Discover the Enchanting Culture and Nature of Serbia
Fun, welcoming and off the beaten track, Serbia offers travellers a heady fusion of cultural and natural attractions, at costs that remain low by European standards. Historically, this picturesque country has endured the tragedies of civil war and ethnic violence but, today, strives to overcome its dark and turbulent past, with a much more stable and peaceful situation attracting more and more tourists every year.
The capital city of Belgrade is still scarred by the devastation of a drawn out conflict, but is lauded for its vibrant nightlife. It is also one of Europe’s most ancient capitals, having seen the rise and fall of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and it boasts plenty of interesting sites of historical significance.
Outside of its cities, Serbia is home to beautiful national parks, spa resorts and some of the best skiing in Europe. The landscape of this verdant country includes alpine meadows, impenetrable forests, mountain lakes, glittering limestone caves, hot springs and remote monasteries. The magnificent Djerdap National Park, stretching along the right bank of the Danube River between Golubackigrad and the Sip Dam, is definitely not to be missed, and the Djerdap Gorge is one of Europe’s most spectacular geographic features.
During the winter months, those in the know head for the mountains along the Ibar Highway to the powdery peaks around the village of Kopaonik. Developing a reputation as one of Europe’s cheapest and coolest ski resorts, it is ideal for beginners and intermediates, and also features the Josanicka Banja spa.
Once defined by its dark history, this sensational Slavic enclave is waiting to be rediscovered and explored by adventurous, fun-loving and budget-conscious travellers.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Serbian is the official language.
- Passport/Visa:
All visitors require a valid passport. Visitors may be requested to show a return or onward ticket, documents for the next destination and sufficient funds to finance their stay. Entry to Serbia via Pristina Airport, Kosovo, may carry a different set of requirements, which visitors to Kosovo must check before travelling. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The currency of Serbia is the Serbian dinar (RSD), which is divided into 100 para. Dinars are not accepted in Kosovo, where the euro is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted by most of the larger hotels and shops in Serbia. Pounds sterling, US dollars and euros are the most widely accepted currencies for exchange. ATMs in the cities usually accept international bank cards, but can be hard to find in the more rural areas.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220-230 volts, 50Hz. Two-prong round pin attachment plugs as well as Schuko plugs are in use.
Climate in Serbia
Serbia has a mostly continental climate with cold winters, long warm summers and rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year. Snow can be expected in the northern and upland regions between November and March. The southern part of the country has a more Mediterranean influence with hot, dry summers.
Health Notes when travelling to Serbia
All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, and visitors should consider vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and tick-borne encephalitis. Air pollution levels can be high, especially in winter, as heavy smoke from coal and wood burning heaters can stay in the air, and accidental release of toxic matter from factories is common. Travellers who have asthma or any other breathing difficulties should speak to their doctor before visiting. A reciprocal healthcare agreement entitles British nationals to free emergency treatment in Serbia but, due to a widespread shortage of medicines and other essentials, comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors. Tap water and unbottled beverages should not be consumed.
Safety Notes when travelling to Serbia
Most visits to Serbia are trouble free, but it is wise to take sensible precautions with valuables, as pick-pocketing, car theft, purse snatchings, and burglaries do occur in the larger cities. Protests occasionally occur in cities such as Belgrade, and travellers are advised to keep informed of current events and avoid large gatherings, as demonstrations can quickly turn violent. Those travelling to the south and UN-administered Kosovo are advised to check the local situation before departing. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008, a move that has been recognised by almost 40 countries including the US and most of the EU, but has been opposed by Serbia as an ‘illegal act’.
Customs in Serbia
Serbians are generally very hospitable people and often enjoy visiting and chatting with others. There is a strong coffee culture throughout the country, and kissing is a common form of greeting for both men and women.
Homosexuality is tolerated, but open displays of affection between same-sex couples are frowned upon. Visitors should carry their passports at all times for identification purposes, and should avoid taking photographs of any military or police buildings, personnel or operations in Serbia or Kosovo.
Duty Free in Serbia
Visitors entering Serbia may bring the following goods without paying customs duty: personal baggage, clothing and jewellery; 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre of alcohol and 1 litre of wine; medicine and perfume or eau de toilette for personal use.
Doing Business in Serbia
Business people usually greet by shaking hands, maintaining eye contact and introducing themselves when entering the room, regardless of gender. The convention when greeting senior figures is to refer to them by their professional title, such as director, though other colleagues may be addressed by their first name. Business cards are common and often exchanged without any formal ritual; most Serbian professionals speak English, so it is not always necessary to hire a translator or translate business cards.
Decisions are often made without consultation, and managers are not always strictly required to provide an explanation as to why a decision was reached. Business relationships are valued and many Serbian businesses may prioritise them over business matters. As a result, several meetings may occur before business details are confirmed. Operations can go slowly due to cumbersome bureaucracy, so it is a good idea to allow more time for deadlines. July and August are summer holidays and it is difficult to reach senior management during this period. Business hours are 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Serbia
The international direct dialling code for Serbia is +381. WiFi can be found in hotels, restaurants and some cafes; visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Serbia
Tipping is not obligatory in Serbian restaurants, but if patrons are satisfied with the service, a 10 to 15 percent tip will be appreciated. At bars and with taxis, it’s fine to leave a tip by rounding off the amount.
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors require a valid passport. Visitors may be requested to show a return or onward ticket, documents for the next destination and sufficient funds to finance their stay. Entry to Serbia via Pristina Airport, Kosovo, may carry a different set of requirements, which visitors to Kosovo must check before travelling. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US passports must be valid on arrival. No visa required for a stay of up to 90 days within a six month period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian passports must be valid for the duration of stay. No visa required for a maximum stay of 90 days within a six month period. Extensions are possible.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK passports must be valid for 90 after departure. No visa required for a stay of up to 90 days within a six month period. Extensions are possible.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian passports must be valid for 90 days after departure. No visa required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days within a six month period. Extensions are possible.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish passports must be valid on arrival. No visa required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days within a six month period. Extensions are possible.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand passports must be valid on arrival. No visa required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days within a six month period. Extensions are possible.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans require a passport valid on arrival. No visa required for passengers with a visa issued by Switzerland, USA or an EEA Member State for a maximum stay of 90 days within a six month period. The visa must be valid for the period of intended stay.
Tourist Offices
National Tourist Organisation of Serbia, Belgrade: +381 11 655 7100.
Serbia Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 332 0333.
- In Canada:
Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 6289.
- In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7235 9049.
- In Australia:
Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 9362 46 37.
- In South Africa:
Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 460 5626.
Foreign Embassies in Serbia
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Belgrade: +381 11 706 4000.
- Canadian Embassy
Embassy of Canada, Belgrade: +381 11 306 3000.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Belgrade: +381 11 3060 900.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Belgrade: +381 11 330 3400.
- Irish Embassy
Honorary Consul of Ireland, Belgrade: +381 11 263 7667.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Athens, Greece (also responsible for Serbia): + 30 210 617 8020.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
