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Serbia Visa Policy

Serbia is a sovereign country in Europe with an independent visa policy. This policy mandates all visitors to hold visas before they can enter the country except those from visa-exempt countries. Visas are issued by their foreign missions scattered abroad so that applicants may submit applications to the nearest embassy in their location.

The Serbian government has signed unilateral and bilateral agreements with other countries, which allow citizens of those countries t visit Serbia visa-free for business or tourism purposes. However, citizens of other countries without visa exemption waivers must get a visa from a Serbian embassy or consulate abroad in the country where they live.

Serbia And Schengen

Serbia may be a European country but is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Zone. Despite maintaining its own visa policy, it grants visa-free access to citizens of Schengen Annex II countries whose citizens enjoy visa-free access into Schengen countries. In the same vein, the EU and all Schengen countries allow Serbians to visit their countries for short stays without requiring visas. All they need are a valid passport and ETIAS approval.

Foreigners from non-visa-exempt countries who have valid Schengen visas or resident permits issued by a Schengen country may also enter Serbia visa-free for short visits. The duration for visa-free status varies based on the visitor's nationality.

Some nationalities can stay in Serbia for 90 days within 6 months, while others can visit for 30 days or visit for 30 days in one year. The shortest visit duration is 14 days.

Substitute Visa

A substitute Visa is made available to holders of EU and Schengen visas or resident permits. The same applies to holders of US visas or resident permits, who can enter without visas and set for up to 90 days in 180 days. During their stay, their visas must remain valid.

Reciprocity Agreement

Serbian citizens can gain visa-free access into the countries that enjoy visa-free access to Serbia as the government has signed visa waiver agreements with their governments. This list excludes some countries that don't have bilateral agreements with the Serbian government.

Diplomatic/Official Passports

Additionally, official and diplomatic passport holders from selected countries may visit Serbia for 90 days without visas unless otherwise noted.

Key Information About Serbian Visas and Travel Tips

Landlocked: Serbia is a landlocked country, so visitors can only access the country via air and through its land borders with Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Albania, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Bosnia. If you choose to travel by land, plan your itinerary properly.

Purpose: The purpose of your trip should determine the Visa you apply for. If you apply for the wrong Visa, you may encounter difficulties when arriving in the country. Be sure of your move before submitting a visa application.

Passport Validity: Make sure your passport meets the minimum validity requirement of six months before starting the visa process. If you plan to apply for a long-stay visa, we advise you to do so with a passport with a minimum of one-year validity or a fresh passport so it doesn't expire when you are already in Serbia. Also, note they your Visa's Validity is tied to the passport's validity too, so if the passport expires, the Visa will also.

Overstaying: You will be sanctioned if you stay in Serbia on an expired visa. Ensure that you leave before it expires or on the day it expires. Overstaying violates Serbia's immigration law, and violators are heavily sanctioned by the government.

How To Apply For A Serbian Visa

To apply for a Serbian Visa, you must submit your application to a consulate or embassy abroad. Visas can only be applied for abroad, not while you are inside Serbia. The process involves submitting a valid passport, the application form, and other necessary documents which must meet the authorities' requirements. Applicants are also required to pay an application fee for document processing.

The application takes a few weeks to review, but getting an exact date for the Visa is still being determined as Serbian embassies have different operating timelines.

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Serbia welcomes visitors from other countries provided they meet the entry requirements laid out by the Serbian Ministry of foreign affairs. We will furnish you with all the information you need to successfully apply for a suitable entry document based on your nationality.