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Do I Need a Permit for the Balkan Trail?
Regular border checkpoints at airports and road crossings do not require a permit. Because the “green border” in the mountains has no permanent border control to register your entry/exit, permits are used to add digital registrations to the cross-border system. Failing to obtain a permit can cause issues with border patrols when no legal entry into the country is detected. Trust me, this is something you really want to avoid!
How many permits do you need?
Each “permanent” crossing requires a permit. To complete the full Peaks of the Balkans Trail, only three permits are required. If you cross the border without actually “permanently” passing it (longer stay or overnight), then no permit is needed. This applies, for example, to the following routes:
- Valbona to Cerem: via the Persllopit and Bor Pass
- Cerem to Doberdol
It is relatively easy to arrange these permits. Many travel agencies make it seem like this is very complicated, but that is simply not true. Even if you hike the Balkan Trail independently, you can arrange these permits yourself. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that you must apply for the permits at least two weeks in advance. We are happy to help you, and in our guide you will find all the details.
You can arrange the permits through the link below. It takes a bit of puzzling to figure out exactly when you will be in each country, but once that’s done, you’re good to go:
Does the police actually check the permits?
While the Albanian police welcome all visitors with open arms, their neighbours in Kosovo are stricter and conduct regular checks and patrols, especially in the Rugova Valley where the border with Montenegro is disputed. Montenegrin border guards and park rangers can be seen patrolling in their Land Rover Defender / Lada Niva, especially in the area around Babino Polje and Vusanje. There is also a sizeable police station in Plav. Keep in mind that fully equipped hikers do not go unnoticed in the streets of this small town. We occasionally receive feedback from hikers without permits who are asked to pay a “bakshish” to avoid trouble. We strongly recommend obtaining the permits for a worry-free holiday.
Balkan Trail: complete guide with GPX files (English)
Save hundreds of euros with our travel guide for the Balkan Trail. In our guide, you’ll find a full itinerary including 8 GPX files to plan your Balkan Trail trip independently!
€ 8.95
Or buy just the GPX files for € 7.50.
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