Serbia Visa Guide

Serbia remains one of Europe’s most accessible and underrated destinations, but entry rules depend on your nationality, length of stay, and purpose of travel. Some travelers can enter visa-free, others must apply in advance.

This guide provides all the information you need about Serbia's visa and entry rules.

Table of contents

• Serbia Visa Policy
• Serbia Visa-Free Countries
• How to Apply for Serbia Visa Online: Step-by-step
• Documents Required for Serbia Visa Application
• Serbia Visa Photo Requirements
• Get a Serbia Visa Photo Online
• Mobile Visa Photo Converter
• Serbia Visa Processing Time
• Serbia Visa Validity and Fees
• How to Check Serbia Visa Status?

Serbia Visa Policy

Serbia is an independent country in Europe, and it has its own visa rules. Most visitors to Serbia require a visa unless they are from an exempt country.

The type of visa depends on the purpose of your trip:

• Short Stay Visa (Serbia visa type C) – For tourism, business, or short visits. Allows stays of up to 90 days within a six-month period. It can be for single or multiple entries and is valid for up to one year.
• Long Stay Visa (Serbia visa type D) – For stays between 90 and 180 days. It is ideal for those planning to apply for temporary residence in Serbia.

Can you enter Serbia with a Schengen visa? – Serbia is not a member of the Schengen Area or the European Union (EU). However, citizens or travelers with a valid visa of Schengen countries can visit Serbia without a visa for short stays.

Travelers who hold a valid visa or are residents of Cyprus, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States can enter Serbia without needing a separate Serbian visa as well. This visa-free entry is allowed for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, as long as their existing visa remains valid for the entire duration of their stay in Serbia.

If your country is not eligible for visa-free entry, you will need to get a Serbian visa. Here's what you need to know:

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your expected arrival date in Serbia. It should not be older than ten years and must have at least two blank pages.
• If the applicant is under 18, the visa application form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
• You must register your place of stay within 24 hours of arrival at the local police department unless you are staying in a hotel that can register for you.

Special Guidance for Kosovo:

• Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s government authority. So, you cannot enter Serbia from Kosovo unless you have previously entered Serbia from another recognized crossing and received a Serbian entry stamp.
• If you fly into Belgrade and then drive directly to Kosovo (without passing through another country), you can re-enter Serbia from Kosovo.
• If you enter Kosovo from a third country and plan to travel to Serbia by land, you must exit Kosovo and enter Serbia through either the Serbia-Macedonia or Serbia-Montenegro border.

Serbia Visa-Free Countries

Citizens holding ordinary passports from the following countries and territories can enter Serbia without a visa for specified periods:

90 days within any 180 days:

• All European Union member states
• Albania
• Andorra
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Australia
• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Costa Rica
• Dominica
• Georgia
• Grenada
• Iceland
• Israel
• Japan
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Liechtenstein
• Macao
• Mexico
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Oman
• Palau
• Peru
• Qatar
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• San Marino
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkey
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Uruguay
• Vatican City

30 days:

• Belarus
• China
• Kazakhstan
• Russia

30 days within 1 year:

• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Colombia
• Indonesia
• Jamaica
• Paraguay
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

14 days:

• Hong Kong

How to apply for a Serbia visa online: Step-by-step

As of March 2026, Serbia does not operate a fully digital visa system for all nationalities and visa types. The online platform is available mainly for certain short-stay (C) visa pre-applications and for extensions or specific categories. Most applicants from visa-required countries must still complete the process through a Serbian embassy or consulate.

To begin, visit evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs and create an account using your email address. The platform allows eligible applicants to submit an online application or manage visa extensions where applicable.

You will need to upload a scanned copy of your passport’s bio page. Your passport must remain valid for at least 90 days beyond your planned departure from Serbia. Depending on your nationality and visa type, biometric data may still need to be provided in person at an embassy or designated location.

If you already hold Serbian temporary residence or have a registration number (EBS), you may be required to upload proof. First-time applicants who have never stayed in Serbia can skip this step.

Complete the online form with your personal details, travel purpose (such as tourism or business), intended dates of stay, accommodation information, proof of sufficient funds (commonly calculated at around €50 per day), and valid travel medical insurance (minimum coverage typically €20,000). Visa fees for short-stay C visas generally range between €35 and €70, depending on nationality and reciprocity rules. Payment is made online where available.

After submission, you can track your application status through your account. If approved, you may receive electronic confirmation. However, many applicants are still required to visit a Serbian embassy or consulate to provide biometrics or have the visa sticker placed in their passport. Processing times usually range from 15 to 30 days, depending on the diplomatic mission and the time of year.

Long-stay (D) visas and residence permits are normally processed in person at a Serbian diplomatic mission. Visa-free nationals do not apply for a visa online; they are only subject to registration requirements after arrival where applicable. Always verify current requirements with official Serbian authorities before applying, as eligibility for online processing depends on nationality and visa category.

Documents Required for Serbia Visa Application

To apply for a Serbian visa, you’ll need to gather and submit the following documents:

• Valid passport. Your passport should be valid for at least 90 days beyond your return date. It must have at least two blank pages and be in good condition.
• Two photos. These must be recent (taken within the last six months), in color, and passport-sized.
• Application form. Complete the form accurately with current information. Avoid leaving any sections blank and do not provide false information, as this could result in your visa being denied.
• Fee payment. You can pay the visa fee at the consulate or embassy when you submit your documents. Be sure to include the payment receipt with the other documents.
• Travel medical insurance. Provide proof that you have valid health insurance covering EUR 20,000 within Serbia in case you encounter any medical issues.
• Bank statements. Submit bank statements from the last six months to show that you are financially stable and can support yourself during your stay in Serbia.
• Proof of booked flight itinerary. This should include the date and time of your flights, the airline, and details of your return flight.
• Proof of accommodation. Provide evidence that you have a place to stay during your time in Serbia. This could be an invitation letter from a friend or family member, a rental agreement, or a hotel reservation.
• Letter of invitation. Depending on the purpose of your visit, you will need one of the following:
  • From a friend or family member if you are visiting for personal reasons.
  • From a business in Serbia if you are traveling for work.
  • Proof of traveling with a travel agency if you are visiting Serbia as a tourist.

Serbia Visa Photo Requirements

When preparing a photo for your Serbia visa application, make sure it meets these Serbian visa requirements:

• The photo must be taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
• Serbia visa photo size must be 3.5×4.5 cm.
• The background must be plain white or off-white.
• The photo must be in color.
• Your head should occupy between 50% and 69% of the image height, measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
• Face the camera directly with a neutral expression and both eyes open.
• Avoid wearing uniforms, except for religious attire that you wear daily.
• No hats or head coverings that obscure your hair or hairline, unless worn for religious reasons. The head covering must not cast shadows on your face, and your entire face should be visible.
• Eyeglasses are not allowed except for medical reasons.

Here is an example:

Get a Serbia Visa Photo Online

Studies have shown that visa applications that include professional-quality photos can lead to a higher Serbia visa success rate. Enhance your chances of approval by getting your Serbia visa image with Visafoto.com, a photo editing service with a 99.7% approval rate.

Find a well-lit spot in your home. Take a photo against a plain white background using your phone or digital camera and upload your photo to Visafoto.com.

Visafoto will adjust the image size, format, background color, and face positioning to make sure it fits Serbia visa requirements. You'll get a digital copy for online applications and a print-ready version. Not happy with the result? We will offer a full refund.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID:

You will get 2 types of photos: for online submission and for printing on 4x6" paper:

Mobile Visa Photo Converter

Convert your Serbia visa picture to the required size and format quickly with the 7ID App by Visafoto.com, available for both iPhones and Android devices.

Using the app is simple: Upload your photo and select the document type and country.

7ID takes care of everything by adjusting the size, format, and background color, and making sure your face and eye line are properly centered. You’ll receive a digital file and a print template that fits standard paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.

For top-quality results, use 7ID's Expert Tool, which enhances your photos using advanced algorithms, regardless of the background. If you have questions, our tech support team is available 24/7 to help.

Serbia Visa Processing Time

For applications submitted through a Serbian embassy or consulate, the standard processing time is up to 30 calendar days under the Law on Foreigners. In practice, most decisions are issued within 21–30 days, depending on the diplomatic mission and the season.

Applications submitted through the eVisa or eVisitor system, where eligible, are usually processed faster. Many short-stay electronic submissions are reviewed within 5–15 business days, although timelines may vary. Delays are more common during peak travel periods, public holidays, or when documents are incomplete. To avoid last-minute issues, it is advisable to apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure.

Serbia Visa Validity and Fees

Serbia visa fees vary depending on the visa type, number of entries, and nationality. Fees are typically paid in local currency according to the exchange rate applied by the diplomatic mission on the day of payment.

• Short-stay Visa (C): The standard fee is generally €90. This visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and may be issued as single or multiple entry. The overall validity of a C visa can extend up to one year, depending on the case.
• Long-stay Visa (D): The standard fee is generally €50. This visa is issued for stays between 90 and 180 days and is typically granted for purposes such as employment, study, family reunification, or residence arrangements. In certain cases, it may be issued with validity of up to one year.

An additional administrative fee of approximately €2 may apply for the physical visa sticker where applicable. Certain nationalities benefit from bilateral fee exemptions or reduced fees. Children under six years of age are often exempt from the main visa fee and may only pay the administrative sticker charge. If applying through an external visa center, additional service fees may apply.

How to Check Serbia Visa Status

Applicants who submitted their request online can track their status through the eForeigner portal after logging into their account. You will typically need your passport number or application reference number to view the current status, which may show as pending, approved, or rejected.

If your visa was issued electronically, approval is usually sent by email and made available in your online account in PDF format. Digital visas may include a QR code that can be verified at the border. Applicants who submitted documents in person should contact the relevant Serbian embassy or consulate directly for status updates.

Tip: Always use official government portals when checking your visa status or submitting applications. Ensure that your visa photo meets Serbian specifications (3.5 × 4.5 cm) to avoid processing delays.

Last Update: March 2026