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Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Serbia?
Although Serbia applied for a full membership to the European Union in 2009 and has been an officially confirmed candidate since 2012, the country is not a member state and regulates its own visa policy.
Serbia has many bilateral or multilateral visa agreements with different countries all over the world that abolish visa processes. Citizens of these countries are allowed to stay in Serbia for 90 days or less within 180 days starting from the date of first entry. These countries are listed below.
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*Visa-free stay for 30 days within a 180 days period.
**Visa-free stay for 30 days within a year.
***Ukraine citizens can stay in Serbia without a visa for a duration of 30 days within a 60 days period.
****Hong Kong citizens can stay in Serbia without a visa for up to 14 days.
Countries that are not listed above have to apply for a visa beforehand to visit Serbia through its embassies around the globe.
Serbia Visa Types
We covered Serbia visa types that vary depending on the duration and purpose of the stay.
C Type (Short-Term) Visas
Depending on your purpose of visit that is limited to 90 days or less in a 180 days period to Serbia; it is possible for you to obtain one of the following visa types.
Serbia Touristic Visa
A Serbia tourist visa is issued for tourists who are planning to visit Serbia for sightseeing purposes. It is possible to obtain a Serbia tourist visa through its consulates, outsourced visa companies, or authorized travel agencies both for individuals and groups.
Serbia Business or Fair Participation Visa
A Serbia business or fair participation visa is granted for individuals who are planning to visit the country for business-related purposes such as meetings, events, business fairs, or unpaid trainings without labor or gainful employment. Invitation documents from professional chambers and organizations are must be included in the application.
Serbia Family, Relative or Friend Visit Visa
A Serbia family, relative, or friend visit visa is issued for individuals who wish to visit a family member or a friend residing in the country. In order to get the visa, it is required for applicants to include an invitation letter from the person whom you are visiting in addition to other necessary documents.
Serbia Cultural, Sports or Conference Visit Visa
Serbia cultural, sports, or conference visit visa is granted for individuals or groups that are going to attend a cultural event or activity held in Serbia. An invitation from the receiving association and confirmation documents from the supervising ministry must be included in the application as well as other supporting documents.
Serbia Short-Term Education or Internship Visa
A Serbia short-term education or internship visa is issued for students who intended to study in the country for educational purposes. The applicant has to documents including but not limited to proof of adequate accommodation means, admission letter from the receiving institution, and sponsorship documents if the student cannot provide adequate financial means for himself/herself.
D Type (Long-Term) Visa
Serbia category D visas are required for stays that exceed a three month period with varying purposes in Serbia even if the applicant’s nationality is on the visa-free list. It is possible for you to apply for a long-term visa to Serbia if you are one of the following:
- A student planning to study at a higher education institution, have a language course, or long-term internship
- An employee going to work for a Serbia -located business or for seasonal employment
- An academic, researcher, or scientist to work in a certified Serbia research center
- An individual whose first-degree family member is a Serbia citizen
- A patient going to receive a long-term medical treatment in a Serbia-located medical institution
- A private entrepreneur who is a founder of a legal or physical entity that will provide economic benefit to Serbia
Serbia Transit Visa
A Serbia transit visa is asked from individuals whose nationality is not eligible to transit another destination from Serbia. A Serbia transit visa authorizes the individual to travel a third country from the territory of Serbia for up to five days stay period and can be issued for one or multiple transits.
General Requirements to Apply for Serbia Visa
In order to successfully obtain a Serbia visa, it is important to be prepared and gather all the necessary information regarding your nationality and purpose of the visit beforehand. There are certain stages to obtain a Serbia visa:
Make an Appointment
It is always important to plan ahead and contact the relevant consulate for an appointment since you are required to bring original documents in person.
Finalize Your Application
There will be an interview held at the relevant consulate to confirm your purpose of stay as well as the required documents.
Receive Your Visa
After processing time, your application will be reviewed and you will be informed about the outcome. If your visa application is confirmed, you will be called back to the consulate to receive the visa that is affixed to your passport.
Serbia Visa Applications
You are required to present the following documents if your nationality is not eligible for a visa-free entry to Serbia:
- A valid passport
- A letter of invitation certified by relevant Serbian authority, a Serbia-based company, or proof of payment from an authorized travel agency
- A completed visa application form
- A photo sized 3,5 x 4,5 cm
- A return flight ticket or driving license and insurance if you travel by car
- Proof of sufficient financial means that can cover your expenses in the duration of the intended stay
- A medical travel insurance
- Visa fee payment receipt
There are additionally required or supporting documents from certain applicants:
Employed:
- Proof of employment such as work contract if applicable
- Bank statement of the last six months
Self-Employed:
- A copy of the last income tax or relevant bank statements or documents
- Proof of business such as bank statements, invoices or receipts
Student:
- Proof of enrollment and no objection certificate from the registered school
- Sponsorship documents if the applicant cannot support himself/herself financially during the period of the stay
Retired:
- Proof of pension of the last six months
What is Visa Sponsorship for Serbia?
Visa sponsorship is required in Serbia if the applicant cannot cover his/her expenses for educational or touristic purposes by own in the duration of the stay. A sponsor could be a parent, sibling, other relatives, or a friend. However, it would increase chances to obtain a visa if the sponsor is a first-degree relative or has a permanent residence permit or citizenship in Serbia or a Schengen country. The required documents from the sponsor are:
- A signed sponsorship letter that clearly states the relationship with the applicant, information on how and what expenses going to be covered, personal and contact info of both the applicant and the sponsor, and accommodation details of the applicant
- A scanned copy of the ID
- Proof of sufficient funds such as bank statements or payroll
- Proof of estate or business ownership if applicable
- Signatory circulars
Visa sponsorship for Serbia can also be granted for long-term or short-term stays regarding business, legal, or cultural purposes by legal entities, businesses, or individuals. You can check our website for more details about visa sponsorships.
Serbia Visa Rules
There are many countries across the globe can enter Serbia without a visa. If your country is not eligible for visa-free entry to Serbia, you need to obtain a Serbia visa and take consideration of the following visa rules:
- The passport should be valid for more than three months from the expected day of arrival to Serbia.
- The passport should not be older than ten years and contain at least two blank pages.
- The visa application form of the children under 18 years of age must also be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
- Visitors should register their place of accommodation within 24 hours from the time of arrival to the local police department if they are not staying in a hotel that can register for them.
Serbia Visa Requirements
Serbia Visa Requirements for Schengen and EU Countries
Citizens of Schengen and EU countries should not have any problems while entering Serbia since they are eligible for a visa-free entry to the country.
Serbia Visa Requirements for US, UK, and Canada
Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada can visit Serbia without a visa if:
- Their passport is valid for more than three months from the expected time of arrival to Serbia,
- They can provide proof of sufficient financial means,
- Purpose of visit is clear and well-documented.
Serbia Visa Requirements for Kosovo Citizens
Although Serbia does not recognize the border between Kosovo and Serbia, it is possible for Kosovo citizens to enter Serbia without a visa.
Serbia Visa Fees
Serbia short-stay visa types listed below exclusively include the visa. Keep in mind that there might be additional payments expected from the applicant such as consular fees, service fees of the outsourced visa companies, or application form fees. The current Serbia visa fees valid as of March 2020 are as follows:
| Single Entry Tourism Visa | EUR 60 |
It is important to consult Serbia visa fees with responsible embassies since they are subject to change.
NOTE: This article was prepared in March 2020. Please check up-to-date information published by official sources.
