Serbia visa
Table of contents
Traveling to Serbia
A landlocked country located in Southeast Europe, Serbia is known for its rich heritage and culture. Many international travelers visit for tourism, study, medical treatment, and a variety of other purposes.
Although citizens from around 95 countries can visit Serbia visa-free or with a visa on arrival, citizens from other countries are required to obtain visas to enter Serbia. Additionally, foreign nationals holding a valid US, Schengen, UK, and EU Member States' visa or residence permit can enter Serbia visa-free and stay 90 days within a 6-month period.
Serbia visa types
There are two main categories of Serbia visas available for applicants.
- Short-Stay Visa (visa C): Also known as the Serbia tourist visa, this visa allows a maximum 90-day stay within a validity period of 6 months or 1 year from the traveler’s arrival date. Issued as single or double entries for tourism, business and other short-term travel purposes for the following Serbian visas:
- Tourist visa
- Business visa
- Other travel purposes visa
- Long-Stay Visa (visa D) allows a 90 or 180-day stay for purposes requiring longer stay durations.
Serbia visa requirements
To apply for a Serbian Visa, you will have to submit several documents depending on the purpose of the trip, the type of visa you are applying for, and your country of citizenship. However, some documents are required for all types of visas including:
Passport
The passport or other travel document must be valid for at least three months after the planned departure from Serbia.
Application form
A duly completed and signed Serbia visa application form
Personal photo
Photos must be recent, meet the standard passport dimensions of 3.5 x 4.5 cm, and be in color
Tickets
A round trip or onward ticket (copy of driving license and insurance if you travel by car)
Sufficient funds
Proof of sufficient funds for staying in Serbia
Health insurance
Applicants are required to have health insurance that covers them for their entire stay in Serbia
Invitation letter
- For a private visit: invitation letter certified by the relevant authority of the Republic of Serbia
- For a business visit: invitation letter by a company in Serbia;
- For a tourist trip: proof of payment for the trip issued by a travel agency (voucher or other types of payment receipt)
Financial means
Bank statement or credit card statement
Payment
Applicants should show proof that they paid the necessary visa fees
Serbia visa application
You can apply for a Serbian visa at any Serbian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The application process is as follows:
- Fill out the visa application form
• Duly print and sign where necessary
- Book an appointment
• Contact your nearby embassy or consulate
- Attend your appointment / submit your application
• Make sure to attend your appointment on time and submit your application
• After submission, an email of confirmation will be sent to you. - Pay your visa fees
• Pay the specific fee for the visa category you intend to apply for
• For additional details on key payment methods, such as the specified banks for payment, routing numbers, etc., applicants should also consult their consulate. - Wait for your visa decision
• After your application is submitted, you must wait for a decision from the consulate. The entire visa process can take anywhere from 21 to 30 days to process.
• If your application is successful, you will be sent an email letting you know when your application has been decided. If you're eligible, you must provide your passport to the embassy in order to receive your visa.
Where to apply for Serbia visa
You can apply for a Serbian visa at any Serbian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Applicants should note that they might be required to schedule an interview at the embassy or consulate.
It is also important to note that there is no e-Visa or online visa application for Serbia visas except in the case of a visa extension or approval of a residence permit, in which applicants must have a long-stay visa (Visa D) previously issued by the diplomatic and consular mission of the Republic of Serbia abroad. Hence, all applicants must submit paper applications.
Serbia visa processing time
A typical visa application process takes 21 days to complete. The process may take up to 30 days when necessary and for worthwhile or unforeseen causes.
Serbia visa FAQ
To get a visa to Serbia, you must apply at any Serbian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The application process is easy and its processes are explained above. Applicants can also check if they fall under countries that have a visa-free agreement with Serbia.
The process of finding a job in Serbia is relatively easy, although the competition for jobs can be high. There are many job websites and agencies that can help you find a job that suits your skills and qualifications.
However, you cannot work in Serbia without a valid residence permit. To apply for a residence permit, you must have previously applied and successfully received a long-stay visa (Visa-D) and you ought to have a job offer from a Serbian employer. Once you have found a job, your employer will help you with the application process.
No, Serbia is not a Schengen country nor is it an EU country. However, foreign nationals with a valid visa or residence permit from the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, or a Schengen country may enter, transit through, or remain in the Republic of Serbia for up to 90 days within a six-month period, without applying for a visa in advance, but not longer than the expiration date of their respective visas or residence permits.
The process of acquiring Serbian nationality is quite straightforward and can be done in the following ways:
- Through naturalization, if you have legally resided in Serbia for at least five years
- By descent, if you have at least one parent who is a Serbian citizen
- By marriage, if you are married to a Serbian citizen for at least three years.
You will also be required to pass a Serbian language test and have a basic knowledge of Serbian culture and history.
