Serbia is a historic country with rich prehistoric buildings and antiques. People are fascinated by the historic architecture of this country as they still stand to date. These structures attract a lot of visitors to Serbia and like the other members of the Schengen agreement, Serbia is not lacking economically and infrastructure.
In recent years, Serbia has seen an increase in foreign visitors with most visiting Belgrade (which is the capital of Serbia). Records show that tourism has contributed to the employment rate of the country by employing well above 3% of the country’s workforce. Since 2009, the average international visitors per year is 86,854.
Recently, the Serbian Government has announced that Indians do not need a visa to enter Serbia. Making Serbia the first European country to grant Indians visa-free entry. With this update in policy, Indians can transit through, enter, or stay in Serbia visa-free.
Serbian Visa Types, Processing Time And Duration
| VISA TYPE | PROCESSING TIME | VALIDITY |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | 15 to 20 days | 3 Months |
| Business | 15 to 20 days | 3 Months |
| Short Stay | 15 to 20 days | 30 to 90 days |
| Transit | 15 to 20 days | Up to 6 months |
| Temporary Residence | 15 to 20 days | 6 months |
Suggested Visa Type for Different Individuals:
There are basically three major types of visas you can apply for when you are planning to visit Serbia. There is a business visa, a tourist visa, and a short-stay visa. Although Indians do not need to apply for the short-stay visa because of the new visa-free entry policy by the Serbian government.
- Business Visa: This visa is for anyone who wants to visit Serbia for any type of business. If you want to go to Serbia for a business you will need to acquire the business visa before you will be allowed to do business.
- Tourist Visa: If you want to go on a vacation to Serbia, your perfect choice visa is the tourist visa.
- Short stay visa: If you are planning to visit a family member or transit through Serbia, you need a short-stay visa.
- Transit Visa: You can obtain this visa when you are planning to transit through Serbia to another country. This visa gives you the eligibility to change planes from a Serbian airport to another country provided you are permitted to enter into that particular country.
- Temporary Residence Visa: If you wish to live in Serbia for a particular period of time. Therefore, the temporary residence visa is what you need to apply for as this visa type gives you the eligibility to live in Serbia temporarily. Although one important requirement is that you provide valid proof of reasons why you want to stay in the country.
General Requirements for Serbian Visa for Indians
- A valid travel document is required or a valid bilateral agreed identity card by the Government of Serbia
- Proof of sufficient funds for a minimum of €50 per day expenditure for each day of stay should be provided.
- Proof of vaccination or clearance notes that the visa applicant does not have a contagious disease when visiting from any pandemic disease-affected areas, as stated by the Ministry of Health.
- In the case of underage children, certified authorization is needed from either a single parent when the child is travelling with the other parent or both parent when the child is travelling with a third party.
- Health insurance money is recommended for the period of stay with a minimum of €20,000
How to Apply for Serbia Visa
To apply for a Serbian visa, follow these simple steps;
- Step 1: Ensure you have satisfied all the general requirements and have all the required documents ready.
- Step 2: Download the visa application form from the Republic of Serbia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and it out accurately and completely.
- Step 3: Visit the nearest Serbian diplomatic-consular or embassy to you.
- Step 4: Pay the visa fee.
- Step 5: Go for your scheduled visa interview/appointment.
- Step 6: Wait for your visa application process to be completed.
To download the official Serbia visa application form, follow this link: www.mfa.gov.rs/en/images/stories/pdf/visaform_lat.pdf
After downloading the form, all you need to do is fill it out correctly then, submit with the other requirements to the nearest diplomatic-consular (embassy) to you. Please, you need to note that the diplomatic-consulate can request for additional documents and if the application form is not filled correctly or completely your visa application may be rejected.
Tourist Visa:
- This visa is meant for anyone planning a vacation to Serbia.
- This visa is valid for 3 months and the processing time typically goes for 15 to 20 business days. This visa is just valid for a single entry.
- This visa’s overall cost is RSD16,800
- With this visa you are allowed to visit any location you wish in Serbia although you are not permitted to conduct any form of business with this type of visa.
- The most important criteria that help you get this visa is providing proper valid documents from the travel agency you used.
Business Visa:
- This visa is for anyone looking to do any form of business in Serbia.
- This visa is only valid for a maximum of 3 months, to get this visa, the processing time typically takes 15 to 20 business days, and it is for a single entry.
- The overall fee for this visa is RSD17,500
- You are only allowed to conduct the business you have specified in your visa application form.
- To definitely get this visa you need a valid letter of invitation from a company or valid business in Serbia.
Temporary Residence Visa:
- If you wish to live in Serbia for a limited period, you are required to obtain the temporary residence visa.
- Unlike the short-stay visa, this visa type gives you the opportunity to stay in Serbia for more than 90 days. The validity period is agreed upon during the visa application process.
- With this visa, you are eligible to do business and visit any part of the country for the speculated validity period.
- One major requirement you need to consider for this visa type is the provision of a valid proof of reasons.
Serbia Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Total fees for a single entry (RSD) | Total fees for multiple entries (RSD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | 16,800 | 17,500 |
| Business | 16,800 | 17,500 |
| Short-stay | 16,800 | 17,500 |
| Transit | 16,800 | 17,500 |
| Temporary | 16,800 | 17,500 |
However, these fees might not be applicable to Indians since the Serbian Government offers visa-free entry for Indians.
Reasons for Visa Denial/Rejection
A visa application or entry in Serbia can be denied based on the following factors such as;
- Lack of valid documents.
- Insufficient fund for a period of stay. The minimum amount required is €50 per day for the duration of stay.
- If the requirements to enter into the third country is not met when in transit.
- If a certificate of vaccination or any other proof of sound health is not provided when coming from different areas affected by an outbreak of communicable diseases, determined by the information given by the Ministry of Health;
- In the case where he/she has an international criminal record.
- Finally, if the authorities have any reason to believe that the visit we will be used for a different purpose from the one originally stated.
To avoid your visa being rejected you need to ensure that:
- A properly filled the visa application form is provided.
- Only valid documents are provided.
- Do not falsify any document or part of the application form.
Serbian Visa Application Centres in India
| Address | Phone number | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/50 G Niti Marg Chanakyapuri, 110021, New Delhi, India | +91-11-26873661 +91-11-26872073 | embscgdelhi@vsnl.net zvezda@del2.vsnl.net.in | http://www.newdelhi.mfa.gov.rs |
| Address | Phone number | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPP Complex 324 Anna Salai Nandanam, CHENNAI, 600035 Mr. Kartik Narayanan, 32.Maharaja Surya Rao Road Alwarpet, 600018, Chennai, India | +91-44-24320792 | cvkn@ucalauto.com | http://www.ucalauto.com |
| Address | Phone number | |
|---|---|---|
| 407 Crystal Paradise The Mall, Off Veera Desai Road Andheri (West), 400 053, Mumbai, India | +91-22-67253841 +91-22-67253842 | hcconsulofserbiamumbai@gmail.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a work permit to as student?
Not necessarily. You do not need to have a work permit if you have a student permit. Although you will only be entitled to do small jobs such as hotel attendant, room service jobs, office clerk and the likes.
During my visa interview, what do I need to avoid?
In your visa interview, make sure you avoid any form of argument with the visa official. Also, make sure you are calm and relaxed before going in for the interview.
What are the hardest adjustments to make when visiting Serbia
When visiting Serbia as a foreigner, there can be a few challenges when it comes to adaptation. One of the hardest adjustments might be the kind of food served in Serbia. Most especially if you are not a meat lover, adjusting to the Serbian cuisine can be very hard.
What should I be cautious of while visiting Serbia?
On visiting Serbia, if you do not speak or understand the native language it is best to avoid rural areas as you may not find anyone who understands English or any foreign language. Also, you should be cautious of crowded areas and people selling on the streets as there are lots of scammers. Additionally, only take taxis that has TX boldly written on the plate.
What should be avoided in social gatherings when visiting Serbia?
One major topic any foreigner visiting Serbia should avoid in social gatherings is anything related to war like the Kosovo or Yugoslavia wars. Additionally, you should avoid anything politically inclined.
