Serbia: Travel Requirements, Health & Medical Insurance
Serbia isn't part of the European Union or the Schengen Area, so the visa requirement is assessed independently based on each traveler's passport, even if you already hold a valid Schengen visa. The country maintains a visa-free entry policy for a wide range of nationalities on short stays. The official language is Serbian and the currency is the Serbian dinar (RSD).
Public medical care covers emergencies, but the quality and availability of specialists vary outside Belgrade, so travel insurance with access to private clinics is recommended. The emergency number is 112, though traditional police, fire, and ambulance lines also work.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Serbia isn't part of the European Union or the Schengen Area; the visa requirement is assessed independently based on the traveler's passport.
Health & travel insurance: Public medical care covers emergencies, but quality varies outside Belgrade; insurance with access to private clinics is recommended.
Visa and entry requirements
Serbia allows visa-free entry for a considerable number of nationalities on short stays, generally up to 90 days, but other passports must arrange a visa before traveling. Since it's not a Schengen country, the requirement is reviewed separately from that of the European Union.
- Valid passport, meeting whatever minimum validity the consulate requires by nationality.
- Check whether a visa exemption applies or a prior application is required.
- Travel insurance recommended, though not always required for entry.
Health, hospitals, and medical insurance
Belgrade has public hospitals and private clinics capable of handling emergencies, but outside the capital the medical network is more limited, especially for complex specialties.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Serbia; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote.
Transport and currency
The currency is the Serbian dinar (RSD); the euro is informally accepted at some tourist-oriented businesses, but it's best to pay in dinars to avoid unfavorable exchange rates. Travel between cities is mainly by bus.
When to travel
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for touring Belgrade and Novi Sad. Summer brings very crowded music festivals, like the EXIT Festival, while winter can be cold in the country's interior.
Travel checklist for Serbia
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Serbia.
- Check the visa requirement for Serbia based on your passport: Serbia isn't part of the European Union or the Schengen Area; the visa requirement is assessed independently based on the traveler's passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Public medical care covers emergencies, but quality varies outside Belgrade; insurance with access to private clinics is recommended.
- Save Serbia's emergency number: 112, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Serbian dinar (RSD)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Serbia part of the European Union?
No. Serbia is a candidate for accession but is not yet a member of the EU or the Schengen Area, so the visa requirement is assessed separately.
What is the emergency number in Serbia?
112, though traditional dedicated lines for police, fire, and ambulance also operate.
Can I enter Serbia with a Schengen visa?
Not automatically; the entry requirement depends on the traveler's passport, with no direct relation to the Schengen visa.
What currency should I use in Serbia?
The Serbian dinar (RSD); paying in local currency is recommended to avoid unfavorable conversions.
