Hiking the Peaks of the Balkans means crossing the green borders between Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo at high mountain passes where there is no border post. Most of these crossings need approval in advance.
At a Glance
- You need a permit for the "green border" crossings on your route.
- Apply in advance — 10 days before you arrive is sufficient.
- Three separate authorities (Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo), processed independently.
- You still need your passport — the permit is not a replacement for it.
Why You Need a Permit
The Peaks of the Balkans crosses the borders of Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo at remote mountain passes with no formal border posts. These are known as green borders, and crossing them requires prior approval from the relevant border authorities.
The permit tells border police who is crossing, where and when. Border patrols operate in these areas, so you should not cross without the required permit.
The system has been in place since 2011 and is straightforward — you just need to arrange the permits in advance.
Which Crossings Need One
Permit requirements vary by crossing and direction, so the number you need depends on your route. The full 10 day Peaks of the Balkans loop involves three international border crossings.
Typical border crossings are:
- Montenegro → Albania: Vusanje to Theth.
- Albania → Kosovo: Dobërdol to Milishevc.
- Albania → Montenegro: Dobërdol to Babino Polje / Plav.
- Kosovo → Montenegro: Kuqishtë to Babino Polje.
How to Get Them
You don't need to figure out which authority to contact or submit three separate applications. We handle the whole process — we submit to the relevant authorities and send you the approved permits as PDFs to print and carry.
To process the permits, we just need:
- Scanned copy of your passport photo page
- Dates of crossings between Montenegro / Albania / Kosovo
Permits are included at no extra cost with our Peaks of the Balkans Self-Guided package. The package itself is from €150 per person and also covers accommodation booking, transfers, GPX map files, route notes and WhatsApp support.
Common Questions
When should I apply?
10 days before you arrive is sufficient.
Do I need a permit if I'm on a guided trip?
Yes, but your operator arranges it. Check that they have — ask for the PDFs before you fly.
What if my dates change?
The permit is tied to specific dates and crossing points. Changes mean a fresh application, so build your itinerary before you apply, not after.
Do I still need my passport?
Yes. Carry it, plus a photocopy and your printed permits.
Are Peaks of the Balkans permits the same as High Scardus Trail permits?
No, and this catches people out. Different countries, different authorities, different availability.
Last checked: August 2026.