Risk level

Safety and security

Areas bordering Kosovo

Exercise a high degree of caution within 10km of the border with Kosovo due to the potential for political tensions, possible civil unrest and the presence of  landmines.

Stay on the main roads. Unexploded landmines and other unexploded ordnance remain in Serbia, particularly in the southern Serbian district of Pčinja, including the municipalities of Bujanovac and Preševo.

Disputes between ethnic Serb communities and local authorities in Northern Kosovo could lead to tensions and security incidents near the border.

If you are near the border with Kosovo:

• expect an increased presence of military and security forces
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• don’t attempt to enter Kosovo directly from Serbia

Areas bordering North Macedonia

Expect possible delays at the border with North Macedonia due to the migrant situation.

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, occurs. Thieves target tourists, particularly in crowded public areas such as:

• buses, trains, bus and train stations and airports
• large crowds or public markets

During your trip:

• keep your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, in a secure place
• don't show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery
• don't carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily

Car thieves target luxury vehicles and four-wheel-drive models. Avoid leaving any luggage or valuables in the vehicle and use secure parking facilities.

Fraud

Credit card fraud is common. When using credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime

Cybercrime occurs. Criminals may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

•  Use secure public Wi-Fi networks
• Avoid making purchases on unencrypted websites
• Be cautious when posting information on social media
• Be particularly vigilant when contacting or meeting individuals known over the internet
• Never click a suspicious link in an email or text message asking for your credit card details

Overseas fraud

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities. There is a potential for other violent incidents.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

2SLGBTQI+ persons

2SLGBTQI+ persons have been targets of harassment and violence. Some Pride events have met organized counter-protests, which may create an intimidating or threatening environment.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Soccer matches

Confrontations, which at times become violent, may occur between opposing fans at soccer matches. This is especially true for matches between Belgrade clubs Partizan and Red Star. Traffic and public transportation may also be affected.

• Exercise caution if you attend a soccer match or if you stay near sporting venues
• Be aware of large groups of supporters during a soccer match

Road safety

Road conditions

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country.

Secondary roads are often narrow and poorly maintained. State Road 22 connecting Belgrade to the border with Montenegro, commonly known as “Ibarska Magistrala,” is dangerous due to poor road conditions.

Serbian licence plates

Travellers driving to neighbouring countries with Serbian plates could face tensions, especially when driving on the roads and at border crossings in:

• Kosovo
•  Bosnia and Herzegovina
•  Croatia
•  Albania.

If you plan on travelling in the region with a car registered in Serbia, be aware of your surroundings.

Dial 987 for roadside assistance.

Public transportation

Safety standards vary on public transportation. Buses and trams are often in poor condition and are frequently out of order or forced to stop mid-route for repairs.

Taxis

Use only officially marked taxis and pre-negotiate fares where a meter is not in use. At Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, use the taxi reservation service in the baggage claim area to avoid being charged exorbitant rates for transportation to the city centre.

If departing from a hotel or restaurant, consider calling for a radio taxi. Operators usually speak English and will guarantee an official taxi.

Trains

Rail service is slow and often subject to delays due to extensive repairs on outdated railway tracks. Railway equipment is old and poorly maintained. Rail service is not an efficient means of domestic or regional travel.

International bus

Several companies offer domestic and international bus services. The larger companies have modern, well-maintained fleets.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Serbian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Serbia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days
Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days

If you plan to stay in Serbia longer than 90 days, contact the Embassy of Serbia or one of its consulates for information on requirements that apply to your specific situation.

Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Registration

You must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival in Serbia. Registration will normally be arranged by your hotel or your host. Failure to register can result in fines and difficulties when departing.

Kosovo

Serbia does not recognize any border crossing points from Kosovo as official international entry points. Don’t attempt to enter Serbia directly from Kosovo unless you initially travelled into Kosovo from Serbia and obtained a valid entry stamp from the Serbian immigration authorities. Otherwise, you should transit via a third country such as Albania, North Macedonia or Montenegro.

Entry to Kosovo from Serbia is subject to delays or may be prohibited entirely. Some border posts have been closed for short periods. Verify the border situation before you undertake travel. If travelling by road, you may have to provide proof of the purpose of your visit to Kosovo at the checkpoint between Serbia and Kosovo. Some travellers may be exempted, such as holders of a Serbian identity card.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited in availability outside of major cities. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. Doctors and nurses in major cities will often speak English. Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medical tourism

Canadian citizens have had serious health complications following dental, cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad.Before leaving for medical travel:

• make sure you have done your research
• use competent health-care providers only

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Serbia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Serbia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Serbia authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long prison sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

Photography of military or police installations, vehicles and personnel is prohibited, unless authorized by the Ministry of Defence.

Identification

You must carry identification, such as a passport, at all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or confiscated.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Serbia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Serbia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Serbia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Serbia, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Serbian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Serbia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Serbian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely socially accepted.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Driving

You should carry an international driving permit

You can drive in Serbia with a Canadian driver’s license for up to 90 days.

International Driving Permit

Equipment

Vehicles must be equipped for emergency situations:

• a first aid kit
• a warning triangle
•  a tow rope
• functional spare tire;
•  a reflective vest that must be worn immediately when leaving a vehicle that is stranded or involved in an accident.

Children under the age of 12 may not sit in the front seat. All children under 135cm must sit in a child car seat.

Imports

In order to avoid customs charges, you are required to declare items of value, such as jewellery, photographic and computing equipment, that you are temporarily importing into Serbia. These items should be intended for your own personal use and you must take them with you when leaving the country.

Money

The currency of Serbia is the Serbian dinar (RSD).

Euros are not legal tender in Serbia. All banks and exchange offices will readily convert euros.

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave Serbia. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

Your funds could be confiscated if  you fail to make a declaration  when leaving the country.

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Serbia. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.

Seismic activity

Serbia is located in an active seismic zone.

Earthquakes - What to Do?

Bush and forest fires

Bush and forest fires are common in the summer months. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. In case of a major fire, stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments.

• Always follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
• Monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Flooding

Heavy rains and thunderstorms during spring and summer may result in flooding and may cause significant damage to roads and generate localized landslides.

Snowstorms

Snowstorms throughout winter may lead to problems along transportation routes and with power and telecommunications systems. 

• Pay close attention to road conditions and refrain from driving during or immediately after severe storms
• Monitor local weather forecasts