Risk level

Safety and security

Areas bordering Kosovo

Exercise caution in the areas bordering Kosovo due to the potential for political tensions and possible unrest.

Areas bordering North Macedonia

You should exercise a high degree of caution and expect possible delays at the border with North Macedonia due to the migrant situation.

Crime

Pickpocketing occurs at airports, on public transportation and in other public places, particularly on public transportation and in large crowds or public markets. Foreigners could be targeted by thieves.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash

Car thieves target four-wheel-drive and luxury vehicles more than other models.

• Avoid leaving any luggage or valuables in the vehicle and use secure parking facilities.

Fraud

Credit card fraud is common.

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

More about overseas fraud

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities. There is a potential for other violent incidents.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Landmines

Exercise caution in the areas that border Kosovo. Stay on the main roads because unexploded landmines and other unexploded ordnance remain in Serbia, particularly in the southern Serbian districts of Bujanovac and Preševo.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country.

Secondary roads are often narrow and poorly maintained. The Ibarska Magistrala road is dangerous due to poor road conditions and traffic congestion.

There have been incidents where police have targeted vehicles with foreign plates, often demanding immediate cash payment for alleged traffic violations. If stopped, request a full explanation and, if an explanation is not forthcoming, request permission to speak to the Embassy of Canada to Serbia in Belgrade.

Dial 987 for roadside assistance.

Embassy of Canada to Serbia

Public transportation

Safety standards vary on public transportation. Buses and trains are often overcrowded, particularly in Belgrade.

Taxis

Use only officially marked taxis, and pre-negotiate fares where a meter is not in use. At Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, make use of the taxi reservation service in the baggage claim area to avoid being charged exorbitant rates for transportation to the city centre.

Trains

Trains are slow and often subject to delays due to outdated railway tracks, which are subject to extensive repairs. Railway equipment is old and poorly maintained.

International bus

A number of companies offer domestic and international bus services. The larger firms have modern, well-maintained fleets.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

General information about foreign domestic airlines

Migrants

There has been a significant increase in the number of migrants and refugees entering Europe. Some countries have already experienced disruptions to transportation services, including at ferry ports and railway stations, and have seen major delays at border crossings. The situation also heightens the potential for demonstrations that could turn violent without warning, particularly at railway stations and other transportation hubs. If you are travelling in the region, monitor local news and follow the advice of local authorities, and contact your transport carrier to determine whether the situation could disrupt your travel.

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Serbian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Serbia.

It is important to get your passport stamped when you first enter Serbia. The absence of an entry stamp from the point of entry could create difficulties at the time of departure from the country. Ensure you also obtain an exit stamp to avoid complications if you intend to return.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days
Student visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days

If you plan to stay in Serbia longer than 90 days, contact the Embassy of Serbia or one of its consulates for information on requirements that apply to your specific situation.

Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Entry and exit stamps

It is important to get your passport stamped when you first enter Serbia. The absence of an entry stamp from the point of entry could create difficulties at the time of departure from the country. Ensure you also obtain an exit stamp to avoid complications if you intend to return.

Registration

You must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival in Serbia. Registration will normally be arranged by your hotel. If you are not staying in a hotel, registration must be organized by your host. Failure to register can result in fines and difficulties when departing.

Kosovo

Serbia does not recognize any border crossing points from Kosovo as official international entry points. Don’t attempt to enter Serbia directly from Kosovo, unless you initially travelled into Kosovo from Serbia and obtained a valid entry stamp from the Serbian immigration authorities. Otherwise, you should transit via a third country such as Albania, North Macedonia or Montenegro.

Entry to Kosovo from Serbia is subject to delays or may be prohibited entirely. Some border posts have been closed for short periods. Verify the border situation before you undertake travel. If travelling by road, you may have to provide proof of the purpose of your visit to Kosovo at the checkpoint between Serbia and Kosovo. Some travellers may be exempted, such as holders of a Serbian identity card.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia

Children and travel

Learn about travel with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Southern Europe, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Southern Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas in Southern Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and West Nile virus.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in Southern Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited in availability. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons

Canada and Serbia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Serbia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Serbian authorities. This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Illegal or restricted activities

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long prison sentences and heavy fines.

Useful links

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Photography

Photography of military or police installations, vehicles and personnel is prohibited, unless authorized by the Ministry of Defence.

Identification

You must carry identification, such as a passport, at all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or confiscated.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Serbia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Serbia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Serbia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Serbia, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Serbian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Serbia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

LGBTQ2 travellers

While not illegal, homosexuality is not socially tolerated in Serbia.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Driving

International driving permit

You should carry an international driving permit

More about the International Driving Permit

Drinking and driving

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03 percent (0.00 percent when on motorcycle). Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences.

Seat belt

Seat belt use is mandatory.

Children

The use of car seats is mandatory for infants. Children under 12 years of age are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat of a car or to travel as passengers on motorcycles.

Use of a cellular telephone

The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited, unless it is fitted with a hands-free device.

Radar detector

The use or carriage of radar detector is prohibited.

Headlights

Headlights must be on at all times.

Mandatory equipment

Vehicles must be equipped for emergency situations: a first aid kit, warning triangle, tow rope, functional spare tire and a reflective vest that must be worn immediately when leaving a vehicle that is stranded or involved in an accident.

Winter tires

Winter tires are mandatory from November 1 to April 1 on roads that are ice covered. Snow chains must be used if the international road sign for snow chains is displayed. Spiked tires are prohibited.

Other traffic laws

Wearing a motorcycle helmet is compulsory for both driver and passenger on a motorcycle, moped and motorized tricycle.

Imports

In order to avoid customs charges, you are required to declare items of value, such as jewellery, photographic and computing equipment, that you are temporarily importing into Serbia. These items should be intended for your own personal use and you must take them with you when leaving the country.

Money

The currency of Serbia is the Serbian dinar (RSD).

Euros are not legal tender in Serbia. All banks and exchange offices will readily convert euros.

You must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have at least €10,000, or the equivalent in other currencies. This includes cash, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible assets. If you fail to make a declaration, your funds could be confiscated when leaving the country.

Natural disasters and climate

Seismic activity

Serbia is located in an active seismic zone.

Bush and forest fires

Bush and forest fires are common in the summer months. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. In case of a major fire, stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments. Always follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel. Monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation.

Flooding

Heavy rains and thunderstorms during spring and summer may result in flooding and may cause significant damage to roads and generate localized landslides.

Snowstorms

Snowstorms throughout winter may lead to problems along transportation routes and with power and telecommunications systems. Pay close attention to road conditions and refrain from driving during or immediately after severe storms.

Monitor local weather forecasts.