U.S. Embassy Belgrade

Bulevar kneza Aleksandra Karadordevica
92 11040 Belgrade, Serbia
Telephone: +(381) (11) 706-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(381) (11) 706-4000
Fax: +(381) (11) 706-4481
Email: belgradeacs@state.gov

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Visit the Embassy of Serbia's website for the most current visa information.

• U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter and stay in Serbia for up to 90 days. 
• It is important to enter and exit Serbia using the same passport. U.S. citizens who also hold Serbian citizenship should always enter and exit Serbia on their Serbian passport. 
• If you lose your U.S. passport after arriving in Serbia, you must obtain a police report and a new passport prior to departure. 
• You cannot enter Serbia using an expired passport or one that has previously been reported lost or stolen. Immigration authorities will deny you entry and return you to the city from which you flew to Serbia.
• U.S. citizens must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival.  Hotels or similar accommodation will do this for you.  If you are staying at a private residence, you will need to register in person at the nearest police station.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Serbia.

Temporary Residence Permits:

If you wish to stay in Serbia longer than 90 days within 180-day period, you must apply for a temporary residence permit. Local police with jurisdiction over where you are staying in Serbia will issue it. You cannot apply for a residence permit from outside of Serbia.   

For information about how to apply for a temporary residency permit, please visit the Serbia Ministry of Interior

• Documents submitted for temporary residence should have an apostille’ stamp from the government office, where you got the document. To learn more about apostilles and other official documents, please see the Office of Authentications page.

Special Guidance for Travel to and from Kosovo:  

• Serbian border officials do not recognize the authority of Kosovo’s government. 
• Serbia will not grant entry to travelers who try to enter Serbia from Kosovo. You have to enter Serbia first from another recognized entry point. You should obtain Serbian entry stamp.

Examples:

1. A traveler arriving in Serbia by air and driving directly to Kosovo (not through a third country) will be permitted to re-enter Serbia directly from Kosovo.

2. A traveler arriving in Kosovo by land or air from a third country (not Serbia) planning to travel by land to Serbia must:

a) exit Kosovo via its border with either Montenegro or North Macedonia

and

b) then proceed to a border crossing with Serbia.

Find information on:

dual nationality, 

prevention of international child abduction and 

customs regulations on our websites.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups, and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists worldwide are using less sophisticated methods of attack. Those include knives, firearms, rudimentary (IEDs) and vehicles to target crowds. They target unprotected or vulnerable venues, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Anti-U.S. Sentiments:

While Serbians can be welcoming to visitors, anti-U.S. sentiment is widespread. It can be more prevalent around certain anniversaries and some national holidays, such as:

February 17 (anniversary of Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence),

March 24 and June 10 (The 1999 NATO air campaign against Yugoslavia, in response to events in Kosovo), and

June 28 (St. Vitus’s Day or Vidovdan).

Sporting Events:

There is the potential for violence before, during, and after sporting events.

There have been clashes between police and fans in the vicinity of sports venues. Those venues are often located in residential areas.

Matches between certain teams, including Partizan, Rad, and Red Star, are high risk events. There has been violence at previous games. U.S. citizens have not been targeted in the past. However, in a few isolated cases non-Serbians have been the victims of sports-related violence. U.S. government employees are generally advised to avoid the vicinity of high-profile sporting events.

Night Clubs:

As a safety precaution, the following clubs are off-limits for U.S. Embassy personnel due to xenophobic violence:

• Plastic
• Klub Šlep (Shlep)
• Mr. Stefan Braun

Crime: 

• Violent crime in Serbia is most often associated with organized crime activities and hooliganism surrounding high-profile sporting events.
• Tourists and visitors should be aware of their surroundings, as in all major cities.
• Pickpocketing and financial crimes of opportunity are the most common occurrences. 
• Tourists should pay attention to taxi meters and listed fares. as some taxi drivers may try to scam foreigners and charge higher rates.

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Maintain caution if within the vicinity of demonstrations. 
• There is often a heavier than usual police presence near demonstrations. Traffic may slow or stop until well after the demonstration ends.

International Financial Scams: 

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: 

If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime in Serbia, you should contact the local police. Report crimes first to the local police by dialing 192. Remember local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Not all police officers speak English.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States. We may provide limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:

U.S.-citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:

The tourism industry is unevenly regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities often do not occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage. Staff may not be trained or certified either by the Serbian government. They also may not be recognized by authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically only available in major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to buy medical evacuation insurance.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Before establishing a business or practicing a profession seek information from the competent local authorities.

Arrest Notification: 

If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:

Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGB Travelers:

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex relations in Serbia or on the organization of LGB events.

For further general information on travel abroad by LGB individuals, please read our LGB Travelers Information page.

Travelers with Disabilities:

The law in Serbia prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public may be lower than in the United States. Facilities, information, and communication may be accessible. Expect limited accessibility in lodging, general infrastructure, and public transportation throughout Serbia.

• Rental of aids/equipment/devices is available:
• There several companies that sell, rent and repair aids/equipment/devices. Among the most known ones are Centar Eliksir and Ortopedija mc.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for women travelers.

Bringing Money into Serbia: 

If you enter Serbia with more than 10,000 euro in cash (or equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it to customs. If you fail to do so, Serbian customs may confiscate your money or levy heavy fines. Please review our customs information for additional details.

Medical Facilities

Many doctors and other health care providers in Serbia are highly trained. Equipment and hygiene in hospitals, clinics, and ambulances are usually not up to U.S. standards. U.S. name-brand medicines are often unavailable in Serbia. You can get many medicines and basic medical supplies at private pharmacies. Medical facilities require payment in cash for all services, and do not accept U.S. health insurance. Please review our travel tips for older travelers.

For emergency services in Serbia, dial 193 (fire-fighters), 194 (paramedics), or 987 (roadside assistance).

Ambulance services are not widely available, and training, availability of emergency responders, and ambulance equipment may be below U.S. standards.

We do not pay medical bills

Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance

Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency to ensure the medication is legal in Serbia.

Vaccinations

Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast, which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a three-day forecast of expected air quality in Serbia. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• For general health information, visit the “Your Health Abroad” page.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

 Health facilities in general

• Adequate health facilities are available throughout the country but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Some private hospitals may require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry, especially in dentistry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
• In case of malpractice, you may pursue legal remedies using local attorneys.

Pharmaceuticals       

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Non-Traditional Medicine

• U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died while seeking medical care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Serbia. Homeopathy, herbal remedies, and other non-traditional treatments are practiced in Serbia and promoted as natural alternatives to traditional medicine. Ensure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Serbia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page.
• Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners and Serbians in Serbia.

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Road Conditions and Safety:

Roads in Serbia are not always well-maintained. Be careful when driving, especially in rural areas and in southern Serbia. 

• Exercise caution when driving on roads in southern Serbia in the winter.
• Drivers should be cautious when driving along Serbia’s Ibarska Magistrala. The highway between Belgrade and Čačak has a higher rate of accidents.

Roadside assistance is available by dialing 987 locally. The local numbers for the police and ambulance are 192 and 194, respectively.

Traffic Laws:

• You may use a U.S. driver’s license together with an international driving permit in Serbia for up to six months. After six months you should obtain a Serbian driver’s license.
• Drivers with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.02% are considered intoxicated. They face arrest, prosecution, and fines.
• You must wear a seat belt while driving or riding in a car in Serbia.
• You may not use a mobile phone while driving in Serbia except with a hands-free system.

Public Transportation:

Belgrade and some other large cities in Serbia have public transportation networks. Buses are often crowded, and some lines and vehicles are poorly maintained. There is also intercity bus and train service for many locations in Serbia.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Specific information is available at the Serbian Automotive Association's website

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Serbia’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.