GoSerbia Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

1、 Visa

（1） Visa free treatment:

1. Chinese citizens holding diplomatic passports, official passports, or ordinary official passports are eligible for visa free entry, with a cumulative stay of no more than 90 days within 6 months;

2. Starting from January 15, 2017, Chinese citizens holding valid Chinese ordinary passports can travel, do business or visit relatives in Serbia without a visa for up to 30 days after each entry; Individuals holding travel permits are not eligible for visa free policies; If you need to stay in Serbia for more than 30 days or engage in activities such as studying, residing, working, or reporting in Serbia that require prior approval from the competent authorities of Serbia, you should apply for a visa before entering the country;

3. Starting from November 8, 2014, Chinese citizens holding valid visas or residence permits from the United States, the United Kingdom, Schengen, and EU member states can enter Serbia visa free or transit through Serbia during the validity period of this visa or residence permit, with a cumulative stay of no more than 90 days within 6 months. This visa free policy does not conflict with the China Serbia Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement and does not apply to individuals holding travel permits or other documents;

4. Residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region holding valid passports are eligible for visa free entry into Serbia for a period not exceeding 14 days, while residents of the Macau Special Administrative Region holding valid passports are eligible for visa free entry into Serbia for a period not exceeding 90 days within 180 days.

（2） Applicants for visas outside of Serbia's visa free policy must provide:

1. A valid passport or other travel document with a remaining validity period of at least 90 days and at least 2 blank pages;

2. Invitation letter:

(1) Private visit - invitation letter notarized by relevant Serbian departments;

(2) Business visit - an official invitation letter issued by a Serbian company (indicating the nature of the business, expected visit period, company name, address, or institution to be visited);

(3) Travel - Travel agency issued proof of payment for travel expenses (invoice or payment receipt, etc.).

3. The completed visa application form (in PDF format);

4. Photo (3.5x4.5 cm);

5. Round trip airfare or travel itinerary (if traveling by car, copies of international driver's license and insurance);

6. Proof of sufficient funds during the stay in Serbia (minimum of 50 euros per day, which can be in cash, bank statements, traveler's checks, credit cards, or credit guarantees);

7. Health insurance;

8. Visa fee.

2、 Approval process

The applicant may submit or mail the above application materials to the Embassy of Serbia in China or the Consulate General in Shanghai. After receiving the applicant's materials, the consulate will investigate the relevant information of the inviter in Serbia through relevant departments, such as company address, business status, etc. Visa applications usually take over three weeks. The applicant must hold a passport and a valid visa to enter the country, and the border inspection personnel must register the holder's name, passport number, and visa number before release.

Since January 1, 2011, Serbia has only charged a visa sticker fee of 2 euros for Chinese citizens applying for visas to Serbia.

3、 Precautions

(1) When issuing a visa, the passport must be valid for at least 90 days;

(2) Holding a short-term visitor visa, the duration of one uninterrupted stay or total continuous stay within 6 months of the first entry into Serbia should not exceed 90 days. Holders of multiple entry and exit short-term visit visas with a validity period of one year can stay for up to 180 days;

(3) If the duration of a stay exceeds 90 days, proof of stay in Serbia must be provided.

(4) Minors traveling with one parent must submit a notarized power of attorney issued by the other parent. Minors traveling with third parties must submit a notarized power of attorney issued by both parents or guardians.

Specific visa regulations can be found on the website of the Serbian Embassy in China, and details can also be consulted with the Serbian Embassy in China.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

1、 Foreign tourists need not declare their personal belongings when entering the country. Among them, one liter of liquor, one bottle of perfume (less than 50ml), or 50 cigarettes, 25 cigars (no more than 3g cigars), 10 cigars, 50g tobacco, or an appropriate combination of the above products can be classified as personal belongings. If carrying items that should be declared to customs, items with a value of up to 3000 euros can be declared through the "red channel". If the total value of personal belongings exceeds 3000 euros, customs clearance procedures must be completed and customs duties must be paid. Carrying cash into or out of customs does not require declaration for amounts below 10000 euros, but for amounts exceeding 10000 euros, declaration must be made upon entry and the customs declaration form must be kept to avoid unnecessary trouble during exit. Serbia strictly controls the entry of food, and food carried by individuals cannot enter the country. In addition, any commercial items, narcotic drugs, narcotics, toxic substances, arms and ammunition, pesticides, and any substances harmful to public health cannot be brought into the country. Items that should be declared but have not been declared will be confiscated once discovered.

Specific information can be found on the official website of Serbia Customs

https://www.carina.rs/en/passengers/passenger-customs-clearance/useful-information-for-passengers.html

https://www.carina.rs/sr/putnici/pitanja-i-odgovori.html

2、 According to regulations, the customs registration tax is 0.5% of the declaration base. The average tariff rate in Serbia is 12%, with a tax rate range of 0-30%. The import taxes on Serbia's main commodities are as follows: alcoholic beverages and tobacco (10% -30%); Textiles (0-22%); Chemical products (1% -30%); Shoes and hats (5% -30%); Plastic and rubber products (1% -20%); Mechanical equipment (1% -15%); Raw leather, fur, and leather (1% -10%).

3、 Animals and plants entering the country need to submit a separate application to the inspection and quarantine department of Serbia. Bringing pets into the country requires providing a pet health certificate issued by the country.

Specific information can be found on the official website of Serbia Customs:

https://www.carina.rs/sr/putnici.html

Residency and Naturalization

1、 After entering Serbia, foreigners can apply to the local immigration office for a long-term residence permit of no more than three years, but the validity of the passport held by foreigners is required to be at least three months longer than the duration of the application for residence.

2、 Foreigners who meet the following conditions can apply for permanent residence:

（1） Having resided continuously in Serbia for more than 3 years, with a total absence of no more than 10 months and a single absence of no more than 6 months.

（2） Children whose one parent is a Serbian citizen or a foreign citizen who has obtained permanent residency in Serbia.

（3） The application materials generally include an application form, a copy of passport, birth certificate, medical examination report, 2 photos (4.5 * 3.5cm), income proof, proof of family relationship, proof of paid application fees, and relevant materials required based on the above different situations. Details can be found here（

http://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/portal/sr/gradjani/Informacije%20za%20strance/ ! ut/p/z1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfIjo8ziDY0sjTyM3Q18_F2N3AwcDf1dQkJdfb1CTAz0w8EKDHAARwP9KEL6o8BK_C19zQzdDYy83T1cDQ0czUzM3INcjI1M3A0xFJi5Ghk4Bppbuni7WhhbeBhAFeBxQ0FuhEGmp6MiAOcNuTg!/? 1dmy&urile=wcm% 3apath% 3a% 2Fpublic_cyrilic% 2Fpocetna% 2FGradjani% 2FInformermacije% 2Bza% 2Bstrand% 2FStalni% 2Bboravak% 2F).

3、 Serbia is not a traditional country of immigration. Foreigners can acquire Serbian nationality, and Serbia recognizes dual nationality.

Serbia currently has one orange (high-risk) area and all other areas are blue (low-risk). Specifically, as follows:

Orange region: Kosovo region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds Chinese citizens to travel to Kosovo with caution in the near future. Personnel and institutions in the area are closely monitoring the situation, maintaining high vigilance, strengthening security precautions and emergency preparedness, and ensuring personal and property safety. In case of emergency, please report to the police in a timely manner and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the local area.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas embassies and consulates will continue to closely monitor changes in the overseas security situation, dynamically adjust relevant risk assessments, and release and update corresponding security reminders in real time on platforms such as the China Consular Service Network. Please continue to pay attention.

public security

The overall political situation in Serbia is stable, and the risk of terrorist attacks is not high. However, foreigners are often stolen and robbed. Especially in pedestrian streets, Republic Square, train stations, shopping malls, airports and other crowded places, tourists should be vigilant, strengthen prevention, and keep their belongings and passports safe. If an accident occurs, the first step is to report to the police and promptly contact the Chinese Embassy in Serbia.

natural disaster

There have been floods, snowstorms, and earthquakes in Serbia.

It is best to understand the weather conditions in advance before traveling. In case of danger, please contact the local emergency rescue department. When renting a car or driving, please contact the rental company's rescue service phone number or report to the police. If necessary, seek help from the Chinese Embassy in Serbia.

FDA

The food hygiene conditions in Serbia are gradually approaching EU standards.

Urgent Help

Bandit police:+ 381-11-192.

Fire alarm:+ 381-11-193.

Medical emergency:+ 381-11-194.

Trailer service:+ 381-11-1987.

(For calls from Belgrade, please add 11 after+381. For calls from other regions, please add the local number.)

General emergency hotline:+ 381-112.

Emergency contact information for consular protection at the embassy or consulate in the country:+381-63590818.

air traffic

Serbia has six airports. Nikola Tesla International Airport is the only international airport in the country, located 12 kilometers west of Belgrade and serving as the base for Serbian airline AIR SERBIA. Nikola Tesla Airport provides direct access to major cities in various European countries. Asian travelers to Serbia generally need to transit through other international cities such as Vienna, Moscow, and Paris. In 2022, China and Serbia will open two direct flights (Hainan Airlines and Serbian Airlines), allowing passengers departing from China to travel directly to Serbia.

Nikola Tesla Airport Address: Aerodrom „Nikola Tesla“,Aerodrom 59,11180 Beograd。

The main ways to travel to and from the airport are: renting a car, taking a taxi, taking bus 72 to the Zeleni Venac bus stop in the city, or taking bus A1 to the SLAVIJA square in the city. The airport has a taxi route estimator that allows tourists to check the prices from the airport to their destination. At the airport, there are illegal taxi operations that attract passengers and charge exorbitant fees.

Airport inquiry phone number:+ 381-11-2094444.

land transport

1、 Railway

Belgrade is also a railway hub in Serbia. From Belgrade Railway Station, one can reach various regions of Serbia as well as major cities in other Southeast European countries such as Sofia (Bulgaria), Zagreb (Croatia), Budapest (Hungary), etc.

The address of the train station (starting from July 1, 2018) is Ž elezni č ka stanica Beograd centar Prokop, Pionirska bb, 11000 Beograd。 Contact phone number:+ 381-11-337-0031.

2、 Highway

Belgrade has an intercity transportation network that runs through the city and connects countries in Southeast Europe and 17 other European countries.

Bus terminal address: Glavna autobuska stanica Beograd, Ž elezni č ka 4, 11000 Beograd. Contact number: To countries in Southeast Europe:+381-11-2636299; To other European countries:+ 381-11-6658759.

Pedestrians must walk on the sidewalk, and those without sidewalks must walk on the left side.

3、 Self driving car

International driver's licenses can be used in Serbia. On May 27, 2021, China and Serbia signed an agreement on mutual recognition and replacement of driver's licenses. After the agreement comes into effect, Chinese driver's license holders (holding the original and translated driver's license) will be able to drive directly within Serbia or obtain a local driver's license without testing. The permitted driving types include small cars and motorcycles. The agreement officially came into effect on March 13, 2022. To apply for mutual recognition or replacement of driver's licenses, one must submit an application to the Serbian police station. For specific procedures, please refer to the relevant instructions on the website of the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs（ http://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/portal/sr/ !ut/p/z1/dYzBCoJAFEW_xu28l8Kk7QYSI4topb1NaEyjNM2TcUro6xNaB

XV353LuBYIayDXP3jShZ9fYmU8kz4dsLxcFxmUh8xjVcZmtyzxN0g1CBQQ0K_gnCmELZC

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bzhuh4Q!!/? Uri=nm: oid: Z6_K1C6HGG0L82M30A156047V1II3).

Serbia implements right-hand drive for vehicles, and the headlights must be turned on when driving. A driver's license must be carried when driving a vehicle. Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited, and passengers must wear seat belts.

Special reminder: Some traffic signals, signs, and markings are different from those in China. When driving, it is necessary to understand and comply with traffic regulations, and speeding is not allowed. At intersections without right turn signals, vehicles cannot turn right when the red light is on. On road sections where signal lights, traffic signs, and markings are unclear, motor vehicles should yield to pedestrians.

When parking, the vehicle must be parked in the parking lot or in an area marked with parking space markings on the roadside, and the parking fee must be paid voluntarily according to regulations. Failure to park according to regulations will result in being towed and fined.

On the way from Serbia to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, the terrain in the Zlatibor mountainous area is complex and the road conditions are poor. The electronic map navigation route is often prone to errors, and it takes a long time to drive through the area. Tourists should be fully prepared and preferably choose to drive during the day, paying attention to traffic safety. Once you get lost or your vehicle malfunctions, you should contact the rescue service hotline of the car rental company as soon as possible, or call the police. If necessary, you can seek help from the Chinese Embassy in Serbia.

water communication

Serbia is an inland country without sea transportation. The most important waterway is the Danube River, which undertakes approximately 4/5 of inland waterway transportation.

Urban transportation

The transportation in the capital city of Belgrade mainly relies on buses and taxis.

Special reminder: When taking public transportation, you should purchase tickets in advance at the street newsstand, or purchase a transportation card to recharge. You can also purchase tickets from the driver after boarding, but the ticket price is about twice the regular fare. After boarding, please make your own ticket or swipe your card, and keep the ticket stub safe for the mobile ticket inspector to check. Please do not evade tickets. Violators will be severely punished once investigated.

Starting from May 2023, the ticket purchasing method for public transportation in Belgrade will be adjusted, which requires sending a text message to the "9011" number (using a local SIM card) or going to the ticket purchasing point to purchase. After purchasing the ticket, please keep the purchase receipt, which can be a confirmation reply via SMS or a paper ticket. Please refer to the attached link for specific SMS content and ticket purchase location:

https://bgnaplata.rs/tarife/

https://bgnaplata.rs/prodajna-mesta/

Taking a taxi usually requires making a reservation by phone or text message, and is charged based on mileage. Do not take taxis without taxi signs or without proper regulations to avoid being charged high fares. When getting off the bus, ask for and keep the taxi ticket. The appointment phone numbers for major taxi companies in some cities can be found in the attached link:

https://zovitaxi.com/beograd_e.html

major city

Serbia has an area of 88499 square kilometers (including 10900 square kilometers in Kosovo) and a population of 6.66 million (estimated population in 2022, excluding Kosovo).

1、 Belgrade

The capital and largest city of Serbia, with an area of 3222 square kilometers and a population of approximately 168 40000 (estimated population in 2022). National political, industrial, and cultural center, an important transportation hub in the Balkan Peninsula. There are dozens of museums and exhibition halls in the city, which preserve many famous historical sites, such as the medieval ruins of Kalemegdan Castle and the Saint Sava Church.

In October 1980, Belgrade and Beijing became sister cities. In May 2018, Belgrade and Shanghai became sister cities.

2、 Novi Sad

The capital of Vojvodina Autonomous Province is the second largest city in Serbia, with an area of 702.7 square kilometers and a population of approximately 368700 (estimated population in 2022). Novi Sad is the political, economic, cultural, technological, medical, and ecological center of the province of V, known as the environmental city of the Danube River. In November 1981, Novi Sad and Changchun became sister cities.

Commodity prices

Wheat, corn, soybeans, grapes, and honey are the main products of Serbia. The overall prices in Serbia are lower than the average level of developed European countries and slightly lower than the level of first tier cities in China. Dinar is the legal currency in circulation. Serbia adopts a floating exchange rate, with 1 Chinese yuan equivalent to approximately 15 dinars (November 2023 data).

The value-added tax rate for basic daily necessities such as bread, milk, and eggs, books, stationery, and digital electronic products is 8%, while the rate for other goods is 20%.

The main payment methods are cash, credit cards (VISA, MASTER, etc.), and debit cards (only applicable to banks with branch offices). Traveler's checks have not yet been widely accepted. On June 11, 2018, the opening ceremony of UnionPay card payment service was held in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. At present, Chinese tourists can withdraw local currency from ATMs under the Postal Savings Bank of Serbia.

There are multiple foreign banks in Serbia, and domestic Chinese banks have no branches in Serbia except for Bank of China. Bank of China Serbia Limited has not yet opened its personal business. There are numerous foreign currency exchange points in the local area, distributed throughout the streets and alleys of Belgrade and other major cities.

Insurance Medical

The medical conditions in Serbia are generally average, and the level of medical care is relatively backward compared to other developed European countries.

Cardiovascular disease is a common disease in the local area.

Foreign residents studying or doing business in Serbia are required to apply for medical insurance. Short term tourists must hold a health certificate and medical guarantee certificate, or purchase short-term travel insurance.

The supply of medicines in Serbia is good, with pharmacies of all sizes scattered throughout the streets and alleys of the city, and prices are moderate. There are 295 pharmacies in Belgrade alone. Hospitals do not sell drugs, and outpatient patients need to bring a doctor's prescription to the pharmacy to buy medication. Pharmacy salespersons are required to have a certain level of professional medical knowledge, and most of them are graduates of medical schools with associate degrees or undergraduate degrees.

The main medical institutions include the Military Medical Academy (Vojnomedicinska akademija) and the Belgrade Medical Center (Beogradski KBC). Please refer to the list of all other hospitals.

The main pharmacies are Apoteka Beograd. Please refer to the list of all pharmacies for more information.

Customs taboos

1、 Eastern Orthodoxy is the main religion in Serbia. In addition to Eastern Orthodoxy, there are also dioceses of other religions in Serbia, such as Islam, Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism, etc.

Serbians are enthusiastic, generous, and enjoy making friends. They dress neatly and appropriately in social situations. When meeting guests in social situations, shake hands with each introduced guest and give your name. When meeting relatives and friends, it is customary to give hugs and kiss each other's cheeks.

Serbians like to give flowers, such as roses and lilies. Chrysanthemums are the flowers used in cemeteries.

Serbians are quite particular about addressing and greeting each other, using honorifics such as' Mr. ',' Mrs. ',' Miss', and titles before their surnames. They are only called by name among family members and close friends.

In a meeting, it is generally necessary to make a prior agreement. It is impolite to visit rashly and exchange business cards during the visit. When visiting at home, it is usually customary to give practical gifts or flowers. During important holidays, it is customary to give gifts to each other, usually including alcohol, flowers, and classic office stationery sets. When submitting gifts, the packaging paper should be removed in person, and the contents of the gifts should be displayed and introduced.

Serbians like to invite familiar guests or friends to the outskirts or tourist destinations for sightseeing and leisure activities, promoting communication and enhancing mutual feelings. During this period, a banquet must be held, whether formal or informal, and the host should warmly invite guests to taste locally brewed strong fruit wine and toast each other.

Serbian people have a preference for Western cuisine with Serbian ethnic characteristics and also have a strong fondness for Chinese cuisine.

2、 Statutory holidays include: New Year's Day (January 1-2), Orthodox Christmas Day (January 7), Orthodox New Year's Day (January 14), Orthodox Saint Sava's Day (January 27), National Day (February 15), International Labor Day (May 1-2), Victory Day (May 9), Easter Day (Friday, Sunday, and Monday of the first week after the Spring Equinox).

Every Saturday and Sunday is a public holiday.

Communications Power

There are very few internet cafes in Serbia, but public places such as cafes and shopping malls provide free wireless internet services. Internet access is dominated by ADSL and cable TV cable.

Mobile SIM cards often use the GSM standard. Mobile operators have been providing 3G services since 2009 and gradually promoting 4G services since 2016.

Dial a mobile phone within Serbia: directly dial the phone number; Dial Belgrade landline: 011+landline number; Dialing international landline: 00+country number+region number+landline number (such as calling Beijing, China: 00+86+10+landline number); Dial international mobile phone: 00+country number+mobile phone number; Dialing from China to a mobile phone within Serbia: 00+381+phone number.

Voltage: 220V.

Power socket: German standard (two thick circles).

contact information