, in accordance with the list issued by the WHO.
Ohrid airport is closed.
Kosovo*
Land borders are closed for travellers entering Kosovo, with the exception of Kosovo citizens. All Kosovo citizens who enter through Kosovo will undergo additional medical check-ups and will have to be in quarantine for 14 days;
From March 16, 2020 at 24h00, air travel at Pristina Airport is suspended except military flights and medical emergencies (MEDEVAC). Exceptions are crew-operated round-trip lines, but without passengers and serving only travellers leaving Kosovo;
Since 13 March, Inter-urban transport in Kosovo, as well as regular (road) international transport is suspended until further notice.
Montenegro
The provisional measures are:
1) Prohibition of entry for foreigners, except for foreigners with permanent or temporary residence in Montenegro and foreigners who operate vehicles used for traffic of goods.
The traffic of goods for the needs of Montenegro and for transit remains smooth, with special measures of health and sanitary control.
2) Prohibition of entry for all cruisers and yachts into ports: Bar, Budva, Kotor, Kumbor – Portonovi port, Tivat (Gate I and Gate II) and Zelenika, until 2 April 2020.
3) Prohibition of landing and take-off for aircraft of “Freebird Airlines,”, which is not a regular air carrier, at Podgorica Airport and Tivat Airport for the period from 13 to 19 March 2020.
4) Closure of border crossings for passenger border traffic to:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Šćepan Polje – Hum, on the Plužine – Foča road; on the Šula – Vitina border crossing, on the Pljevlja – Foča road,
- Republic of Albania: Grnčar – Baškim, on the Plav – Shkoder road; Sukobin – Murićani, on the Ulcinj – Shkoder road,
- Republic of Croatia: Kobila – Vitina, on the Herceg Novi – Vitina – Dubrovnik road
- Republic of Serbia: Ranče – Jabuka, on the Pljevlja – Prijepolje road and Vuče – Godova on the Rožaje – Tutin road.
5) Prohibited travel from Montenegro to Japan, France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark and Austria.
6) Placing under the sanitary supervision of returnees / passengers in international traffic from Japan, France, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Slovenia and Austria.
Serbia
On 15/3 Serbia announced the decision to declare the state of emergency, in accordance with the Constitution.
In order to ensure protection against the outbreak of infectious diseases in Serbia, foreign citizens arriving from abroad are not allowed to enter Serbia (excluding the diplomatic staff accredited in Serbia and foreigners with a valid residence permit).
Citizens of the Republic of Serbia as well as diplomatic staff accredited in Serbia and foreigners with a valid residence permit, arriving from countries or areas with intensive transmission of COVID-19 disease (Swiss Confederation, Italian Republic, Islamic Republic of Iran, Romania, Kingdom of Spain, Federal Republic of Germany, the French Republic, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Slovenia and the Hellenic Republic) are obliged to carry out a 28-day mandatory quarantine. Citizens of the Republic of Serbia arriving from other countries are obliged to carry out a 14-day quarantine.
The measures mentioned above are not applicable to:
1) drivers of freight vehicles performing international road transport. In the case of international transit transportation of cargo by road, the time spend on the territory of Serbia is restricted to a period not exceeding 12 hours from the moment of entry into the territory of the Republic of Serbia;
2) crews of cargo ships transporting goods to one of the domestic ports. In the case of transit navigation on an international waterway in Serbia, it shall be limited to a period not exceeding 90 hours for ships and 60 hours for self-propelled boats starting from the moment of the entry into the territory of the Republic of Serbia in the case of upstream navigation, i.e. for a period not exceeding 72 hours for ships and 54 hours for self-propelled boat from the moment of entry into the territory of the Republic of Serbia in case of downstream navigation;
3) crews accompanying trains entering in border station zone set up by interstate agreements;
4) crews and cabin crews of aircrafts whose final destination is the Republic of Serbia or in transit through the international airports of the Republic of Serbia.
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ISJ Opinion on Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
