The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area. The EES may take each passenger extra time, so it is important to be prepared to wait longer than usual at EU country borders and allow more time for immigration controls if travelling to and from Serbia and the Schengen area.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Serbia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Serbian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nYour passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you plan to leave Serbia.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can visit Serbia without a visa for up to 90 days within a 6-month period, for business or tourism.
\n\nFor details about employment visas and long-stay visas, check the information from the Serbian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nIf you want to extend your stay while you are in Serbia, you can apply at the police station where you’re registered at least 30 days before the 90-day period expires. For more information visit the website of the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
\n\nMake sure you get your passport stamped.
\nWhen entering Serbia, make sure border guards stamp your passport. If you try to leave Serbia without an entry stamp you could face charges of illegal immigration, a heavy fine and a prison sentence.
\n\nOnly enter Serbia by land through recognised border crossings.
\n\nThe authorities in Serbia do not consider the designated crossing points with Kosovo to be official international border crossing points.
\n\nIt is possible to travel from Serbia to Kosovo, and back again.
\n\nTo travel from Kosovo to Serbia, you must have a Serbian entry stamp from Belgrade, Niš or Kraljevo airports, or from one of Serbia’s land border crossings with:
\n\nYou are likely to be refused entry into Serbia from Kosovo without a valid Serbian entry stamp. We are also aware of isolated incidents where Serbian authorities have cancelled Kosovo stamps in passports of foreign nationals or denied foreign nationals entry to Serbia if they have Republic of Kosovo stamps in their passports.
\n\nIf you are planning to travel between Serbia and Kosovo, see the Kosovo travel advice.
\n\nTensions between Serbia and Kosovo can cause difficulties at border crossings with Kosovo.
\n\nYou must register with the local police where you’re staying within 24 hours of your arrival in Serbia. If you’re staying in a hotel, check-in staff will register you automatically. If you do not register, you could get a fine, and face arrest and a court appearance.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Serbia guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and out of Serbia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nYou must declare personal items of value you’re carrying – for example, jewellery, cameras and computing equipment. These are exempt from customs duties.
\n\nIf you are carrying cash or travellers cheques worth more than 10,000 euros, you must:
\n\nIf you are taking any Serbian dinars into the country, you must show the receipt from the bank where you bought them.
\n\nCustoms officers may seize your money if you do not follow these rules.
\n\nYou should exchange any unwanted dinars before you leave Serbia. British banks do not normally exchange dinars. Do not use street dealers. Only change money through banks or official exchange offices.
\n\nIt is not possible to exchange Scottish and Northern Irish banknotes in Serbia.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Serbia cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Terrorists may target religious sites, including churches. There may be increased security in place during festive periods and other major events that might attract large crowds. Remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities.
\n\nIn June 2024, a lone attacker fired at a police officer with a crossbow outside the Israeli Embassy in the Savski Venac area of Belgrade.
\n\nMass gatherings and demonstrations are taking place in Belgrade and other towns and cities. These can happen at short notice and cause significant disruption, including to public transport and mobile phone networks. Most gatherings are peaceful but there is the potential for things to escalate quickly. Some demonstrations have turned violent. To reduce your personal risk, including possible injury:
\n\nTake sensible precautions to protect yourself from street crime, particularly in larger cities. Pickpockets work in tourist areas, airports, on public transport and at motorway service stations.
\n\nCriminals may assume that foreigners are carrying large amounts of cash. Four-wheel-drive and luxury vehicles are also common targets.
\n\nSome sporting events have had incidents of violence and petty crime. Incidents are common, particularly in and around derby matches between Red Star and Partizan in Belgrade. Take extra care in and around stadiums when matches are taking place.
\n\nThere may be a significant delay in leaving venues due to security protocols to separate fans. Transport may be disrupted. Buses are usually provided for ‘away’ supporters at international football matches – this can be the most convenient way of travelling to and from the stadium.
\n\nThe officials will want to discourage conflict between fans. If you try to gain access to the home end of the stadium, but are clearly supporting the away team, you may not be allowed entry, or be removed from the stadium.
\n\nThere is still some danger from unexploded landmines and bombs from the 1999 Kosovo conflict. Most of the affected areas are in the mountains to the north and east of Kosovo. Take special care in these areas and keep to marked roads.
\n\nThick vegetation covers most of the dangerous areas. Do not touch anything suspicious and report it to the police.
\n\nYou must always carry your passport or – if you are a resident – your ID card for identification purposes. Keep a copy separately in a safe place.
\n\nThere are strict penalties for possessing and trafficking drugs, including cannabis.
\n\nAirports in Serbia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nTaking photographs of military and police installations, personnel or vehicles anywhere in Serbia may lead to arrest or difficulties with the authorities.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is legal in Serbia, and there are anti-discrimination laws. There are LGBT+ friendly hostels, clubs and other events in Belgrade. However, the level of public prejudice against LGBT+ people is still relatively high. Showing affection in public could result in unwanted attention.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Serbia, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Serbia guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
\n\nYou can drive with a UK photocard driving licence for a series of short visits up to a year, or for a single stay of up to 6 months.
\n\nYou may find it helpful to have the 1968 version of the international driving permit as Serbian police will be able to recognise it.
\n\nIf you’re staying longer than 6 months, you must get a local licence.
\n\nThe general standard of roads in Serbia varies widely. Roads are worse in rural areas, especially after bad weather. One particularly dangerous road is the Ibarska Magistrala (linking Belgrade, via Čačak and Užice, to Montenegro).
\n\nDial 1987 for roadside assistance.
\n\nMany Serbian car hire firms will not allow you to drive their vehicles into Kosovo, Albania or Bulgaria because of security concerns. There have been some incidents where Serbian registered cars have been vandalised, or in some cases set on fire, in more isolated areas of Kosovo.
\n\nIf you are bringing a vehicle into Serbia, you must have vehicle registration and ownership documents and a locally valid insurance policy.
\n\nCheck if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
\n\nYou should only use registered taxis – look for a municipal registration number alongside the cab number. Instead of hailing a taxi, you can call one of the radio taxi phone numbers – most operators speak English.
\n\nSee more information about taxis and public transport from the Belgrade Tourism Organisation.
\n\nTrains can be slow, particularly in winter when there are often long delays. Each carriage has an attendant, and local police may carry out random ID checks.
\n\nThieves operate on trains, so take particular care that passports and other valuables are safe. On overnight trains, lock your sleeping berth from the inside for safety.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nWildfires are possible in Serbia from April to October due to the dry and hot weather. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. You should:
\n\ntake care when visiting or driving through countryside
\nmake sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished
\nnot light fires or barbecues except in designated and marked areas
\nnot leave any rubbish
\nIf you see a wildfire, call the emergency services on 112. Follow any advice from the police or local authorities.
\n\nParts of Serbia can flood after heavy rain. See flood warnings from the Serbian Hydrometeorological Service. If floods affect your area, follow the instructions of the Serbian authorities.
\n\nThere is a risk of earthquakes in Serbia, and earth tremors are common. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but can occur. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice on what to before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 194 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Serbia including biting insects and ticks.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nFCDO has a list of healthcare facilities in Serbia where some staff will speak English.
\n\nThe UK has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Serbia. You’re entitled to free emergency treatment.
\n\nTo get treatment you must show:
\n\nYou may need to pay cash for non-emergency treatment or treatment that is not covered under the reciprocal agreement. Make sure you can access money to cover medical treatment.
\n\nSome private clinics in Serbia offer treatment for addiction which may not meet UK standards. Seek advice from your local GP or health provider in the UK before undertaking any treatment.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAll emergencies: 112
\n\nAmbulance: 194
\n\nFire: 193
\n\nPolice: 192
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Serbia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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