Do I need a permit to hike the Peaks of the Balkans?

Yes. Most 'green border' crossings between Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo must be approved in advance, though the exact process varies by crossing and direction.

How far in advance do I need to arrange Peaks of the Balkans permits?

Ten days before you arrive is sufficient.

Do I still need my passport if I have a permit?

Yes. Carry your passport plus a photocopy and printed permits. The permit records your crossing but does not replace your passport.

What happens if my dates change after applying?

The permit is tied to specific dates and crossing points, so changes mean a fresh application. Finalise your itinerary before applying.

Can someone arrange the permits for me?

Yes. Hike Balkans submits to all three authorities and sends the approved permits as PDFs, included with the Peaks of the Balkans Self-Guided package.

Peaks of the Balkans Border Permits: A Complete Guide

The Peaks of the Balkans crosses Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo at high mountain passes with no formal border posts. These are known as “green border” crossings, and hikers should arrange the required border-crossing permissions in advance.

At a Glance

Permit required for the "green border" crossings on your route.
Three separate authorities (Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo), processed independently.

Which Crossings Need One

The full 10 day Peaks of the Balkans loop involves three international border crossings, but shorter or custom itineraries may cross fewer or different borders. Typical crossings on the trail are:

Vusanje (Montenegro) → Theth (Albania)
Dobërdol (Albania) → Milishevc (Kosovo)
Dobërdol (Albania) → Babino Polje / Plav (Montenegro)
Kuqishtë (Kosovo) → Babino Polje (Montenegro)

High mountain pass on the Vusanje to Theth section of the Peaks of the Balkans

How to Get Them

Permits are included at no extra cost with our Peaks of the Balkans Self-Guided package — you don't submit three separate applications or chase the right authority. We take your passport scan and crossing dates, submit to the relevant authorities, and send the approved permits as PDFs to print and carry. The package is from €150, and also includes accommodation booking, transfers, GPX map files, route notes and WhatsApp support with a guide.

Book Your Self-Guided Trek

Can I Apply for the Permits Myself?

Yes. You can apply for the required border permissions yourself. Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo each process their applications independently, so depending on your itinerary you may need to contact more than one authority.

You'll need to submit your passport details, itinerary and planned crossing dates, and each police force has a designated form. For Montenegro, the process also involves visiting the Police Station in Plav to obtain a payment receipt, which is then taken to Plav Post Office to pay the processing fee.

We recommend applying at least 10 days before your trek, allowing additional time during busy periods or if your route involves multiple authorities.

Your permits are tied to specific dates and crossing points, so finalise your itinerary before applying.

When hiking, carry your passport and approved permits and follow the permitted crossing points and dates. Hikers are occasionally stopped and asked to show their permits, and crossing without the required permission can result in fines or other penalties.

Last checked: August 2026.