Europe has many sought-after countries, but few consider a Serbia passport a must-have for international travel. However, a Serbian passport lets you journey to 148 countries without going through a laborious visa application process. In this article, we’ll delve into all the countries you can visit visa free on a passport from Serbia, the benefits of holding the passport, and how you can acquire one.
Visa Free Countries for Serbia Passport Holders
The countries in the table below allow holders of a Serbian passport to enter their borders without a visa.
Andorra
Gambia
Peru
Antigua and Barbuda
Georgia
Poland
Argentina
Germany
Portugal
Armenia
Greece
Romania
Austria
Grenada
Russia
Barbados
Haiti
San Marino
Belarus
Hong Kong
Seychelles
Belgium
Hungary
Singapore
Brazil
Iceland
Slovakia
Bulgaria
Israel
Slovenia
Chile
Italy
Spain
China
Japan
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Colombia
Kazakhstan
Suriname
Costa Rica
Kyrgyzstan
Sweden
Croatia
Latvia
Switzerland
Cuba
Liechtenstein
Trinidad and Tobago
Cyprus
Lithuania
Ukraine
Czech Republic
Luxembourg
United Arab Emirates
Denmark
Macao
Uruguay
Dominica
Malta
Uzbekistan
Dominican Republic
Micronesia
Vanuatu
Ecuador
Monaco
Vatican
Estonia
Mongolia
Zambia
Swaziland Netherlands
Fiji
Norway
Finland
Palestine
France
Panama
Passport Free Countries for Serbia Passport Holders
The countries in the table below allow Serbia passport holders to enter their borders without their national identity card.
Albania
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Kosovo
Moldova
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Turkey
Visa on Arrival Countries for Serbia Passport Holders
The countries in the table below allow Serbian passport holders to enter their borders by getting a visa on arrival. The respective country’s immigration checkpoint usually issues the entry permit.
Countries that Require an eVisa for Serbia Passport Holders
The countries in the table below allow Serbian passport holders to get an online visa, more formally known as an electronic visa.
eTA Countries for Serbia Passport Holders
The countries in the table below allow Serbian passport holders to obtain electronic travel authorization.
Kenya
South Korea
Countries with Visa Requirements for Serbia Passport Holders
Even though Serbia’s passport is ranked 65th on the Global Passport Index, many countries still place administrative entry restrictions on Serbian citizens. The countries in the table below require Serbian passport holders to obtain a prior visa before travel to departure.
Algeria
Kiribati
Saudi Arabia
Angola
Liberia
Senegal
Belize
Libya
Solomon Islands
Brunei
Mali
South Africa
Canada
Marshall Islands
Sudan
Central African Republic
Mexico
Syria
Chad
Morocco
Taiwan
Congo
Namibia
Tonga
El Salvador
Nauru
Tunisia
Eritrea
New Zealand
Turkmenistan
Ghana
Niger
United Kingdom
Guatemala
North Korea
United States
Guyana
Papua New Guinea
Venezuela
Honduras
Paraguay
Yemen
Iraq
Philippines
Afghanistan
Ireland
Saint Lucia
Other requirements for Serbia passport holders
- The cost of obtaining an electronic or regular visa varies depending on the country and type of visa. While electronic travel authorization falls under visa exemption, the respective nation’s visa regulations will require paying a fee for authorization.
- Serbian citizens’ visa requirements to obtain electronic and regular visas may include proving a certain amount of validity left on their passports, sufficient financial resources for the duration of stay, obtaining travel insurance, or having a confirmed departure flight from the destination country.
It’s worth noting that the complete list of visa requirements for countries in the above list are subject to change, and it’s crucial to check the latest travel advisories before planning your trip.
Benefits of a Serbia Passport
While it might not seem as attractive as a Malta or Portuguese passport, there are several benefits Serbia nationals have with their Serbian passport.
Visa free travel: Serbian passport holders enjoy visa free or visa on arrival access to numerous travel destinations, including those in the Schengen Area, Asia, South America, and African countries, providing ease of travel for tourism, business, or short-term visits.
European access: While Serbia is not yet a member of the European Union (EU), it is a candidate country. This status may lead to enhanced mobility, unrestricted entry requirements, and opportunities within the EU in the future.
Passport free travel: Several countries forming part of the Balkan region allow Serbian citizens access with just their national identity cards. This is facilitated by agreements and policies that promote easier movement within the region. The ability for Serbian citizens to travel with only their national identity cards simplifies border crossings and enhances regional connectivity.
Dual citizenship: Serbia permits dual citizenship, allowing new Serbia citizens to retain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of Serbian citizenship. This is particularly advantageous as dual passport holders enjoy enhanced visa free entry with more visa free travel destinations.
Cultural and business opportunities: Having a Serbia passport opens doors to rich cultural experiences and potential business opportunities in the Balkans, a region with unique history and evolving economic landscapes.
Quality of life and education: Serbian citizens have access to the country’s healthcare and educational systems. Serbia’s universities, particularly in Belgrade, are recognized for their quality education in various fields.
Property ownership: As a Serbian citizen, there are fewer restrictions on property ownership, which can be appealing for those looking to invest in real estate or establish a residence in Serbia.
Serbian Passport by Investment Program
The Serbia citizenship by investment program is an attractive option for foreign investors looking for a route to citizenship in this enchanting Balkan country. A cheap cost of living, political stability, and a versatile banking system have made Serbia a valid choice for foreign citizenship.
Furthermore, with the country currently in the process of applying for EU membership, new Serbia citizens can expect to acquire EU citizenship in the not-too-distant future. This will grant access to the EU’s vast visa free and visa exemption agreements and unlock numerous benefits of free movement, employment opportunities, and enhanced diplomatic privileges within the European Union. EU citizens enjoy the ultimate travel freedom.
Citizenship by Investment in Serbia
It should be emphasized that the Serbian government doesn’t provide a direct route to citizenship through investing in the Serbian economy. However, the country offers one of the most accessible investment programs, allowing foreign nationals to make affordable investments, including purchasing real estate, to gain Serbian residency.
After three years of continuous residence, foreigners can obtain permanent residence status. While naturalization in many EU countries requires minimum residence periods of up to ten years, the naturalization process to acquire Serbian citizenship and a Serbia passport takes a total of six years.
The minimum residency period for citizenship necessitates three years with a temporary residence permit and three years with a permanent residence permit, in addition to a minimum stay in the country before being eligible for citizenship.
Serbia Investor Visa Program
The Serbian investment program is a legitimate option to obtain permanent residence status after three years and eventually acquire citizenship in Serbia and a second passport. The Serbian immigration program was introduced to attract foreign investors by providing two investment options to qualify for a temporary residence permit in Serbia.
Investment requirements
Real estate acquisition: Purchase real estate anywhere in Serbia.
Business investment: Invest in a Serbian business.
A big benefit of the program is there is no minimum investment requirement to qualify for a residence permit in Serbia. After making the required investment, a foreign national can gain legal residency in less than one month.
Requirements to Obtain Serbian Citizenship
No matter the investment route chosen, a foreign national who obtained temporary permanent residence status by investment must fulfill a set of criteria to obtain citizenship through Serbia’s naturalization process.
The eligibility criteria include:
- Being over 18
- Holding a clean criminal record
- Obtaining a permanent residence permit after three years
- At least three years of residency with permanent residence status and a minimum of six months stay in the country each year
Unlike most other countries in Europe, the Republic of Serbia has no language requirement to become a permanent resident or Serbian citizen.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Serbia Passport Visa Free Countries
Do Serbian citizens need visas for the US?
Yes, Serbia citizens must apply for visas before entering the United States. No visa on arrival or electronic visa facilities are available. Serbia is not included in the United States visa waiver policy, so Serbia passport holders must apply for a regular visa.
Can Serbians travel to Europe without a visa?
Serbia passport holders can travel throughout Europe without needing regular or electronic visas. All travel destinations in the Schengen area allow visa free access for up to 90 days in 180 days. Additionally, several Balkan countries in Europe, including North Macedonia and Montenegro, allow Serbia nationals to enter with a National ID card.
Is Japan visa free for Serbia?
Yes, Serbians can travel to and enter Japan without a visa, with a maximum stay duration of 90 days. For longer visits, different visas are available.
Can you exchange a Serbian driver’s license in another country?
Yes, the Republic of Serbia has concluded agreements that enable the exchange of a Serbian driving license for a driving license in Albania, Greece, Spain, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates.
How much does it cost to get a Serbian passport?
To apply for a Serbian biometric passport, you must supply the government with an official identification document and an original certificate of citizenship of the Republic of Serbia. The consular fee is $76, and the process takes about 60 days.
Do Serbians need a visa for Israel?
Israel falls within the list of visa free countries for Serbia nationals. Serbia passport holders have visa free access to Israel for up to 90 days.
Do Serbians need a visa to visit Canada?
Serbia citizens must have a valid visa to enter Canada, as Serbia is not included in Canada’s visa waiver agreement. Only Serbia passport holders who hold US Green Cards can travel to Canada without the required visa.
Do Serbians need ETIAS?
Serbian passport holders can currently travel visa free to destinations within the European Union. As Serbia is not part of the European Union, Serbia passport holders will be required to obtain electronic travel authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) when it’s introduced in 2025.
Do Serbians need a visa for Dubai?
The United Arab Emirates is one of the 148 Serbia passport visa free countries. Serbia citizens can travel visa free to Dubai and all other emirates in the UAE for up to 90 days. Extended stays will require obtaining an alternative visa.