Serbia Visa Guide
Considering Serbia for your next trip? This Balkan country, with its picturesque hills, ancient architecture, and diverse flora, offers a rich blend of history and culture. But, do you need a visa to go to Serbia?
This guide provides all the information you need about Serbia's visa policy, including how to get a Serbia visa, and where to take a perfect visa photo.
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 Serbia Visa Online: Step-by-step
For an online Serbia visa application, follow these simple steps:
- Go to the official Serbia visa application portal and register yourself by creating an account.
- Confirm your identity by submitting the document electronically. For that, you will need your passport or ID Card.
- If you have a foreigner's registration number (EBS), you will also need to attach a photo of the sticker that has this number on it.
- Follow the instructions on the portal to find out how to fill out the visa application form and how to collect the visa.
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 three months 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
The processing time for a Serbia visa usually takes about 21 days, but sometimes it can extend up to 30 days.
Serbia Visa Validity and Fees
Serbia visa price depends on the duration of your stay
- Short-stay visa (up to three months within 180 days): EUR 60.
- Long-stay visa (up to one year): EUR 30.
Once your visa is approved, you'll also need to pay EUR 2 for the visa sticker issued by the Serbian authorities
How to Check Serbia Visa Status?
For your Serbia visa tracking, go to the e-Services Portal, where you applied for your visa. Navigate to the section of the visa status checks. Enter the required information, such as your passport number and/or application reference number, in the relevant fields and check your visa status.
Maximize your chances of success with a perfect visa photo for Serbia using Visafoto.com or 7ID!