With the introduction of ETIAS at the end of 2022, travel will slightly change for Serbian nationals.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System will increase safety across the EU. Visitors from visa-exempt nations, including Serbia, will soon undergo security checks before arrival.
Serbians can find out everything they need to know about Europe’s new entry requirement on this page.
Will Serbian citizens need a visa for Europe?
No, citizens of Serbia will not need a visa to visit Europe for up to 90 days. They may travel for tourism or business, or transit.
However, Serbians should register with the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) before departure.
ETIAS is not a visa, but it will be a mandatory requirement for travelling to European destinations from the end of 2022.
Serbians should be prepared for the introduction of ETIAS and understand the steps they’ll soon need to take to visit Europe visa-free.
ETIAS visa waiver for Serbian citizens
Although it’s a European country, Serbia is neither part of the Schengen Area nor the EU. Consequently, Serbian citizens must apply for an ETIAS visa waiver to travel to any Schengen country.
ETIAS will boost safety and security across the European Union: the system screens visa-exempt travellers before entering the Schengen Area.
Facts about ETIAS for Serbian travellers
- Valid to enter Europe multiple times
- Maximum stay of 90 days per 180-day period
- Valid for 3 years or until the holder’s passport expires
- Holders can use it to visit any of the 26 Schengen countries
What documents do Serbians need to obtain ETIAS?
Very little documentation is needed to apply for ETIAS. To meet the ETIAS requirements, Serbian citizens must have:
- A current passport
- A credit or debit card to pay the ETIAS fee
- An email address to receive the approved permit
Once all the documentation is provided, applicants have to answer a few security and health-related questions and submit the review request.
ETIAS application process for Serbian citizens
The ETIAS visa waiver application for Serbians is simple and straightforward. They can complete the online form in just a few minutes.
Travellers need to have the information listed below to hand to proceed with the request:
- Biometric information: full name, country of citizenship, and date of birth
- Passport details: number, date of issue and expiry, country of issue
- Contact information
- The first country they intend to visit in the Schengen area
Applicants should make sure all the information is accurate and that their documentation is up to date. Any mistakes or missing information could lead to delays or denial of the ETIAS visa waiver.
Once ETIAS becomes mandatory, Serbians will not be able to enter the Schengen Area without travel authorisation.
How long does it take to get ETIAS from Serbia?
The ETIAS application process for Serbians will be fast and efficient. With the required information to hand, applicants can complete the form from their smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Applications will be automatically cross-checked against Schengen security databases such as Eurodac and the Visa Information System. If nothing is flagged up, the system will approve the application almost instantly.
In the rare case that there is a hit on one of the security systems, the ETIAs central and national units will review the application manually.
Serbians are advised to apply ahead of their trip.
Travelling to Europe from Serbia with ETIAS
Once ETIAS becomes mandatory, Serbians will need a valid visa waiver to travel to top European destinations such as France, Spain, and Italy.
On approval, the ETIAS visa waiver is linked to the applicant’s passport and will remain valid for 3 years or until the passport expires. Upon arrival in a Schengen country, border authorities will verify the traveller’s ETIAS.
As there are no internal borders in the region, Serbian ETIAS holders can visit all 26 Schengen countries using the same permit. After crossing the external border, Serbian passport holders can move around the travel zone for up to 90 days.
A visa is required to spend more than 90 days per 180-day period in Europe or to visit for reasons other than tourism, business, or transit.
Visa applications are made through the embassy or consulate of the specific Schengen nation to be visited.
Why do Serbians need ETIAS?
As a visa-exempt nation, Serbia is one of more than 60 countries eligible for the ETIAS visa waiver for Europe.
The EU has developed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System with the following objectives in mind:
- Improve border security across the Schengen Area
- Make border crossing more streamlined and efficient
By prescreening all international arrivals, not just those who need a visa, potentially dangerous individuals can be prevented from entering Europe legally.
Thanks to ETIAS, Serbians can enjoy popular European destinations with greater peace of mind than ever before.