Travel Guide: Uk To Serbia

If you're a UK citizen with a British passport, you can travel to Serbia without a visa for up to 90 days within a 6-month period, as long as your passport is valid for at least 90 days after you plan to leave Serbia. There are currently no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Serbia, but it is recommended to wear a mask in enclosed environments.

No COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements

If you are a British citizen travelling to Serbia from the UK, you do not need to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or any vaccination documents to enter the country. The Serbian authorities have lifted the requirement for travellers to fill out the Serbia Self-assessment Form, which was previously used to inform the Serbian government of a traveller's health status and possible COVID-19 symptoms.

There are also no COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers entering Serbia. Pre-departure tests are no longer required, and travellers are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the country. Additionally, travellers from the United Kingdom are not required to quarantine upon arrival in Serbia.

While there are no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry into Serbia, the Serbian government still recommends wearing masks indoors to prevent the spread of the virus. It is important to note that the authorities in Serbia set and enforce entry rules, and these requirements are subject to change. Therefore, it is recommended to check the Serbian Embassy in the UK or official Serbian government sources for the most up-to-date information before planning your travel.

When travelling to Serbia, it is important to ensure that your passport meets the necessary requirements. Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days after the date you plan to leave Serbia. It is also recommended to get your passport stamped upon entering the country. Failure to obtain an entry stamp can result in charges of illegal immigration, fines, and even a prison sentence when attempting to leave without the proper documentation.

Passport validity and visas

Your passport must meet the following two requirements:

• It must be valid for at least 90 days from the date you plan to leave Serbia.
• It must have at least two empty pages.

If you are travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK, you do not need a visa to enter Serbia. You can visit Serbia without a visa for up to 90 days within a 6-month period, for business or tourism.

If you are travelling on a British travel document for aliens or refugees, you will need an entry visa for Serbia.

If you are a UK resident but not a British citizen, you may need a visa to enter Serbia. Check with the Serbian Embassy in the UK.

If you are travelling on a national passport and have a UK visa permitting you to return to the UK, you may enter Serbia without a visa and stay for 90 days within a 6-month period. Your stay should not exceed the dates stated in the UK visa.

If you are a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, you may travel to Serbia without a visa for up to 90 days within a 6-month period. You may travel with your national ID card.

If you are a citizen of India, Indonesia, Georgia, the People's Republic of China, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Paraguay, Colombia, Guinea-Bissau, Suriname, Thailand, Guatemala, or Taiwan, you will need to apply for a visa or entrance permit to enter Serbia. Check with the Serbian Embassy in the UK for more information.

Registering with the police

As of November 2024, UK citizens can travel to Serbia without a visa for up to 90 days within a 6-month period, for business or tourism. There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Serbia.

If you are visiting Serbia for a short stay, e.g. vacation, you do not need to register with the police. However, if you are staying in Serbia for longer and intend to apply for a residence permit, you must register with the local police within 24 hours of your arrival. This can be done at the Department for Foreigners in Omaldinskih brigada Street no. 1. You will be given a 'white card' that serves as proof of official residence, which is required for opening a bank account and performing other business with private companies.

If you are staying in a hotel, check-in staff will register you automatically. However, if you are staying in other accommodation, such as Airbnbs, the landlord may be unwilling or unable to register your stay, which could place you in technical violation of the laws. Therefore, it is recommended to use an accommodation service that can facilitate your registration with the police.

Failure to register with the police within 24 hours of your arrival in Serbia may result in a fine, arrest, and a court appearance.

Customs and declarations

When travelling to Serbia from the UK, there are several customs and declarations requirements to keep in mind. Here is some detailed information to help you prepare for your trip:

Passport and Visa Requirements:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days after the date you plan to leave Serbia. It is important to ensure your passport meets the validity requirements, as entry may be denied if it is not valid for the required period.
• British citizens can enter Serbia without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within a 6-month period. However, if you plan to stay longer or for business purposes, you will need to apply for a visa.
• When entering Serbia, ensure that your passport is stamped by the border guards. Failing to obtain an entry stamp can result in charges of illegal immigration and other serious consequences upon departure.

Registering Your Presence:

• Within 24 hours of your arrival in Serbia, you must register with the local police in the area where you are staying. This requirement applies to both tourists and those staying in private residences.
• If you are staying in a hotel, the check-in staff will automatically register you, but if you are staying elsewhere, you must register your presence with the police directly. Failure to register can result in fines and legal consequences.

Customs Regulations:

• Serbia has strict rules regarding the goods that can be brought into and out of the country. It is important to declare any items that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
• You must declare personal valuable items such as jewellery, cameras, and computing equipment. These items are exempt from customs duties, but proper declaration is still required.
• If you are carrying cash or traveller's cheques worth more than 10,000 euros, you must complete a customs declaration form upon arrival. This form must be certified by a customs officer and presented again when departing Serbia.
• If you are carrying Serbian dinars, you must show the receipt from the bank where you purchased the currency.
• It is important to comply with customs regulations to avoid any issues or confiscation of your valuables.

Border Crossings:

• When travelling between Serbia and its neighbouring countries, it is important to use recognised border crossings. Serbia's borders remain open, but entry requirements of neighbouring countries should also be considered.
• The situation at the Serbia-Kosovo border can be unpredictable due to ongoing tensions. While having a Kosovo stamp in your passport will not end your journey to Serbia, entering Serbia through Kosovo without a Serbian entry stamp is considered illegal and can result in penalties.
• Delays and strict controls are common at the Serbia-North Macedonia border, especially during the European summer. This border is a frequent entry point for asylum seekers trying to reach the EU.

Please refer to official government sources for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information regarding customs and declarations when travelling to Serbia from the UK.

Recommended vaccinations

The following are the recommended vaccinations for Serbia:

• Hepatitis A vaccine: Recommended for all travellers over one year of age. It should be administered at least two weeks, preferably four weeks, before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer long-term immunity.
• Typhoid vaccine: Recommended for all travellers, except short-term visitors who restrict their meals to major restaurants and hotels. It is generally given orally, consisting of four capsules taken on alternate days.
• Hepatitis B vaccine: Recommended for all travellers if not previously vaccinated. A full series consists of three intramuscular doses given at 0, 1 and 6 months.
• Rabies vaccine: Recommended only for those at high risk of animal bites or involved in activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats. A complete pre-exposure series consists of three doses of vaccine injected into the deltoid muscle on days 0, 7, and 21 or 28.
• Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine: Recommended for all travellers who have not received a tetanus-diphtheria immunisation within the last 10 years.
• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine: Two doses are recommended for all travellers born after 1956, if not previously given. Revaccination is recommended every 10 years.
• Influenza vaccine: Recommended for all travellers during flu season, which runs from November through April.

Please note that the above information is a summary, and travellers are advised to seek personalised advice from a medical professional or travel clinic, preferably 4-8 weeks before departure.

Frequently asked questions