Indian citizens need a visa to enter Serbia. Since Serbia revoked visa-free access for India in January 2023, all Indian passport holders must obtain a Type C (short-stay) or Type D (long-stay) visa before traveling. Indian travelers can apply online through the official eVisa portal or in person at the Serbian Embassy in New Delhi. For more details on the overall application process, see our guide to Serbia eVisa.
Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa for Serbia?
Yes – Indian citizens require a visa for Serbia. The visa-free arrangement that allowed Indian nationals to enter Serbia without a visa was revoked in January 2023.
Indian citizens enjoyed visa-free access to Serbia from September 2017 until January 2023 under a unilateral agreement. However, Serbia cancelled this arrangement, and since January 2023, all Indian passport holders must apply for and obtain a visa before entering Serbia.
Current entry options for Indian citizens:
- Standard visa application – Apply for Type C or Type D visa via eVisa portal or embassy
- Schengen visa exception – Indian citizens holding a valid multi-entry Schengen, US, UK, or Irish visa can enter Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period
The Schengen visa exception is a valuable option for Indian travelers who already hold these visas, as it eliminates the need for a separate Serbia visa application.
Serbia Visa Types Available for Indian Citizens
Indian citizens can apply for two Serbia visa types: Type C for short stays up to 90 days (EUR 90) and Type D for long stays of 90-180 days (EUR 50). The choice depends on the purpose and duration of travel.
Type C Visa (Short-Stay)
The Type C visa allows Indian citizens to enter and stay in Serbia for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa is suitable for:
- Tourism and leisure travel
- Business meetings and conferences
- Family visits
- Short-term medical treatment
Key details:
- Fee: EUR 90 (payable in Serbian dinars at the NBS exchange rate)
- Validity: Up to 90 days in a 180-day period
- Entry type: Single or multiple entry
- Processing: 5-15 working days
Type D Visa (Long-Stay)
The Type D visa permits Indian citizens to stay in Serbia for 90 to 180 days. This visa is required for:
- Study programs
- Employment
- Family reunification
- Long-term business activities
Key details:
- Fee: EUR 50 (payable in Serbian dinars at the NBS exchange rate)
- Validity: 90-180 days
- Entry type: Single or multiple entry
- Processing: 5-15 working days
Visa Type Comparison
| Feature | Type C (Short-Stay) | Type D (Long-Stay) |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | EUR 90 | EUR 50 |
| Duration | Up to 90 days | 90-180 days |
| Purpose | Tourism, business, visits | Study, work, family |
| Entry type | Single/Multiple | Single/Multiple |
For a detailed breakdown of all fees, visit our Serbia visa fee guide.
How to Apply for Serbia Visa from India
Indian citizens can apply for a Serbia visa online through the eVisa portal at evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs or in person at the Serbian Embassy in New Delhi. The eVisa system became available in June 2025, making the application process more convenient for Indian travelers.
Online Application (eVisa)
Since June 2025, Indian citizens can apply for Serbia visas electronically through the official Welcome to Serbia portal. The eVisa application process includes:
Step 1: Create an Account
- Visit https://evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs/
- Register with a valid email address
- Complete your profile information
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
- Select visa type (Type C or Type D)
- Fill in personal details, passport information, and travel plans
- Upload required documents (passport scan, photo, supporting documents)
Step 3: Pay the Fee
- Payment is made in Serbian dinars (RSD) at the National Bank of Serbia middle exchange rate
- EUR 90 for Type C (approximately 10,530 RSD)
- EUR 50 for Type D (approximately 5,850 RSD)
Step 4: Submit and Track
- Submit the application online
- Track status at https://evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs/myrequests/index
- Receive notifications via email
Step 5: Receive Visa
- After approval, contact the Serbian Embassy in New Delhi for visa sticker placement
- In some cases, personal appearance may be required
Embassy Application (In-Person)
Indian citizens can also apply for a Serbia visa in person at the Embassy of Serbia in New Delhi:
Required documents for embassy application:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport with at least 90 days validity beyond departure and 2 blank pages
- Passport-size photographs (recent, meeting specifications)
- Travel insurance covering the entire stay
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Return flight ticket
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds (last 3-6 months)
- Cover letter explaining travel purpose
Embassy processing time: 10-15 working days
For comprehensive document requirements, check our Serbia visa requirements guide.
Serbia Visa Requirements for Indian Passport Holders
Indian passport holders need a valid passport (90+ days beyond departure, 2 blank pages), completed application form, photographs, travel insurance, accommodation proof, return ticket, and financial documents for Serbia visa applications.
Passport Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Validity | At least 90 days beyond planned departure from Serbia |
| Blank pages | Minimum 2 blank pages for visa sticker |
| Issue date | Issued within the last 10 years |
| Condition | Undamaged, readable, and intact |
Required Documents Checklist
Mandatory documents for all applicants:
- Passport – Meeting validity and blank page requirements
- Application form – Completed and signed
- Photographs – Recent passport-size photos (35x45mm, white background)
- Travel insurance – Minimum coverage EUR 30,000, covering medical emergencies and repatriation
- Proof of accommodation – Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from host in Serbia
- Return ticket – Confirmed return or onward travel booking
- Financial proof – Bank statements from last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds
Additional documents by visa type:
For Type C (Tourist):
- Detailed travel itinerary
- Proof of employment or business registration
For Type C (Business):
- Invitation letter from Serbian company
- Letter from Indian employer
For Type D (Study):
- University acceptance letter
- Proof of tuition payment or scholarship
For Type D (Work):
- Employment contract or job offer from Serbian employer
- Work permit documentation
Financial Requirements
Indian applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover their stay in Serbia. While there is no fixed amount specified, bank statements should show:
- Regular income or savings
- Sufficient balance to cover accommodation, food, and travel expenses
- Generally recommended: EUR 50-100 per day of planned stay
Serbia Visa Fee for Indian Citizens
The Serbia visa fee for Indian citizens is EUR 90 for Type C (short-stay) and EUR 50 for Type D (long-stay), payable in Serbian dinars (RSD) at the National Bank of Serbia middle exchange rate.
Fee Structure
| Visa Type | Fee (EUR) | Fee (RSD approx.) | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type C (Short-stay) | EUR 90 | ~10,530 RSD | Up to 90 days |
| Type D (Long-stay) | EUR 50 | ~5,850 RSD | 90-180 days |
Note: The RSD amount varies daily based on the National Bank of Serbia exchange rate. Check the current rate before payment.
Payment Methods
- At embassy: Cash (EUR or RSD) or payment order
- Online (eVisa): Card payment through the portal
- Currency: Payment accepted in RSD at the NBS middle exchange rate
Exemptions
Holders of passports from certain countries (China, Armenia, Mali, Syria) are exempt from visa fees under bilateral agreements. India is not currently exempt from Serbia visa fees.
Serbia Visa Processing Time from India
Serbia visa processing for Indian applicants takes 5-15 working days, with eVisa applications typically processed in 5-10 days and embassy applications taking 10-15 working days.
Processing Timeline
| Application Method | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa (Online) | 5-10 working days | Faster processing, trackable online |
| Embassy (In-person) | 10-15 working days | Traditional method, requires visit |
Factors Affecting Processing Time
- Complete documentation – Incomplete applications cause delays
- Peak seasons – Summer months (June-August) may have longer processing
- Additional verification – Some applications require extra security checks
- Embassy workload – Processing times may vary based on application volume
Tracking Application Status
eVisa applications:
- Log in to https://evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs/myrequests/index
- Check status updates via email notifications
- Processing typically completes within 5-10 working days
Embassy applications:
- Contact the Serbian Embassy in New Delhi directly
- Allow 10-15 working days before inquiring
Enter Serbia Visa-Free with a Schengen Visa
Indian citizens holding a valid multi-entry Schengen visa, US visa, UK visa, or Irish visa can enter Serbia without a separate Serbian visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
This exception, effective since November 2014, provides a convenient option for Indian travelers who already hold these visas.
Eligible Visa Types
| Visa Type | Requirement | Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa | Valid multi-entry | Up to 90 days |
| US visa | Valid (any type) | Up to 90 days |
| UK visa | Valid (any type) | Up to 90 days |
| Irish visa | Valid (any type) | Up to 90 days |
Conditions for Visa-Free Entry
- The qualifying visa must be valid for the entire duration of stay in Serbia
- The visa must be a multi-entry visa (for Schengen)
- Maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period
- Passport must meet standard validity requirements (90+ days beyond departure)
Important Considerations
- Single-entry Schengen visas do NOT qualify for visa-free entry to Serbia
- If your Schengen visa expires during your Serbia stay, you will need a separate Serbia visa
- This exception applies to ordinary passport holders only
- Always carry a copy of your qualifying visa and passport
When to Use This Option
This visa-free entry option is ideal for Indian travelers who:
- Are visiting multiple European countries including Serbia
- Already have a valid Schengen visa for other travel purposes
- Want to avoid the Serbia visa application process and fees
If you do not hold one of these qualifying visas, you must apply for a standard Serbia visa through the eVisa portal or embassy.
Serbia Visa Rejection Reasons for Indian Citizens
Common Serbia visa rejection reasons for Indian citizens include incomplete documentation, insufficient financial proof, unclear travel purpose, passport validity issues, and previous immigration violations.
Top Rejection Reasons
1. Incomplete Documentation
- Missing required documents
- Expired documents (passport, insurance)
- Incorrect photo specifications
- Prevention: Use the document checklist and verify all items before submission
2. Insufficient Financial Proof
- Low bank balance
- Recent large deposits without explanation
- No regular income pattern
- Prevention: Maintain consistent bank balance for 3-6 months before applying
3. Unclear Travel Purpose
- Vague cover letter
- No supporting documents for stated purpose
- Inconsistent travel itinerary
- Prevention: Provide detailed cover letter with specific plans
4. Passport Issues
- Less than 90 days validity beyond departure
- Fewer than 2 blank pages
- Damaged or altered passport
- Prevention: Check passport validity well in advance
5. Previous Immigration Violations
- Overstay in Schengen or other countries
- Visa violations in previous travel history
- Prejection: Address any previous issues in cover letter
How to Avoid Rejection
- Submit complete, organized documentation
- Ensure all documents are current and valid
- Provide clear, specific travel purpose
- Show sufficient, stable financial resources
- Apply well in advance of travel date (at least 4-6 weeks)
- Double-check all information before submission
What to Do If Rejected
If your Serbia visa application is rejected:
- Review the rejection letter for specific reasons
- Address the issues cited in the rejection
- Gather additional supporting documents if needed
- Reapply with corrected documentation
- Consider consulting a visa advisor for complex cases
