The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is mandatory for all Serbians visiting the Schengen Zone (includes most countries in the European Union) after late-2022.
If you’re a Serbian passport holder hoping to visit countries like Spain, Portugal, and France after this period, you will need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver.
ETIAS Visa Waiver for Serbian Citizens
Whether you’re visiting the Schengen Zone for business, travel, or tourism purposes, you must first apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. Unlike a traditional visa, the ETIAS application can be completed quickly and easily online.
You don’t need to submit financial information and you don’t need to prove that you have accommodation waiting for you and return tickets to get you back home.
The ETIAS visa waiver is valid for three years and permits access for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is a multi-entry visa, so you can keep returning to the area and exploring.
Is Serbia in the EU or Schengen?
Serbia is in Europe, but it is not a member of the European Union (EU), nor has it signed the Schengen Agreement. It is a candidate for entry into the EU, though, and it might join the union at some point in the future.
The application process is long and many requirements must be met before countries can join. Even if Schengen meets those requirements and becomes part of the EU, it isn’t automatically a part of the Schengen Zone and that could take even more time.
What is the ETIAS Application Process for Serbia?
The ETIAS application is available on the official website from late-2022, at which point it becomes mandatory for Serbians and residents of around 60 other countries.
As long as you have a secure internet connection and a valid email address and passport, you’re ready to apply. You can do this any time before you travel and as it remains valid for 3 years, you don’t need to leave it until the last minute. In fact, authorization can take up to 72 hours to process, so it’s best to do it early.
Applications cost €7 and this fee is paid with a credit card or debit card.
What are the Best Places for Serbians to Visit with an ETIAS?
Although Serbia is bordered by multiple countries, only one of them (Hungary) is part of the Schengen Zone. However, that could change in years to come as Croatia and Bulgaria are expected to join.
Greece is also a good option for travelers from the Schengen Zone. It’s not too far away and it offers everything that travelers could ask for, including sun, sea, history, and great food. Austria and Italy are great locations too, and they are both part of the Schengen Zone.