Serbia is becoming an increasingly popular European destination for UAE travellers, thanks to its blend of history, nature, vibrant city life, and easy visa rules. Whether you’re planning a short holiday, business trip, or an extended stay, understanding Serbia’s visa requirements is essential, especially for UAE residents of different nationalities.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know, including visa-free entry rules, when you need a visa, document checklists, long-stay options, embassy procedures, processing times, fees, and special considerations for families and dependents.
- Visa-Free Travel: The Basics for UAE Citizens
- When Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Serbia?
- Serbia Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
- Special Requirements for Specific Nationalities
- How to Apply for a Serbia Visa from UAE
- Visa Fees & Costs
- Passport Validity Requirements
- Special Considerations for UAE Residents
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Visa-Free Travel: The Basics for UAE Citizens
UAE passport holders enjoy one of the most convenient arrangements for travelling to Serbia. Under the visa-free agreement, Emiratis can easily visit the country for short-term stays.
Travel is permitted for both leisure and business purposes.
Key Points
- No visa needed for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Applies to tourism and business.
- UAE nationals may enter simply with their passport and travel documents.
- Travellers with a valid Schengen visa can also enter under the same allowance.
When Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Serbia?
Although UAE citizens enjoy visa-free entry, not all UAE residents fall under the same category. Some travellers must apply for a visa depending on their passport, travel purpose, and length of stay.
Long-Term Stays (More Than 90 Days)
If you plan to stay in Serbia beyond 90 days, a visa is required – regardless of nationality. The long-stay (D-type) visa must be applied for at the Serbian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Non-Tourism or Non-Business Travel
If your trip involves staying in Serbia for reasons other than tourism or business, you must apply for the correct visa category. This includes visas for:
- Education
- Employment or work
- Family reunification
- Medical treatment
Serbia Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
To make your application process easier, here’s a clear breakdown of all the documents you’ll need.
Personal & Travel Documents
- Valid Passport: Must remain valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to leave Serbia.
- Passport Copy: A clear copy of the biographical page.
- Recent Passport Photos: Two passport-sized photographs taken within the last 6 months and meeting embassy guidelines.
- Emirates ID & UAE Residency Visa Copy: Residency must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your Serbia visa validity.
Financial & Accommodation Documentation
- Bank Statements: The most recent 3 months showing sufficient financial balance.
- Proof of Accommodation: Confirmed hotel booking, Airbnb reservation, or an invitation letter from family or friends in Serbia.
- Round-Trip Flight Tickets: Confirmed entry and exit bookings.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including medical emergencies and repatriation.
Application & Administrative Documents
- Visa Application Form: Fully completed, signed, and submitted in English.
- Employment Letter (if applicable): A no-objection letter from your employer or a copy of the sponsor’s passport if you are sponsored.
Special Requirements for Specific Nationalities
Travellers who hold any of the following valid visas can enter Serbia without applying for a separate Serbian visa:
However, Indian nationals living in the UAE must apply for a Serbian tourist visa in advance, even with UAE residency. For the full checklist and requirements, applicants should contact the Serbian Embassy via their official email channels.
How to Apply for a Serbia Visa from UAE
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you complete your Serbia visa application smoothly.
- Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Compile all required documents according to your visa type and nationality. Make sure any documents not in English are translated.
- Step 2: Email the Embassy
Email srb.emb.uae@mfa.rs or consular.abudhabi@mfa.rs to request the latest checklist and schedule an appointment.
- Step 3: Submit Your Application
Visit the Serbian Embassy in Abu Dhabi with your original documents and copies. An in-person appointment is required for submission and the interview.
- Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
The tourist visa fee is 60 euros, paid in cash.
- Step 5: Attend Your Interview
Be prepared to discuss your travel purpose, financial readiness, and ties to the UAE.
Processing Timeline
Serbia visa processing usually takes 5 to 21 working days. It’s best to apply 20 – 30 days before your travel date to avoid any delays.
Visa Fees & Costs
| Visa Type | Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (C Visa) | 60 EUR (Cash) | Up to 90 days |
| Long-Term Visa (D Visa) | Varies by category | 90+ days |
| Visa-Free (UAE Citizens) | Free | Up to 90 days (180-day cycle) |
Passport Validity Requirements
Make sure your passport meets the minimum validity requirements based on the type of visa or travel purpose.
| Visa Purpose | Minimum Passport Validity |
|---|---|
| Tourist/Business (Visa-Free) | 6 months from intended departure |
| Tourist Visa Application | 6 months beyond intended departure |
| Long-Term Visas | 90 days after intended departure |
Special Considerations for UAE Residents
Here are some important points to keep in mind when travelling to Serbia, especially for minors, dependents, and longer stays.
Children & Minors Travelling to Serbia
If children or minors under 18 are travelling:
- Original birth certificate, adoption papers, or custody decree is required.
- Death certificate of a parent, if applicable.
- A “Letter of Consent” from both parents, including passport copies and valid UAE residency visa copies.
- If travelling with non-parents, legal guardians must provide supporting documentation.
UAE Residents with Dependent Family Members
When dependents accompany you:
- Provide the sponsor’s valid passport copy.
- Provide the sponsor’s valid UAE residency visa.
- Attach all documents together with a cover letter.
Overstaying Penalties
Exceeding the 90-day limit without a valid long-term visa may result in fines and possible entry bans. Make sure your travel plans comply with the allowed timeframe.
Important Contact Information
- Serbian Embassy in Abu Dhabi
- Email (General Visa Inquiries): srb.emb.uae@mfa.rs
- Email (Consular Services): consular.abudhabi@mfa.rs
- Process: Email the embassy to request appointment slots and an updated document checklist.
Additional Resources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia: Official visa information
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Details on bilateral agreements
Key Takeaways
UAE nationals can enter Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business purposes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.
For stays exceeding 90 days, a long-term visa application must be submitted at the Serbian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Visa processing typically takes 5 to 21 working days, so it is recommended to apply 20 to 30 days before travel.
Essential documents include your passport, bank statements, travel insurance, confirmed flight tickets, and proof of accommodation. The cost for a tourist visa is 60 EUR, payable in cash, while UAE nationals enjoy visa-free entry at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. UAE nationals holding UAE passports can enter Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, residents of the UAE with other nationalities, such as Indian passport holders, may need to apply for a visa depending on their nationality.
Yes. Proof of comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation is required when applying for a Serbian visa.
The 90-day allowance is a fixed limit within each 180-day period and cannot be extended without applying for a long-term visa. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a D-type (long-term) visa at the Serbian Embassy in Abu Dhabi before exceeding the 90-day limit.
Exceeding the 90-day limit without proper authorisation can result in fines and may lead to entry bans for future travel to Serbia.
Visa processing generally takes between 5 and 21 working days after submission. To avoid delays, it is recommended to submit your application 20–30 days before your intended travel date.
