Foreign nationals wishing to obtain a visa for Serbia will soon no longer have to visit a diplomatic mission. Thanks to the imminent launch of an online electronic visa system, applications can be submitted entirely remotely, simplifying the administrative process.
Currently, travelers requiring a visa to enter Serbia must submit their application in person to the relevant Serbian embassy or consulate in their country of residence, following online registration. This will soon change.
On March 19, the Government of the Republic of Serbia announced that the online system for issuing electronic visas will soon be operational. The announcement was made on the occasion of the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Đurić, and the Director of the Office, Mihail Jovanović, signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of data storage and migration, maintenance, improvement and upgrade of the visa information system.
This collaboration is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of consular services offered by Serbia.
Towards a digitalized and secure consular service
At the signing, Marko Đurić recalled that the online visa application system and the “Welcome to Serbia” portal for foreigners began operating as early as February last year, marking a turning point in the modernization of the Ministry’s services. He confirmed for the occasion that a complete online system for issuing electronic visas would soon be launched.
“Serbia is on the brink of a quantum leap in the quality of consular services, made possible through the collaboration between the Ministry and the Office,” said the Serbian diplomatic chief.
He also explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will become the first institution authorized to use the digital seal, thus reinforcing the legitimacy and security of documents issued electronically.
Cybersecurity and digital transformation
The Minister highlighted the importance of developing state data centers in Belgrade and Kragujevac, which strengthen both the security of citizens’ data and national cybersecurity – a major priority in the current context.
For his part, Mihail Jovanović pointed out that the protocol signed marks the start of active cooperation aimed firstly at transferring the visa information system to the state data center, before embarking on work to upgrade and develop new electronic services for foreigners wishing to live or work in Serbia.
The portal for foreigners already widely used
Jovanović also highlighted the results of the previously commissioned Portal for Foreigners, which has processed 43,961 applications for single temporary residence and work permits to date.
Finally, as part of the preparations for the Specialised Expo 2027 Belgrade, he reported that improvements are being made to the same portal, in order to make electronic visas available to all participants wishing to come to Serbia for the event.
Which travelers need a visa to enter Serbia?
While many foreign nationals can travel to Serbia without a visa for short stays (up to 90 days), certain countries still require a visa. This applies mainly to countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Countries whose citizens must obtain a visa before entering Serbia include Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Cameroon, Nigeria, Qatar, Pakistan and India. These travelers are required to apply for a visa at the Serbian embassy or consulate in their country of residence prior to departure.
Conversely, nationals of many countries, including the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and Russia, are exempt from visa requirements for short-term tourist or business stays.
You are strongly advised to check the entry requirements for your nationality on the official website of the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or at the nearest Serbian diplomatic representation, as the rules may change.
Is the work permit visa process currently operational in Serbia, or has it been temporarily suspended? Specifically, for applicants who have applied for a D visa through the online Welcome to Serbia portal of the Serbian Embassy in New Delhi, is the visa approval process actively ongoing, or is it currently on hold? Any official clarification or updated information on this matter would be highly appreciated.
Thank You.