How to Apply for a Serbia Short Stay Visa

Serbia is a country rich with notable historical landmarks and fascinating cultural heritage. Located in south Eastern Europe in the central region of the Balkans, the country attracts its share of international tourists each year. However, before you visit, you may need a step-by-step guide on applying for a Serbia Short Stay Visa. Here, you will learn about the visa policy of Serbia, different visa types, requirements, fees, and many more.

Can I Go To Serbia Without Visa?

Serbia has its policy and regulation. For example, suppose your country falls within those whose visa processes have been abolished due to bilateral or multilateral visa agreements that Serbia has with several countries globally. In that case, citizens of these countries can stay in Serbia for 90 days or less. However, it has to be within 180 days, beginning from the date of first entry.

Serbia Visa Types

There are varying types of Serbia visas depending on the duration and purpose of your stay.

C Type (Short-Term) Visas

This limits you to a stay of 90 days or less in 180 days. There are different visa types you can get depending on your reason for a visit to Serbia.

Touristic Visa

You can be issued a Serbia tourist visa if your visit is for sightseeing purposes. As an individual or group, you can obtain this through authorized travel agencies, outsourced visa companies, or Serbian consulates.

Business or Fair Participation Visa

You can be granted a Serbia business visa if your visit is business-related. This includes events, meetings, and unpaid training. However, your application should also include invitation documents from professional chambers and organizations.

Family, Relative, or Friend Visit Visa

You can use it to visit a Serbia family, relative, or friend. But, again, you need to include an invitation letter from the person you are visiting.

Cultural, Sports, or Conference Visit Visa

Individuals and groups can use this visa to attend cultural events or activities in Serbia. However, you need to include confirmation documents from the supervising ministry in your application. Similarly, an invitation from the receiving association and other supporting documents should be attached.

Short-Term Education or Internship Visa

This visa is granted to students applying to study in Serbia. However, other documents have to be included in the application. This includes an admission letter from the receiving institution, proof of adequate accommodation means, and sponsorship documents – if the student’s financial responsibilities are not to bear.

D Type (Long-Term) Visa

Alternatively, you can apply for a category D visa if you wish to exceed a three-month stay. Such visa is granted for higher education students, long-term internships, seasonal employment, and so on.

Serbia Transit Visa

Individuals of certain nationalities are not eligible to transit to another destination from Serbia. Instead, they need a Serbia transit visa to travel. It allows a five days stay period for such individuals to travel to a third country from Serbia’s territory.

Required Document for Serbia Visa Applications

Generally, the following documents are required from individuals who are not allowed visa-free entry to Serbia due to nationality.

• A valid passport.
• Duly completed application form.
• Visa fee payment receipt
• An invitation letter certified by a relevant Serbian authority or a Serbia-based company.
• Photo (size 3.5×4.5cm).
• Your return flight ticket. Alternatively, your driving license and insurance can suffice if you travel by car.
• Proof of sufficient financial means shows your ability to bear personal expenses for your stay.
• A medical travel insurance

Additional supporting documents may be required from the following group of applicants.

Employed:

• Bank statement covering the last six months.
• Relevant proof of employment such as a work contract.

Self-Employed:

• Again, you may need to present a copy of relevant bank statements or last income tax.
• Proof of business like invoices, receipts, or bank statements.

 Student:

• You should have a no objection certificate issued from the registered school.
• Your proof of enrollment should be available.
• You need sponsorship documents if you are not supporting yourself financially during your stay.

Retired:

• You need proof of pension covering the last six months.

Visa Sponsorship for Serbia

You must have a sponsor if you cannot cover your expenses for your educational or touristic visit to Serbia. Your sponsor could be a friend or family member like a parent, sibling, or relative.

However, if your sponsor has a permanent residence permit, citizenship in Serbia or a Schengen country, or is a first-degree relative, your chances of obtaining a visa increase. Here are the documents required from your sponsor.

• A signed sponsorship letter. This should indicate the relationship with the applicant, personal and contact info of the sponsor and the applicant, accommodation details of the applicant, and information on how and what expenses will be covered.
• A scanned copy of the ID
• Proof of sufficient funds such as payroll or bank statements.
• Proof of estate or business ownership if relevant.
• Signatory circulars

How much Does Serbia Visa Cost?

Take note that applicants might make additional payments such as consular fees, application form fees, or service fees of the outsourced companies in addition to Serbia visa fees. Furthermore, these fees are subject to change, so that you may consult responsible embassies.

In addition, the fee is dependent on your length of stay in Serbia. A short-stay visa can cost up to €60, while a long-stay visa costs around €30.

How to Apply For Serbia Visa

This takes some good preparation. Your first step in successfully obtaining a Serbia visa is to be clear on policies relating to your nationality and purpose of visit. After that, you can take the following steps.

#1. Schedule an Appointment.

It is a requirement for you to submit original documents in person. As such, you can contact the nearest consulate to book an appointment.

#2. Complete your application and interview.

Your documents and reason for the visit may be confirmed at the relevant consulate during the interview.

#3. Collect Your Visa.

The outcome of your application will be communicated to you after it is reviewed. After that, you can go to the consulate to collect your visa if your application is successful.

Serbia Visa Rules

The following rules apply to countries not eligible for visa-free entry to Serbia.

• Your passport needs to be valid for over three months from your expected day of arrival to Serbia.
• Likewise, your passport should not be older than ten years. Furthermore, it should have at least two blank pages.
• Children below 18 years must have their application form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
• As a visitor, you have to register your place of accommodation to the police department within 24 hours from your arrival time if you are not staying in a hotel that can register it for you.
• Your scheduled flight ticket should be handy before your visa application to Serbia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Serbian Visa?

Processing a Serbian visa can take 5 to 21 working days. After that, you can expect an SMS or email from your embassy detailing the result of your application.

How long can US Citizens stay in Serbia?

As a citizen of the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada, you can visit Serbia without a visa. However, you have to meet the following conditions.

• Your passport should be valid for more than three months from your expected time of arrival to Serbia.
• You should be able to provide proof of sufficient financial means,

Your purpose for a visit should be clear and well-documented. This will make your application process seamless.

Is Serbia part of Schengen visa-free areas?

Schengen citizens can have visa-free entry into Serbia for a short stay period. Also, citizens of Serbia can visit Schengen countries for short trips.

What do I do if my Serbia Visa is denied?

Usually, the reason is stated in the rejection letter. However, you can Re-apply significantly if your circumstances have changed. Alternatively, you can appeal the rejection by writing to the embassy.

How long does it take to get Serbian citizenship?

You can acquire citizenship by admission. A foreigner who has had permanent residence in the Republic of Serbia for at least three years without interruption can apply for Serbian citizenship. The same applies to foreigners who have been married to a national for up to three years and have been granted permanent residence for the same period.

Can You Travel To Serbia With A Schengen Visa?

If you are a citizen of a Schengen or EU country, you are eligible for visa-free entry to Serbia. Furthermore, you do not need to make a prior application. You can enter, transit, and stay up to 90 days during six months within the validity of residence permits.

Conclusion

You can make your application process a seamless one. You only need to properly follow this step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Serbia Short Stay Visa. This way, you can increase your chances of a successful application if you stick to the guidelines in this article.