Serbia Visa 2026 Updates – Complete Guide to New Rules, eVisa, and Policy Changes

Serbia’s visa system underwent major digital transformation in 2025-2026 with the launch of the eVisa portal in June 2025 and the Digital Travel Authorization (DTA) electronic visa format in April 2025. The unified C visa fee is now EUR 90, new bilateral agreements expanded visa-free access to citizens of several countries, and Indian citizens lost visa-free entry in January 2023. This guide covers every Serbia visa policy change travelers need to know before visiting in 2026.

What Changed in Serbia’s Visa Policy in 2025-2026

Serbia modernized its visa system with two major developments – the eVisa online portal launched in June 2025 and the Digital Travel Authorization (DTA) electronic visa format introduced on April 23, 2025.

The Serbian government introduced significant changes to its visa regime between 2024 and 2026. The most impactful change was the launch of the eVisa system in June 2025, which allows citizens of visa-required countries to apply for Serbian visas entirely online through the official portal at welcometoserbia.gov.rs.

On April 23, 2025, Serbia began issuing Digital Travel Authorizations (DTA) – electronic visas with QR code verification that comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. This replaced the traditional visa sticker format for eligible applicants.

The C visa fee was unified to EUR 90 for both single and multiple entry, replacing the previous structure of EUR 60 for single entry. The D visa fee remains at EUR 50.

Additionally, Serbia signed new bilateral visa exemption agreements with nine countries between 2024 and 2026, while revoking India’s visa-free access in January 2023. These changes reflect Serbia’s ongoing alignment with EU visa policy standards as an EU candidate country.

Serbia eVisa System – How to Apply Online in 2026

The Serbia eVisa portal at welcometoserbia.gov.rs allows citizens of visa-required countries to apply for C or D visas entirely online, with processing times of 5-10 working days.

The eVisa system represents Serbia’s move toward digital government services. To apply for a Serbia eVisa, travelers must follow these steps:

1. Register an account on the Electronic Identification Portal at eid.gov.rs
2. Log in to the eVisa portal at welcometoserbia.gov.rs
3. Complete the visa application form with personal and travel details
4. Upload required documents:
   • Valid passport (scanned bio page)
   • Passport-sized photo (3.5×4.5 cm)
   • Proof of purpose of visit (invitation letter, hotel booking, or travel voucher)
   • Travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage
   • Proof of sufficient funds (EUR 50 per day of stay)
5. Pay the visa fee (EUR 90 for C visa, EUR 50 for D visa)
6. Submit the application and wait for processing

The eVisa processing time is typically 5-10 working days, significantly faster than embassy applications which take 10-15 working days. Applicants receive their Digital Travel Authorization electronically once approved.

For travelers who prefer in-person applications, Serbian embassies and consulates abroad still accept visa applications through the traditional process.

Digital Travel Authorization (DTA) Explained

Serbia’s Digital Travel Authorization is an ICAO-compliant electronic visa format with QR code verification, replacing the traditional visa sticker for eligible applicants since April 2025.

The Digital Travel Authorization (DTA) is Serbia’s electronic visa document issued in digital format. Unlike a traditional visa sticker affixed to a passport, the DTA exists entirely in electronic form and includes several security features:

• 2D barcode (Validity QR code): Contains a web address where the DTA’s validity can be verified
• Border check QR code: When scanned by border officials, displays all visa data and electronic signature for validation
• Electronic seal: A digital seal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming data integrity and issuer identity
• ICAO compliance: The DTA follows the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Machine Readable Travel Documents Technical Report standard

Travelers can verify their DTA’s validity at evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs/check-digital-travel-authorization. The Country Signing Certificate Authority (CSCA) certificates for verifying DTA authenticity are downloadable from crl.mup.gov.rs.

If an applicant does not meet the criteria for a DTA (for example, due to migration risk factors or lack of reciprocity), the Serbian authorities will issue a traditional visa sticker instead.

Updated Serbia Visa Fees for 2026

The C visa fee is now EUR 90 (unified for single and multiple entry), while the D visa remains at EUR 50 – a change from the previous EUR 60 single-entry C visa fee.

Serbia’s visa fee structure was updated as part of the 2025 digital transformation:

The C visa is for short stays including tourism, business visits, and transit. The unified fee of EUR 90 applies regardless of whether the traveler needs single or multiple entry.

The D visa is for long stays based on employment, education, family reunification, or other grounds for temporary residence. The fee remains unchanged at EUR 50.

Note: The official eVisa portal at welcometoserbia.gov.rs confirms the EUR 90 C visa fee. Some pages on the MFA website (mfa.gov.rs) still display the older EUR 60 single-entry rate – the eVisa portal figure is authoritative for 2026.

New Visa-Free Agreements and Exemption Changes

Serbia signed new bilateral visa exemption agreements with Honduras, Solomon Islands, Jordan, Qatar, Benin, Saint Lucia, Congo, Burundi, and Tuvalu between 2024 and 2026, while revoking India’s visa-free access in January 2023.

Serbia actively expanded its visa-free network through bilateral agreements in recent years:

Important: These agreements have been signed but not yet entered into force as of 2026. Citizens of these countries still need a visa until ratification is complete.

India visa-free revoked (January 2023): Serbia previously allowed Indian citizens visa-free entry, but this privilege was revoked in January 2023. Indian nationals must now apply for a Serbia eVisa or embassy visa. The eVisa system (launched June 2025) has made the application process more accessible for Indian travelers.

Schengen, UK, and US Visa Holders – Entry Rules in 2026

Holders of valid Schengen, UK, US, or EU member state visas or residence permits can enter Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days, a rule in effect since November 8, 2014.

Since November 8, 2014, the Serbian government has allowed visa-free entry for holders of:

• Valid Schengen visa (multiple-entry)
• Valid UK visa
• Valid US visa
• Valid EU member state visa
• Residence permits from Schengen countries, EU member states, or the US

Key rules for Schengen/UK/US visa holders:

• Maximum stay: 90 days within any 180-day period
• The visa or residence permit must remain valid for the entire stay in Serbia
• Dual passport option: Travelers can enter Serbia with two passports – an expired passport containing a valid Schengen/US/UK visa and a valid passport without the visa
• Residence permit card holders (not sticker format) must present their valid passport alongside the residence permit

This exemption is particularly valuable for travelers from countries like India, Pakistan, Turkey, and China who hold valid Schengen visas, as they can visit Serbia without obtaining a separate Serbian visa.

Processing Times and Application Channels in 2026

eVisa applications process in 5-10 working days while embassy applications take 10-15 working days, making the online portal significantly faster for most travelers.

Factors that may affect processing time:

• Completeness of application: Incomplete applications are not accepted and require resubmission
• Nationality: Some nationalities may face additional security screening
• Visa type: D visa (long-stay) applications may take longer due to additional documentation requirements
• Peak seasons: Summer months (June-August) may see higher application volumes

For travelers who need their visa quickly, the eVisa portal is the recommended option. The system is available 24/7 and allows document uploads directly from the applicant’s device.

Passport and Entry Requirements for 2026

Serbia requires passports valid for 90+ days beyond departure with 2+ blank pages issued within the last 10 years, plus proof of EUR 50 per day in funds.

All travelers entering Serbia must meet these passport requirements:

• Validity: Passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended date of departure from Serbia
• Blank pages: At least 2 consecutive blank pages for entry/exit stamps
• Issuance date: Passport must have been issued within the past 10 years
• Condition: Passport must be in good physical condition (no damage or excessive wear)

Additional entry requirements:

• Proof of sufficient funds: Travelers must demonstrate EUR 50 per day of stay through cash, bank statements, traveler’s cheques, credit cards, or a letter of guarantee
• Travel medical insurance: Recommended coverage of at least EUR 20,000-30,000 for the duration of stay
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from a host in Serbia
• Return ticket: Proof of onward travel or return flight
• Police registration: All visitors must register with local police within 24 hours of arrival (hotels do this automatically)

Failure to meet these requirements may result in denial of entry at the Serbian border.

FAQs About Serbia Visa 2026 Updates