Serbia Visa
Do you need a visa to visit Serbia? Find your nearest Serbia Embassy.
Visit Government WebsiteAs of 2025, most foreign nationals may enter Serbia without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, business, or private travel. However, travellers planning to stay longer or enter Serbia for purposes not covered by visa-free agreements must apply for the appropriate visa type in advance.
Serbia now offers online visa application processing via the Welcome to Serbia portal and has introduced digital travel authorisations (e-visas) as of April 23, 2025. This guidance is based on the latest updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia.
Requirements to Apply for a Serbia Visa
Travellers required to apply for a Serbian visa must provide the following documentation:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the end of the intended stay)
- Completed visa application form (available via the Welcome to Serbia portal or at the embassy)
- Recent photograph (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
- Letter of invitation (if visiting for private, business, or official reasons)
- Confirmed return or onward travel itinerary
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel medical insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or equivalent financial documentation)
Additional documents may be requested based on the visa type and individual case. All travellers are strongly advised to consult the latest entry and transit requirements published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia or their local Serbian consulate prior to departure.
For more information on visas to Serbia, you can visit their Embassy page.
Visit Embassy PageWho Needs a Visa to Visit Serbia?
Most travellers are eligible for visa-free entry into Serbia for tourism or business purposes for a period of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Visa-Free Entry Applies to:
- Citizens of countries with bilateral or unilateral visa exemption agreements
- Holders of valid visas or residence permits issued by:
- United States of America
- Schengen Area States
- The UK
- European Union Member States
Such travellers are permitted to stay for up to 90 days within a 6-month period.
When You Need a Visa
You are required to apply for a visa if:
You plan to stay in Serbia for more than 90 days within any 180-day period
You are travelling for employment, study, family reunification, or long-term residence
You are a citizen of a non-exempt country or your travel purpose falls outside of standard tourist/business reasons
Visa Processing Time
Visa processing timelines vary depending on the type of visa, applicant’s nationality, and consular workload at the time of submission. However, general estimates are as follows:
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Standard processing time is typically between 5 to 21 business days from the date of complete application submission (including all required forms and documents).
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Applicants will be notified of the outcome via email or SMS once a decision has been made.
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Extended processing times may occur during peak periods, such as summer holidays, university intake periods, and year-end travel surges.
To avoid delays, applicants are strongly advised to submit their visa application at least 4 to 6 weeks before their intended travel date, allowing for both appointment availability and potential administrative review.
Appointment Waiting Times
Waiting periods for visa appointments can vary significantly depending on the location of the Serbian diplomatic mission, the type of visa, and seasonal demand.
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Average waiting time: Typically ranges from 1 to 4 weeks, though this can extend during peak travel seasons (such as summer or winter holidays).
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Regional variation: Embassies in high-demand areas may experience longer queues compared to smaller consular posts.
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Advance booking is strongly recommended, ideally several weeks in advance, to ensure a suitable appointment slot and avoid last-minute delays.
Applicants are advised to check with the specific embassy or consulate for current availability and appointment booking procedures.
Who Can Visit Serbia Without a Visa?
Nationals of the following countries may visit Serbia without a visa for stays of up to 30 or 90 days, depending on the country:
Visa-Free for Up to 90 Days:
- Citizens of most European countries, Schengen states, UK, United States, Canada, Australia, and many Latin American and Asian nations
Visa-Free for Up to 30 Days:
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Burundi
- Colombia
- Guinea-Bissau
- India
- Indonesia
- Paraguay
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Belarus
- Russia
- China
- Kazakhstan
- Suriname
Visa-Free for Up to 14 Days:
- Hong Kong SAR passport holders
Note: Visa exemption conditions are subject to change. Always consult your local Serbian consulate or the Welcome to Serbia portal for confirmation.
For detailed information on specific parts of the general visa process, you can refer to the links below to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
Serbia Visa Types
Serbia offers two primary categories of visas: Short-Stay (C) and Long-Stay (D).
Short-Stay Visa (Visa C)
- Valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period
- Permits single, double, or multiple entries
Issued for:
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- Tourism
- Business meetings
- Educational travel (e.g., school excursions)
- Official events or political gatherings
Long-Stay Visa (Visa D)
- Valid for up to one year
- Often used as the basis for applying for temporary residence
- Issued for:
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- Employment
- Academic study
- Family reunification
- Research
- Religious or humanitarian activities
All long-stay visas require comprehensive documentation and are subject to additional review.
Where to Apply for a Serbia Visa
Online:
- Digital applications may be submitted through the official Welcome to Serbia portal
In Person:
- Apply at the Serbian Embassy or Consulate General in your country of residence
Applicants are advised to begin the process early to avoid delays related to appointment scheduling and processing.
What to Do if Your Serbia Visa Is Refused
If your visa application is refused:
- Contact the Serbian embassy or consulate that issued the decision to understand the grounds for refusal
- You may:
- Reapply with updated or corrected documents
- Appeal the decision in writing to the embassy that denied the visa
Common reasons for refusal include:
- Incomplete documentation
- Unpaid visa fee
- Unsatisfactory passport condition
- False or misleading information on the application
- Failure to meet the financial or insurance requirements
Appeals must address the specific grounds for denial and include all relevant supporting material.
Actionable Instruction:
Apply for your Serbia visa at least four weeks before your planned travel date. Ensure that you meet all documentation requirements, and consult the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the Welcome to Serbia portal for digital application and updates. If you qualify for visa-free entry, ensure your stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period, and carry proof of insurance and financial support.