Although visa liberalization applies to all countries of the Schengen area, holders of Kosovo passports will not be able to travel to Spain, because this European Union member state does not recognize their passports. 

This was confirmed by the spokeswoman of the European Commission for Internal Affairs, Anitta Hipper. 

Asked if the citizens of Kosovo will be able to travel to Spain, she did not specifically mention this country, only saying that the liberalization will not apply to "one country". 

"Recognition of travel documents is a state competence. Among the Schengen countries, all but one country have recognized Kosovo's travel documents. This means that the liberalization of visas for Kosovo will enable holders of Kosovo passports to travel without visas to all these countries, except one of them". 

Spain, which takes over the presidency of the European Union from July 1, is more vocal than the other four EU countries that have not recognized Kosovo's citizenship. However, during the process of approving the visa decision, Spain did not object. 

Other countries that do not recognize Kosovo's citizenship are: Greece, Cyprus, Romania and Slovakia. They recognize the passports issued by the Kosovo authorities. 

On April 18, the European Parliament approved the decision on visas, while the document was signed on April 19. 

The decision envisages that the citizens of Kosovo will be able to travel without visas to the countries of the Schengen zone, from January 1, 2024. 

The visa-free regime allows travel for only up to 90 days - within six months - in any of the member states of the Schengen area. 

Visa-free travel must be for tourist visits, family matters or similar, and in no case imply a work permit or other benefits. 

Kosovo, currently, is the only country in the Western Balkans whose citizens cannot move freely in the Schengen zone.