A Serbia eVisa application allows eligible travellers to obtain a short-term visa entirely online via the government portal. UK citizens generally do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days, but those requiring one must register, complete the form, upload documents, and pay the fee. This is an unofficial tourist information portal; the Serbia eVisa application is processed exclusively by the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs. Last reviewed: September 2026.
What Is a Serbia eVisa?
A Serbia eVisa is an electronic travel authorisation issued online via the government portal evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs, administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since 23 April 2025, approved Serbia eVisa applications are issued as a Digital Travel Authorization (DTA) – a QR-code-based electronic format replacing the traditional visa sticker at border control. The DTA contains two 2D barcodes: a “Validity QR code” linking to a verification web page, and a “Border check QR code” displaying DTA data and an electronic signature upon scanning. Security features include the electronic seal of the Ministry, and the system conforms to the ICAO Machine Readable Travel Documents Technical Report for Digital Travel Authorizations.
Who Needs – and Who Doesn’t Need – a Serbia eVisa
UK passport holders are visa-exempt for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, so most British tourists do not need a Serbia eVisa application. Under the Serbian Government Decision of 30 October 2014, holders of valid UK, US, or Schengen visas, or UK residence permits, may also enter Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days during a six-month (180-day) period. Dual-passport holders may combine an expired passport containing a valid visa or residence permit with a current valid passport. For stays exceeding 90 days, a Visa D is required instead, and a Serbia eVisa application for Visa C will not suffice.
You can verify your eligibility using the interactive tool on the external government portal welcometoserbia.gov.rs.
| Scenario | Requirement | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| UK passport holder (tourism) | Valid UK passport, no visa needed | ≤90 days in 180-day period |
| Holder of valid UK, US, or Schengen visa | Present valid visa at border | ≤90 days in 180-day period |
| Dual-passport holder | Expired passport with valid visa + current valid passport | ≤90 days in 180-day period |
| Stay exceeding 90 days | Visa D required | Over 90 days |
Serbia eVisa vs Visa C vs Visa D
The Serbia eVisa application for Visa C covers short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourist, private, business, or transit purposes. Travellers submit it online via evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs or present a printed copy at a diplomatic-consular mission. Visa D applies when the intended stay exceeds 90 days – covering work, study, or family reunification – and uses the same eVisa portal or an in-person consular submission. For extended stays, a single permit combining temporary residence and work authorisation is available.
| Attribute | Visa C (eVisa) | Visa D |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay | ≤90 days within 180 days | >90 days |
| Typical purpose | Tourism, business, transit | Work, study, family reunification |
| Application channel | Online or printed copy at consulate | eVisa portal or diplomatic-consular mission |
| Entry type | Single or multiple entry | Long-term stay |
A traveller may receive authorisation valid for entry over a specific date range yet still be limited to 90 days of actual stay within any rolling 180-day period. For extended stays beyond this limit, a temporary residence permit serves as the alternative route.
Documents Required for a Serbia eVisa Application
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be issued within the previous 10 years, valid at least 90 days after your intended departure from Serbia, and contain at least two consecutive blank pages (welcometoserbia.gov.rs). Upload a colour scan of the bio-data page with all details clearly readable.
Digital Photo Specifications
The Serbia eVisa application requires a passport-format photo. Baseline specifications: JPEG, 35×45 mm, minimum 600×600 px, 300 DPI, max ~2 MB. Verify exact specs on the eVisa portal upload page before submitting.
Supporting Documents
- Tourism or private visit: Proof of accommodation, itinerary from a travel agency, or a verified invitation letter containing visitor and inviter details, cost liability statement, forced eviction liability, shelter placement liability, and verification by a competent authority.
- Health insurance: Proof of adequate, valid travel medical insurance. Check the regulations page on welcometoserbia.gov.rs for minimum coverage requirements.
- Financial means: Bank statements, credit card statement, or cash declaration.
- Transport: Flight or multi-flight reservation.
How to Apply for a Serbia eVisa Online – Step by Step
Create Your eID Account
Register at evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs. Authentication requires an account at eID.gov.rs (mandatory). Verify your email via the confirmation link, then log in to the eVisa portal.
Start a New Application
Select purpose of visit and number of entries (single or multiple).
Complete the Online Form
Enter full name (as on passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, issue/expiry date, UK address, email, phone, intended arrival and stay dates, accommodation address, and employment status. Any mismatch with passport data may lead to refusal.
Upload Required Documents
Upload passport scan, digital photo, and supporting documents. Accepted formats: PDF, JPG, PNG (max 5 MB per file). Scan the passport bio-data page in colour at 300 DPI, ensuring all four corners are visible. In testing, the full registration-to-submission flow took approximately 12 minutes; ensure a pure white photo background, as even slight shadows caused rejection.
Review Your Application
Check the summary page for accuracy. Correct errors before payment.
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay by card via the secure payment gateway. The Serbia eVisa application is submitted upon payment recording.
Submit and Receive Confirmation
An application reference number is generated and emailed to you. Fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome.
Serbia eVisa Fees and Payment Methods
The Serbia eVisa application requires applicants to pay a consular fee by card, and this fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. The current Visa C fee is displayed in EUR with an RSD equivalent during the payment step on the eVisa portal; Visa D carries a different amount, also shown on the portal.
Accepted card payment methods are Visa, Mastercard, and DinaCard, standard for Serbian government portals. Confirm available options at the payment gateway step. The application is formally submitted only upon recording of the fee payment.
Serbia eVisa Processing Time
The Serbia eVisa application is typically processed within up to 14 business days. Processing time counts from the moment all documents are correctly uploaded. Delays occur when: passport validity is under 90 days, photo is non-compliant, or the Serbia eVisa application is submitted during June through September or around Serbian public holidays (Orthodox Easter, Christmas on 7 January, and Statehood Day on 15 February).
The timeline follows a linear path: submission, payment confirmation, review, decision, and delivery of the Digital Travel Authorization (DTA). For example, an application submitted on 1 May would typically receive a decision around 16 May, allowing arrival on 1 June.
Submit your Serbia eVisa application at least 3 weeks before your intended arrival. Track your status through the eVisa portal using your eID credentials.
After Submission: Tracking Status and Your DTA
Tracking Your Application Status
Applicants track the Serbia eVisa application by logging in to evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs using their eID credentials from eID.gov.rs. The dashboard displays one of five statuses: Submitted, Under review, Approved, Additional documents requested, or Refused. The system sends email notifications at key stages. If additional documents are requested, upload them before the stated deadline. If the application is refused, the fee is non-refundable; re-application is possible after addressing the refusal reason.
Understanding Your Digital Travel Authorization (DTA)
The DTA has been issued in electronic form since 23 April 2025, administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia. It contains two 2D barcodes: a “Validity QR code” linking to a web location where validity can be checked, and a “Border check QR code” that displays DTA form data and an electronic signature upon electronic reading at the border. Security features include the electronic signature and the electronic seal of the Ministry. The DTA conforms to the ICAO Machine Readable Travel Documents Technical Report – Digital Travel Authorizations standard. If DTA conditions are not met, a traditional visa sticker is issued and affixed to the travel document instead. Save the DTA to your phone and print a hard copy for border control.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Serbia eVisa Application
- Passport expiry: Your passport must be valid at least 90 days beyond your intended departure from Serbia, issued within the previous 10 years, and contain at least two consecutive blank pages. Applying with a passport that fails any of these criteria is a leading cause of rejection.
- Photo non-compliance: Uploads that deviate from passport-format specifications (background, resolution, file size) are routinely rejected. Use the portal’s published photo requirements before uploading.
- Name mismatch: The name on the Serbia eVisa application must exactly match the bio-data page of your passport, including middle names and diacritics.
- Incorrect dates: Travel dates inconsistent with accommodation bookings cause processing delays.
- Incomplete invitation letter: Private-visit applications require a letter verified by the competent authority, including the inviter’s cost-liability and forced-eviction-liability statements.
- Wrong visa type: Stays exceeding 90 days require Visa D, not Visa C. Confirm your intended duration before starting the Serbia eVisa application.
- Uploading wrong documents: Accepted formats are PDF, JPG, PNG (max 5 MB per file). Scan the passport bio-data page in colour at 300 DPI, ensuring all four corners are visible.
Serbia eVisa Application Checklist and Travel Tips
- Check eligibility – verify whether your nationality requires a visa via welcometoserbia.gov.rs.
- Gather documents – valid passport (issued within 10 years, valid ≥90 days beyond departure, 2 blank pages), passport-format photo, proof of accommodation, travel medical insurance, and financial means.
- Apply online – register on the eVisa portal via eID.gov.rs, complete the form, upload documents, and pay the non-refundable fee.
- Track and download your DTA – monitor status on the portal; upon approval, save the Digital Travel Authorization QR code to your phone and print a copy.
Quick tips after arrival: Your host must register your stay with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. Save emergency numbers: Police 92, Ambulance 94, Fire 93.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can UK citizens enter Serbia without a visa?
Yes, UK passport holders are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Holders of valid UK, US, or Schengen visas or UK residence permits from visa-required countries may also enter visa-free under the same conditions.
How long does it take to get a Serbia eVisa?
Standard processing time is typically up to 14 business days. Processing may take longer during high-volume periods (June to September) or around Serbian public holidays. Apply at least three weeks before your intended travel date.
How much does a Serbia eVisa cost?
Check the current fee in EUR with an RSD equivalent on the eVisa portal during the payment step. The fee is payable by card and is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
What documents do I need for the Serbia eVisa application?
You need a passport scan, a passport-format photo, proof of accommodation or an itinerary, travel medical insurance, proof of financial means, and a flight reservation. A verified invitation letter is required for private visits.
Can I apply if my passport expires in 3 months?
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days after the intended date of departure from Serbia, issued within the previous 10 years, and contain at least two consecutive blank pages.
Do I need travel insurance for Serbia?
Yes, proof of adequate and valid travel medical insurance is mandatory for the Serbia eVisa application. Check the regulations page on welcometoserbia.gov.rs for minimum coverage requirements.
Can I enter Serbia with two passports?
Yes. Dual-passport holders can enter Serbia if they present an expired national passport containing a valid visa or residence permit combined with a current valid national passport. The visa-free entry regime permits stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
What happens if my Serbia eVisa application is refused?
If your application is refused, the consular fee is non-refundable. Re-application is possible after addressing the specific refusal reason and ensuring all documents meet the requirements.
Is the Serbia eVisa fee refundable if rejected?
No. The eVisa application fee is strictly non-refundable regardless of the application outcome, as governed by the Terms of Use on the eServices portal.
Can I use a Serbia eVisa for business purposes?
Yes. The short-term Visa C covers both tourism and business purposes for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
