Serbia is a landlocked country in the heart of the Balkans, bordered by Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania (via Kosovo), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro. Though not a European Union member, Serbia is an EU candidate country and has visa-free agreements with the EU and numerous other countries. Serbia’s visa policy is governed by its Law on Foreigners and bilateral agreements. Since 2024, Serbia also accepts online visa applications for eligible nationalities.
Citizens of a large number of countries may enter Serbia visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, mirroring the Schengen Area’s standard. EU citizens may also enter using their national identity card (without a passport).
2.1 Visa-Free — 90 Days / 180 Days
Countries with 90-Day Visa-Free Access (selected) • All European Union member states (with national ID card accepted) • United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein • United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand • Japan, South Korea, Israel, Singapore • Turkey, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia • Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Colombia • UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar • Approximately 50+ additional bilateral partners
2.2 Visa-Free — 30 Days
Countries with 30-Day Visa-Free Access • Belarus — 30 days visa-free • China — 30 days visa-free (with fee exemption for Chinese nationals, see Section 4) • Kazakhstan — 30 days visa-free • Russia — 30 days visa-free • Suriname — 30 days visa-free
2.3 Visa-Free — Extended / Indefinite
Countries with Extended Stay Provisions • Bahamas, Barbados, Colombia, Indonesia, Jamaica, Paraguay, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: 30 days visa-free, extendable up to 1 year • Hong Kong (SAR): 14 days visa-free
3. Substitute Visa Policy
Serbia accepts valid visas or residence permits from select third countries as a substitute for a Serbian visa. This allows holders of these documents to enter Serbia without applying for a separate Serbian visa, provided their third-country visa/permit is valid for re-entry.
Accepted Substitute Visas / Permits • Valid Schengen Area visa or residence permit • Valid United Kingdom visa or residence permit • Valid United States visa or residence permit • All must be valid at the time of entry and permit re-entry to the issuing country
4. Visa Fee Exemptions
Serbia has bilateral arrangements with certain countries for visa fee exemptions, meaning nationals of those countries who require a visa may apply without paying the standard visa fee.
Visa Fee Exemption Countries • Armenia — visa required but fees exempted • China — visa fee exemptions apply under current bilateral agreement
5. Visa Types and Requirements
For those who require a visa, Serbia issues several categories. Since 2024, applications can be submitted online through Serbia’s e-Visa portal in addition to in-person at Serbian embassies.
5.1 Tourist Visa (Type C)
Tourist Visa Requirements • Valid passport (minimum 6 months beyond intended stay) • Completed visa application form • Recent passport-size photographs • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, host invitation) • Travel itinerary and flight reservations • Proof of financial means (bank statements, minimum EUR 50/day) • Travel health insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage) • Payment of visa fee (approximately EUR 60 for single entry)
5.2 Business Visa (Type C)
Business Visa Additional Requirements • All standard tourist visa documents • Invitation letter from Serbian company or organisation • Proof of business registration in home country • Letter from employer
5.3 Work Visa / Temporary Residence
Work Visa / Temporary Residence Requirements • Employment contract or letter of offer from Serbian employer • Work permit issued by the National Employment Service (NES) • Proof of professional qualifications • Health certificate • Police clearance certificate • Proof of accommodation in Serbia
6. Online Visa Application (since 2024)
Since 2024, Serbia has enabled online visa applications through its e-Visa system. Eligible applicants can complete their application online, upload required documents, and pay fees electronically. The e-Visa is typically processed within 5–10 working days. Applicants receive their visa electronically and must print it for presentation at the border.
7. Accommodation Registration
All foreign nationals staying in Serbia — including visa-free visitors — are required to register their address with the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels and hostels perform this registration automatically. Visitors staying in private accommodation (including Airbnb) are personally responsible for registering at the nearest police station or municipality office. Failure to register is a civil offence subject to a fine.
8. General Entry Requirements
Requirements for All Visitors • Valid passport or national ID card (EU citizens only) • Visa or proof of visa-free eligibility • Proof of sufficient funds • Return or onward ticket • Health insurance (recommended, required for visa applicants) • Register with police within 24 hours if in private accommodation
