The Peaks of the Balkans is a 192 km (119-mile) hiking trail that crosses Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. Because the route crosses international borders along remote mountain trails, you need border-crossing permits to hike the full circuit.

Arranging these permits is simply one of the logistical steps involved in planning your trek. The process is generally straightforward, and you don’t need to let it put you off hiking independently.

Our recommendation is to use a company familiar with the trail to arrange the permits for you. We recommend Zbulo, although other reputable local providers can help too. You can also apply yourself if you prefer.

Here’s what you need to know.

Do You Need Border Permits for the Peaks of the Balkans?

Yes. If you’re hiking the traditional Peaks of the Balkans circuit, you need permits for the international mountain border crossings along the route.

These crossings are part of the trail itself, rather than conventional road border checkpoints. You should arrange your permits in advance and carry the required documentation with you during the hike.

In our experience, this is not something to worry about, but it is something you need to organize. Our permits were checked by the police in Babino Polje, Montenegro, so make sure you have everything in order before setting off.

How to Arrange Your Border Permits

There are two main options: use a company to arrange them for you or handle the applications yourself.

Our Recommendation: Use Zbulo

We recommend Zbulo for arranging your Peaks of the Balkans border permits. Using a company familiar with the trail is an easy way to take care of the process without having to work out the application details yourself.

Once you’ve planned your itinerary and know your approximate travel dates, visit Zbulo to check its current border-permit service and follow its instructions.

We think the fee is well worth it. You’re already putting time into organizing accommodation, transport, and your daily walking stages. Having someone familiar with the process handle the permits is a simple way to take one more task off your list.

You don’t have to use Zbulo specifically. Other reputable local companies may offer the same service, so choose whichever provider you’re comfortable with.

Can You Apply Yourself?

Yes. If you’d rather arrange everything independently, you can follow the instructions on the official Peaks of the Balkans cross-border procedures page.

You’ll need to provide the information requested for your planned crossings and allow enough time for the applications to be processed. Check the current instructions carefully, as the process and lead times may change.

For most hikers, we think using an experienced provider is the easier option. But if you’re happy to handle the applications yourself, there’s no reason you can’t do so.

When Should You Arrange Your Permits?

We recommend arranging your permits at least six weeks before your hike. This gives you time to get everything organized well before you arrive in the Balkans.

It’s best to have your itinerary reasonably settled first, including your planned start date, overnight stops, and the dates you’ll cross each border. That makes it easier to provide the information needed for your applications.

Don’t leave it until the last few days before your trek. Contact your chosen provider or check the official application instructions in good time, and follow the current guidance on how far ahead to apply.

Do Your Permits Need to Match Your Itinerary?

Yes. When arranging your permits, you’ll need to provide details of your planned border crossings. Your itinerary therefore matters, particularly if you’re hiking a modified version of the traditional route.

Before applying, work out:

• Where you’ll start and finish the trek.
• Where you plan to stay each night.
• The approximate dates you’ll cross each international border.

You don’t need to overcomplicate this. The goal is simply to have your route and dates sufficiently planned to arrange the necessary permits.

If you subsequently make a significant change to your route or crossing dates, check with your permit provider to see whether anything needs to be updated.

Our Peaks of the Balkans Itinerary Guide can help you decide how to divide the route into daily stages.

Peaks of the Balkans Border Permit Checklist

Before leaving for your trek, make sure you’ve:

• Planned your route and overnight stops.
• Arranged border-crossing permits through Zbulo or another provider, or completed the applications yourself.
• Allowed enough time for the process before your trip.
• Received your permits and checked the instructions for carrying them.
• Packed the required documentation so it’s available during the hike.

That’s really all there is to it. Once your permits are arranged, you can tick this task off your planning list and concentrate on the rest of your trek.

Final Thoughts

Border-crossing permits are a necessary part of hiking the Peaks of the Balkans, but they shouldn’t be a major source of stress. Arrange them in advance, make sure they match your itinerary, and carry them with you on the trail.

We recommend using Zbulo because it makes the process easier, although another reputable provider or applying independently are also options.

Get this sorted a few weeks before departure, and you can focus on what you’ve come to the Balkans for: hiking through spectacular mountain scenery, staying in welcoming guesthouses, and exploring Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro on foot.