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Serbia
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April 16, 2009
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Serbia
is a country that continues to undergo political changes. In 2006, Montenegro declared its independence from Serbia, changing
the name of the country from Serbia and Montenegro to the Republic of Serbia, with the Republic of Montenegro becoming a separate
state. This change has had minimal impact on foreign travelers. On February 17, 2008 Kosovo declared its independence from
Serbia; it is not yet clear how this change will affect foreign travelers. For more information on Kosovo, please read our
Country Specific Information for Kosovo.
Tourist facilities are widely available within Serbia but vary in quality. Some facilities may not be up to western standards.
Read the Department of State Background Notes on Serbia for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required for travel to Serbia . U.S. citizens with tourist, official, or diplomatic passports do not require a visa for entry and stay in Serbia for up to 90 days within a six-month period. It is not possible to apply for or obtain temporary residence permits outside of Serbia. U.S. citizens who wish to remain in Serbia for more than 90 days must obtain a temporary residence permit from the local police having jurisdiction over their place of residence in Serbia . With their residency application, applicants will need to provide a copy of their birth and marriage certificates (if applicable), obtained within 90 days before application, and a police report authenticated for use abroad from their state of residence in the U.S. or from the country where they permanently reside. All documents should have an "apostille" stamp certifying their authenticity. Information regarding apostilles and authentication of documents is available on our website.
For further information on entry requirements for Serbia, including information regarding requirements for residency and work permits, travelers may contact the Serbian Embassy in Washington, D.C. at telephone (202) 332-0333 or fax (202) 332-3933. The address of the Embassy is 2134 Kalorama Road, Washington, D.C. 20008. Alternatively, travelers may also contact the Consulate General in Chicago at telephone (312) 670-6707 or fax (312) 670-6787. The address of the Chicago Consulate is 201 East Ohio Street, Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
U.S. citizen travelers who obtain a new U.S. passport while in Serbia and do not have a prior passport or other evidence of their entry (for example, in cases of a lost or stolen passport or a child born in Serbia) will not be allowed to depart the country without an exit visa obtained from the Ministry of Interior. Similarly, travelers who use a different country's passport to enter than to exit (for example, entering with a Serbian passport or Serbian "National ID Card" and attempting to exit with a U.S. passport) are likely to have difficulty exiting Serbia due to the lack of an entry stamp in their passport. Note that Montenegro and Kosovo have their own immigration requirements.
Travelers who enter Serbia with more than the equivalent of 10,000 euros in cash are required to declare all currency upon entry and must obtain from customs officials a declaration that must be presented at departure. Failure to comply may result in the confiscation of all funds. Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.
Registration with Local Authorities: Visitors staying in private accommodations must register with the police station responsible for the area in which they are staying within 24 hours of arrival. Failure to comply may result in a fine, incarceration, and/or expulsion. Persons who fail to register may face difficulties in departing the country. Visitors staying in hotels or tourist facilities are automatically registered with the police by the hotel. Additional information about visa requirements and the obligation of foreigners to register their location is available from the Government of Serbia website.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Occasional demonstrations occur. After Kosovo declared its independence in February 2008, large-scale demonstrations took place in Belgrade that turned violent. During these demonstrations, the U.S. Embassy was heavily damaged and one protestor lost his life. Although no violent demonstrations have occurred since July 2008, we remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn into confrontational situations and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Serbia should take reasonable precautions to avoid demonstrations and to be aware of heightened security and potential delays when they occur. Anti-American sentiment tends to be highest surrounding the anniversary dates of the 1999 NATO bombing campaign and possibly the February 2008 independence of Kosovo. In some instances, Serb victories in high profile international sporting events have triggered demonstrations. Most demonstrations have been peaceful or were marked by only low levels of violence.
Travelers to southern Serbia should be aware that the security situation in southern Serbia has the potential to deteriorate quickly. U.S. Government employees on official business near the border between Serbia and Kosovo travel in fully armored vehicles. Persons contemplating travel in southern Serbia near the Kosovo border should register with the U.S. Embassy and check in with the Embassy regularly for the latest security updates.
Local Belgrade nightclubs are becoming increasingly popular with foreign tourists. Patrons should be aware that these establishments can be crowded and may not comply with Western standards for occupancy control and fire safety.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada , a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s information on A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: While Belgrade is not afflicted with high levels of street crime, pick-pocketing and purse snatchings can occur. The same precautions one would take in any large city in the United States should serve well in Belgrade. Crimes tend to be based on opportunity rather than targeting. Unsecured vehicles, items left in plain sight within vehicles, open gates, and open garage doors are inviting targets. Difficult economic conditions have led to the growth of an organized criminal class. Violent crime is most commonly associated with organized crime activities. While confrontational and gratuitously violent crimes rarely target tourists, Mafia-style reprisals have sometimes occurred, including in hotels, restaurants, shops and on the street, and the threat of passersby being affected is possible. . Car thefts or break-ins can occur at all times of day or night in all sections of Belgrade and other parts of the country if vehicles do not have additional security devices like fuel line interrupter switches or steering wheel locking devices. As in other parts of the world, travelers should be especially on guard while walking in city centers.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting the crime to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Embassy/Consulate staff can assist you in finding appropriate medical care, contacting family members or friends and explaining how funds could be transferred from the U.S. Although the investigation and prosecution of a crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and find an attorney if needed.
The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Serbia is 92.
Please see our information on Victims of Crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties
for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Serbian laws, even
unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Serbia
are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or
using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.
Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Travelers entering Serbia with more than 10,000 euros in cash are required to declare all currency upon entry and obtain from customs officials a declaration form that must be presented at departure. Failure to comply may result in the confiscation of all funds. It is advisable to contact the Serbian Embassy in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Dual U.S./Serbian nationals may be subject to laws that impose special obligations on Serbian citizens. Serbian males between
the ages of 18 and 27 are required by law to perform military service. This applies to any individual whom the authorities
consider to be Serbian, regardless of whether or not the individual considers himself Serbian, has a foreign citizenship and
passport, or was born or lives outside of Serbia. If remaining in Serbia for more than the 90-day period permitted for tourism
or business, men of Serbian descent may be prevented from leaving until they complete their military obligations or receive
a waiver. Obligatory non-voluntary military service in Serbia will not affect U.S. citizenship. Specific questions on this
subject should be addressed to the citizenship section of the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade. For additional general information,
see our Citizenship and Nationality information.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Although many physicians in Serbia are highly trained, hospitals, clinics, and ambulances are generally not equipped and maintained to Western standards. Medicines and basic medical supplies are largely obtainable in privately owned pharmacies. Hospitals require payment in cash for all services, and do not accept health insurance as compensation.
The U.S, Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Serbia.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site. Further health information for travelers is available from the WHO.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Serbia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Roads in Serbia are often poorly maintained, especially in rural areas. During winter months, fog can obscure visibility
while driving. Fog can be extremely heavy in Vojvodina, the region between Belgrade and the border with Hungary.
The use of seat belts is mandatory. A driver with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.05% is considered intoxicated. Roadside
assistance is available by dialing 987. Other emergency numbers are: 92 (police), 93 (fire department), and 94 (ambulance).
Metered taxi service is safe and reasonably priced, although foreigners are sometimes charged higher rates. Buses and trams
are overcrowded in Belgrade and in other areas of Serbia, and are poorly maintained.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. More specific information concerning Serbian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance in the Serbian language may be found at the Serbian Automotive Association's website.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Serbia's Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Serbia’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s website.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues webpages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: Americans living in or traveling in Serbia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Serbia. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade is located at 50 Kneza Milosa Street. The telephone number for the Embassy Consular Section is 381-11-3619-344, and the same number should be used for after hour emergencies. The Consular Section fax number is 381-11-3615-989.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information dated June 27, 2008 to update the Country Description, Safety and Security and Special Circumstances sections.
