Thinking about Serbia for your next trip? This Balkan gem, nestled amidst rolling hills and charming towns, boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. From dramatic mountains to serene lakes, breathtaking scenery will leave you speechless. But Serbia’s true treasure lies in its people, known for their warmth and hospitality. The good news for UAE residents? A recent agreement allows visa-free travel for both tourism and business trips. This guide equips you with all you need to know about obtaining a Serbia visa for UAE residents.
Do You Need a Visa?
Residents of the UAE can visit Serbia without a visa for tourism or business, as per the bilateral agreements between the two countries established in 2019. UAE citizens may stay in Serbia for up to 90 days within a 180-day window starting from their initial entry without requiring a visa. Overstaying this limit will result in fines.
Alternatively, UAE residents can use a Schengen visa to enter Serbia. Although not part of the EU, Serbia aligns its visa policies with the Schengen area. Anyone holding a valid Schengen visa can visit Serbia for up to 90 days, within 180 days, until the visa remains valid.
For stays exceeding 90 days, UAE residents must apply for a Serbian visa.
Types of Serbia visa for UAE residents:
Several visa options are available depending on your reason for travelling to Serbia.
Type- C Short Stays:
- Tourism: Want to enjoy Serbia’s sights and culture? Apply for a Tourist Visa. Remember, business activities are not allowed on this visa.
- Business: Attending meetings, conferences, or trade fairs? A Business Visa is for you but cannot be used for paid work. Invitation letters from relevant organisations are required.
- Visiting Family or Friends: Are you planning to visit loved ones? A Family/Friend Visit Visa allows this. You’ll need an invitation letter from your host.
- Cultural Events, Sports, or Conferences: Are you participating in an approved cultural event, sports activity, or conference? A specific visa exists for this purpose. Include an invitation from the organiser and confirmation from the relevant ministry in your application.
- Short-Term Education/Internship: Enrolling in a short course or internship? A Short-Term Education/Internship Visa is necessary. Proof of financial support, an acceptance letter, and accommodation documentation are typically required.
Type-D Long Stays:
- Education: Pursuing higher education, language courses, or a long internship.
- Employment: Working for a Serbian company or in seasonal positions.
- Research: Contributing your expertise at a certified research centre.
- Family Reunification: Joining a close family member who holds Serbian citizenship.
- Medical Treatment: Receiving extended medical care from a Serbian institution.
- Entrepreneurship: Establishing a business that benefits the Serbian economy.
How To Apply For a Serbia Visa For UAE Residents?
Now that you understand the visa requirements, let’s dive into the application process:
Gather Required Documents
The specific documents needed may vary slightly depending on your visa type and purpose of travel. Here’s a general checklist to get you started:
- Completed Visa Application Form: Download the visa application form from the nearest Serbian embassy or consulate website and fill it out accurately.
- Here’s how to download the visa application form:
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport has at least 90 days validity from your intended departure date from Serbia and contains at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
- Recent Passport-Sized Photographs: Two recent photographs adhering to the specified size requirements. (size 3.5×4.5cm)
- Proof of Travel Insurance: Medical travel insurance covering expenses in Serbia is mandatory.
- Proof of Accommodation: Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from your host in Serbia, if applicable.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements, salary slips, or sponsorship letters demonstrating you have enough funds to cover your stay in Serbia.
- Round-Trip Flight Booking: A confirmed flight reservation demonstrating your entry and exit from Serbia.
- Additional Documents: Additional documents like a business invitation letter for business visas might be required depending on your visa type.
Schedule an Appointment
To ensure a smooth visit, please schedule your appointment by email (consular.abudhabi@mfa.rs4) at least two days before your desired date.
- Send an email expressing your interest in scheduling a visa appointment and inquire about the available slots.
- Be prepared to provide some basic information, such as your full name, passport number, and purpose of travel.
- The embassy or consulate staff will confirm your eligibility to schedule an appointment and guide you through the available dates and times.
- Once your appointment is confirmed, you’ll likely receive a confirmation email or phone call with details about the date, time, and documents you must bring.
Submit Your Application and Fees:
Attend your appointment at Serbia’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi, present your completed application and supporting documents, and pay the visa processing fee of AED 237.53.
What is the Serbian Visa Processing Time?
Processing times can vary depending on the workload at the embassy or consulate. Typically, it takes around 5 to 21 working days, but it’s best to factor in potential delays and plan accordingly.
Where Can You Collect Your Serbian Visa?
Once your visa application is processed, you’ll be notified of passport collection with the stamped visa. You can collect your passport and visa at the Consular Section of the Republic of Serbia’s Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Here’s The Address and Info:
EMBASSY OF SERBIA ABU DHABI
Mushref area, sector W31
Al Rafee street
Villa number 06 (opposite of Novotel hotel)
Telephone: +971 2 447 6 444
Fax: +971 2 447 4 411
Е-mail: srb.emb.uae@mfa.rs
| Department | Working Hours |
| Embassy | Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Consular Department* | Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm |
Tips for a Smooth Application Process:
- Double-check all documentation: Ensure all required documents are complete, valid, and meet the specified format.
- Apply well in advance: Don’t wait until the last minute to initiate the application process. Factor in processing times and potential delays.
- Be truthful and transparent: Provide accurate information on your travel purpose and intended duration of stay.
- Maintain clear communication: If necessary, contact the embassy or consulate to update your visa application status.
Why is travel insurance a Must?
While obtaining a visa is important, securing your trip with travel insurance is equally important. Unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, or travel delays can disrupt your plans and incur significant costs. Travel insurance offers a safety net, covering medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and even compensation for delays. This financial protection ensures peace of mind, allowing you to fully embrace your Serbian adventure without worrying about unforeseen burdens.
Final Takeaway:
Getting a Serbia visa for UAE residents can be a smooth process with proper planning and preparation. By following the steps outlined in this guide and gathering the necessary documentation, you’ll be well on your way to exploring Serbia’s wonders. So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and get ready to discover the magic of this Balkan nation!
P.S.: Safe Travels!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Can I get a Serbia visa online?
Serbia doesn’t provide an online visa application process. Instead, you need to apply in person at the Serbian consulate or embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Q. What is the required bank balance for a Serbia tourist visa?
While the exact requirements can vary, it’s important to demonstrate a stable financial situation. You should have enough funds to cover your travel expenses and stay in Serbia. Typically, you should be able to show proof of sufficient funds, indicating at least 50 to 80 euros per day for your stay in Serbia, along with enough resources to cover at least one month’s expenses at home.
Q. What type of visa is required for Serbia?
Depends on the purpose of your travel.
