Serbia is a country that can feel a little bit off the usual, beaten path of European travel destinations. But with stunning landscapes, rich history, and lively cities like Belgrade, it’s a fantastic place to visit. Serbia is becoming more and more popular as a tourist destination, so if you’re wondering whether you need a Serbia visa as a resident of the UAE, you’ve come to the right place.
At Remitly, we’re all about making it easier to explore the world. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the Serbia visa for UAE residents, including how to get a Serbia visa for UAE residents with an Indian passport, a Pakistani passport, and other nationalities.
We’ll explore everything you need to know, from visa-free entry rules to getting a Serbia visa on arrival for UAE residents, and how to apply from Dubai if you need one. So, let’s get into it by exploring who needs one first.
Do UAE residents need a visa for Serbia?
The first thing to understand is that visa requirements for Serbia don’t depend on where you live, but on your nationality. As you probably know, the UAE is a majority expat country, so getting a Serbia visa for UAE residents depends a lot on what kind of passport you hold.
Let’s take a look at the visa requirements for some of the most common nationalities of UAE residents.
| Nationality (passport held) |
Visa required to enter Serbia? | Notes/comments |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) | No | Emirati citizens can enter Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days. |
| United States (USA) | No | US citizens may enter Serbia without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. |
| United Kingdom (UK) | No | UK nationals can visit Serbia for tourism/business up to 90 days without a visa. |
| EU member states (Schengen/EU passports) | No | Citizens of EU countries such as France can visit for up to 90 days without a visa. |
| China | No | Chinese passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 30 days. Hong Kong passport holders can visit for 14 days, and Macau passport holders can visit for 90 days. |
| India | Yes | Holders of ordinary Indian passports need a visa. |
| Iran | Yes | Holders of Iranian ordinary passports require a visa. Diplomatic passport holders don’t. |
| Pakistan | Yes | A visa is required. |
| Bangladesh | Yes | A visa is required. |
| Philippines | Yes | A visa is required. |
| Nepal | Yes | A visa is required. |
| Sri Lanka | Yes | A visa is required. |
| Egypt | Yes | A visa is required for ordinary passport holders, but not for diplomatic passport holders. |
For some nations, the rules have changed on who can visit Serbia without a passport in recent years. For example, from 2017 to 2023, Indian passport holders were allowed to visit without a visa, but now a visa is required.
That’s why it’s important to stay up-to-date with the official government requirements, and don’t assume that just because something used to be allowed, it’ll always be permitted in the future.
If you qualify for visa-free travel, standard entry checks are all that’s needed to be allowed into the country, as long as you don’t exceed the specific rules—usually a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. But if you’re a UAE resident who doesn’t qualify for visa-free entry, read on to learn more about how to apply for a Serbia visa.
Serbia visa on arrival for UAE residents: is it possible?
In some countries, holders of passports from specific nations can obtain a visa on arrival if they meet the standards for entry. However, there is no Serbia visa on arrival available for UAE residents, regardless of their nationality. So if you’re a passport holder of a nation for which a visa is required, you have to have it sorted ahead of time.
However, there are certain situations where a UAE resident may be able to enter Serbia without applying for a visa, even if your nationality normally requires one. For example, you may not need a Serbia visa for UAE residents with an Indian passport if you already have a visa or residence permit from certain countries.
How can you qualify for visa-free entry?
Serbia allows visa-free entry for citizens of countries that normally require a Serbian visa, providing they hold one of these:
- A valid Schengen visa
- A valid Schengen residence permit
- A valid UK or Irish visa or residence permit
- A valid US visa or residence permit
This is particularly relevant for UAE expats who also hold visas for other countries.
To take advantage of this allowance, you’ll need to bring both your passport and your residence permit when you enter the country. Your residence permit must be valid at the time you enter Serbia.
Always verify before travelling
Visa regulations can be altered without much notice. Online information may be out of date and not reflect recent changes, as people looking for a Serbia visa for UAE residents with an Indian passport found out in 2023. You should always check the latest rules with your local Serbian Embassy or consulate before you travel to the country. That way, you’ll know for sure whether you need a visa or not.
How to apply for a Serbia visa from Dubai (for those who need one)
If you’re a UAE resident with a passport that requires a visa for Serbia, here’s how to get one. We’re going to focus on how to apply for a Serbia visa from Dubai, but the process is the same across all the Emirates. Note that the Serbian Embassy to the UAE is located in Abu Dhabi, so if you need to complete your application in person, you’ll have to go there.
Step 1: Choose the correct visa type (C or D)
Serbia offers two main visa types for foreigners:
Visa C
This is a short-term visa that grants permission to enter and travel through Serbia for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. The visa is issued for tourism and business travel, and allows multiple entries into the country.
Visa D
This is a longer-term visa that allows you to stay in Serbia for between 90 and 180 days. It’s issued for things like employment, education, and family reunification. This visa can lead to a longer-term residence permit, and is the first step to immigrating to Serbia.
Generally, travellers planning to visit Serbia for tourism or business purposes will apply for a short stay C visa.
Step 2: Gather required documents
To apply for a Serbia visa for UAE residents, you’ll need:
- A completed application form (you can get a paper copy from the Embassy in Abu Dhabi, or use an online application).
- A passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 90 days after the date you intend to leave Serbia. The passport must have at least two consecutive blank pages.
- A photo that meets the passport requirements (3.5 x 4.5 cm).
- Proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. The official number you need is a minimum of the equivalent of €50 for each day (about 210 AED), as proved by a bank statement or cash carried with you.
Recommended documents
- An invitation letter if you’re visiting for tourism purposes. This can be proof of accommodation or an itinerary from a tour group.
- Proof of a health insurance policy that will cover you for the length of your stay in Serbia, with a minimum coverage amount equivalent to €20,000 (about 85,000 AED).
- Proof of a relationship between you and a person living in Serbia if you’re entering the country to visit them.
- A ticket for a flight or other transportation leaving Serbia on the day you plan to leave.
Step 3: Submit your application
You can apply for your visa online here.
Alternatively, you can apply in person at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi. The Embassy address is:
Abu Dhabi, Mushrif Area, Sector W31, Al Rafee Street, Villa no. 06
It’s open from Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you intend to apply in person, it’s a good idea to make an appointment first.
You can also contact them by email or phone:
General email: srb.emb.uae@mfa.rs
Consular email: consular.abudhabi@mfa.rs
Phone: +97 12 447 6444
Whether you apply in person or online, you’ll need to fill out the application form. Be sure you follow all instructions carefully, as missing a section can result in your visa being denied. You’ll also be asked to upload copies of the documents listed above to your online account or produce them in person at the embassy.
You’ll also need to pay the visa fee. The price for this is usually around €90 for a Visa C, or €50 for a Visa D (around 385 or 214 AED at time of writing).
If there’s any discrepancy in your application, or the Serbian authorities want to clarify anything in your documentation, you may be asked to attend an interview at the Serbian consulate or embassy. But this is not a standard part of the application process.
Step 4: Wait for a decision
Processing your visa can take anywhere from 10 working days up to around four weeks. The more complete and accurate your information is, the less likely you are to experience a delay in processing. But it’s always a good idea to apply in plenty of time before you intend to travel, just in case there are any difficulties with your visa.
Tips for a successful visa application
The best way to avoid delays or denial is to prepare your application carefully. Here are some tips that can help you avoid delays and improve the chances of approval.
1. Double-check everything
Before you submit your application, review all your documents to make sure the information is accurate and clear. Even small mistakes like mismatched travel dates or incomplete bank statements can lead to delays. Make sure your passport, UAE residence permit, hotel bookings, flight times, and any other information you’ve been requested to supply all match up with the details on your application form.
2. Prove your ties to the UAE
Serbian authorities may require evidence that you’ll return home after your trip. You can demonstrate this by showing you have strong ties to the UAE. Try to obtain:
- A letter from your employer confirming your job
- Tenancy contracts or proof of homeownership
- Family documents showing family connections to the UAE
3. Apply well in advance
A general rule of thumb is that you should leave at least three to four weeks to get your visa, just in case—don’t assume it’ll be the ten-day minimum we mentioned above. At busy times or for complex applications, it can take even longer. We recommend you apply at least one month before your travel date, but earlier is always better.
Getting a Serbia visa for UAE residents
If you’re a UAE citizen, you can travel to Serbia without any kind of visa. However, you will have to get a Serbia visa for UAE residents who hold Indian, Pakistani, and many other passports.
The process requires careful preparation, but is relatively straightforward if you follow all the steps correctly. Follow the online application steps and make sure you have all the documents you’ll be asked for. Do that, and a short-term visa at least should be fairly simple to obtain to visit Serbia.
It’s a fascinating country and a great place to visit, so it’s well worth making the effort to get your application right to make sure you can see it for yourself.
FAQs
Can Indian passport holders with a UAE residence visa travel to Serbia without a visa?
No. Holders of an ordinary Indian passport need a visa to travel to Serbia, even if they have a UAE residence visa. However, if you have a passport from the UK, the Schengen zone, the US, and several other nations, you can enter Serbia visa-free for 90 days. Check out our guide above, and in any case it’s always best to confirm with the embassy before you book your trip, in case anything’s changed.
How do I get a Serbia visa from Dubai?
You can apply online or through the Serbian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. You’ll need to fill out the application form and provide the required documents, including a passport, UAE residence permit, a photo, and proof of sufficient funds to support you while you’re in Serbia (around €50 per day, which is about 210 AED).
Is there a visa on arrival in Serbia for UAE residents?
No, there is no Serbia visa on arrival for UAE residents—or for anyone else. Holders of some passports are allowed into the country without a visa, while others must apply for a visa before they arrive.