Indian passport holders have required a Serbia visa since 1 January 2023. Applications for the Serbia eVisa for Indian citizens are submitted online at evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs, with processing taking 5 to 15 business days. Visa-free entry is possible only with a valid Schengen, UK, or US visa or residence permit.
This portal is an informational resource for tourists, not a government website. All government sources are cited as external references. This guide was prepared by UK-based travel visa specialists with extensive experience in Balkan immigration procedures.
What Is the Serbia eVisa?
The Serbia eVisa is an electronic travel authorisation for tourism, business, and transit, submitted via the Serbian government portal at evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs. Serbia operates its own visa system and is not a Schengen member, so a Schengen visa does not replace a Serbian visa. The eApplication system covers Visa C (short-stay, up to 90 days) and Visa D (long-stay) categories. Since 1 January 2023, Indian nationals lost the previous visa-free entry privilege and must now obtain a Serbia eVisa before travelling.
Serbia launched its Digital Travel Authorization (DTA) on 23 April 2025. The DTA is an ICAO-compliant electronic permit that embeds a QR code for border-check verification, issued instead of a traditional sticker visa. Indian passport holders submit their Serbia eVisa eApplication through evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs, while the parent domain welcometoserbia.gov.rs hosts the interactive Entry/Visa/Residence Guide.
Serbia eVisa Eligibility by Nationality
Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Lebanese, and Egyptian passport holders require a Serbia eVisa; Chinese nationals enter visa-free for up to 30 days under a bilateral agreement.
| Nationality | Visa Required | Visa-Free Exemption | Qualifying Documents | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian | Yes (since 1 Jan 2023) | Conditional | Valid Schengen, UK, or US visa; or residence permit | Up to 90 days in 6 months |
| Pakistani | Yes | No | – | – |
| Filipino | Yes | No | – | – |
| Chinese | No | Yes (bilateral agreement) | – | Up to 30 days |
| Lebanese | Yes | No | – | – |
| Egyptian | Yes | No | – | – |
Per the Embassy of India in Belgrade (eoibelgrade.gov.in), Indian nationals have needed a Serbia eVisa since 1 January 2023. Holders of valid Schengen, UK, or US visas or residence permits may enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a six-month period, provided the qualifying document remains valid throughout the stay. Two-passport entry is permitted: an expired passport bearing a valid visa combined with a valid passport without a visa.
Serbia eVisa Requirements and Documents
A Serbia eVisa application requires a passport valid at least 90 days past departure with two blank pages, a digital photo, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation.
Indian passport holders must upload the following through the Serbia eVisa portal:
- Passport – issued within the previous 10 years, valid at least 90 days after departure from Serbia, with at least two consecutive blank pages.
- Digital photograph – 35 × 45 mm, JPEG format, maximum 500 KB, white background, 600 dpi resolution.
- Travel medical insurance – valid for the duration of your stay.
- Proof of accommodation – hotel booking or travel agency itinerary; for private visits, an invitation letter verified by the competent authority.
- Proof of financial means – approximately EUR 50 per day of stay.
- Flight reservation – return or multi-flight booking.
- Proof of visa fee payment – required at submission.
- Certificate of employment or education – demonstrating intent to return.
The Serbia eVisa for Indian applicants is available in single-entry and multiple-entry formats under Visa C. A diplomatic-consular mission may request additional documentation during processing.
How to Apply for a Serbia eVisa Online
The Serbia eVisa for Indian passport holders is submitted at evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs after registering on eid.gov.rs, uploading documents, and paying the non-refundable processing fee.
Register an account
on the Electronic Identification Portal (eid.gov.rs) – a registered eID account is a prerequisite for submitting any Serbia eVisa application.
Log in
at evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs using your eID credentials.
Select the visa type
choose Visa C for short-stay tourism, private visits, or transit (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
Complete the eApplication form
with personal details and passport data.
Upload required documents
(see full list and specifications in the Requirements section above).
Pay the non-refundable visa fee
via Visa, Mastercard, or American Express in EUR or RSD.
Submit and track
your Serbia eVisa application status through the portal; processing takes 5-15 business days for Visa C.
Offline applications are accepted at the Embassy of Serbia in New Delhi or at a diplomatic-consular mission in the applicant’s country of residence.
Digital Travel Authorization (DTA) – Complete Guide
Serbia’s Digital Travel Authorization (DTA), launched 23 April 2025, is an ICAO-compliant electronic entry permit with QR code verification, issued instead of a sticker visa for eligible Serbia eVisa applicants.
The DTA operates on the principle of reciprocity in visa regime and protection of Serbian security interests. It uses a 2D barcode QR code that embeds a web location for validity verification at border checks, plus an electronic seal for authentication. The legal basis is Article 3, Paragraph 1, Point 13c) of the Law on Foreigners (“Official Gazette of RS” no. 24/18, 31/19 and 62/23). If DTA eligibility conditions are not met, the Serbia eVisa system falls back to a traditional sticker visa affixed to the passport.
| Feature | DTA | Sticker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Electronic (QR code) | Physical label in passport |
| Verification | 2D barcode scan at border | Visual inspection |
| Eligibility fallback | Sticker visa issued if DTA criteria unmet | Standard route |
Visa Fees, Payment Methods & Processing Times
Serbia eVisa fees are paid online in EUR or RSD via Visa, Mastercard, or American Express; the processing fee is non-refundable. Indian passport holders must confirm the exact amount on evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs at the time of application, as the portal is the sole authority for current fee schedules.
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Fee Currency | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa C (short-stay) | 5-15 business days | EUR or RSD | No |
| Visa D (long-stay) | 30+ business days | EUR or RSD | No |
| DTA | As per Visa C | EUR or RSD | No |
Indian citizens can track their Serbia eVisa application status through welcometoserbia.gov.rs using their registered account. Applicants should budget for the visa fee plus travel insurance and approximately EUR 50 per day in subsistence funds.
Stay Duration, Validity & Entry Types
The Serbia eVisa permits a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. Indian passport holders may use the Serbia eVisa for tourism, private visits, business, or transit. Visa C is available in single-entry and multiple-entry formats.
Foreign nationals must register their stay within 24 hours of arrival. Obligated parties are commercial accommodation providers or the persons being visited. Indian passport holders holding a valid Schengen, UK, or US visa or residence permit may enter visa-free for up to 90 days during a six-month period, within the validity of the qualifying document.
Serbia permits two-passport entry: an expired passport bearing a valid visa combined with a valid passport without a visa. An airport transit visa (Visa A) applies to nationals required to transit through Belgrade airport without entering Serbian territory. Driving in Serbia requires a valid international driver’s licence. Full entry rules are available at mfa.gov.rs.
Common Mistakes and Rejection Reasons
Serbia eVisa rejections most commonly result from incorrect photo specifications, illegible passport scans, missing travel insurance, or insufficient proof of financial means.
- Photo wrong size or format – must be 35 × 45 mm, JPEG, max 500 KB, white background, 600 dpi. Auto-rejected otherwise. Re-export before upload.
- Passport scan illegible – blurry bio-page scans prevent data extraction. Use a flatbed scanner or high-resolution phone scan in good lighting.
- Passport validity under 90 days – must remain valid at least 90 days beyond departure and issued within 10 years. Renew before applying.
- Fewer than two blank pages – passport needs at least two consecutive blank pages. Check page count before starting the Serbia eVisa application.
- Missing travel medical insurance – proof valid for Serbia is mandatory. Purchase a policy covering your entire stay.
- Insufficient financial proof – applicants must demonstrate approximately EUR 50 per day. Attach a recent bank statement or sponsor letter.
- No proof of accommodation – tourists need a hotel booking or agency itinerary; private visitors need a verified invitation letter.
- Fee not paid before submission – the Serbia eVisa application is only submitted upon payment. The fee is non-refundable even if rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Serbia eVisa Process
Is Serbia visa-free for Indian passport holders in 2026?
Serbia visa-free entry for Indian passport holders ended 1 January 2023. Visa-free stay up to 90 days still applies with a valid Schengen, UK, or US visa or residence permit (source: eoibelgrade.gov.in).
Can Indian citizens apply for a Serbia eVisa online?
Yes. The Serbia eVisa for Indian citizens is submitted through evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs. Applicants must first register on the Electronic Identification Portal at eid.gov.rs.
How long does Serbia eVisa processing take for Indian applicants?
Standard processing for a Serbia eVisa (Visa C) takes 5 to 15 business days. Long-term Visa D applications require 30 or more business days. Apply well in advance of travel.
What is the Serbia eVisa fee for Indian passport holders?
The Serbia eVisa fee is paid in EUR or RSD via Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. The exact amount is published on evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs at the time of application. The fee is non-refundable.
Can Indian citizens with a valid UK visa enter Serbia without a visa?
Yes. Indian passport holders with a valid UK visa can enter Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days during a six-month period, within the validity of the qualifying UK visa.
Do Chinese passport holders need a visa for Serbia?
No. Chinese passport holders can enter Serbia visa-free for up to 30 days under a bilateral agreement, without applying for a Serbia eVisa.
Where can Indian nationals apply for a Serbia visa if not online?
Indian nationals can submit a printed Serbia eVisa application at the Embassy of Serbia in New Delhi or at a Serbian diplomatic-consular mission in their country of residence.
What is the Digital Travel Authorization (DTA) for Serbia?
The DTA is an electronic entry permit launched 23 April 2025. It is ICAO-compliant and uses a 2D barcode QR code for border-check verification. If eligibility is unmet, a sticker visa is issued as fallback.
How long can Indian citizens stay in Serbia with an eVisa?
With a Visa C Serbia eVisa, Indian citizens can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Foreign nationals must register their stay within 24 hours of arrival.
Is Serbia eVisa the same as a Schengen visa?
No. Serbia is not a Schengen member and maintains its own visa system. However, holding a valid Schengen visa grants Indian passport holders visa-free entry to Serbia for up to 90 days in six months.
