Entering Serbia is significantly easier for nationals from 92 countries, as they can do so without the need for a visa, making it an attractive destination for holidaymakers, leisure travelers, business travelers, and those on corporate travel. The visa-free policy allows visitors to seamlessly plan their trips and explore Serbia’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes. Holidaymakers and leisure travelers can enjoy historical sites like the Belgrade Fortress, the beautiful Danube River, and the picturesque town of Novi Sad, home to the famous Petrovaradin Fortress. For business and corporate travelers, the ease of entry simplifies the logistics of attending meetings, conferences, and corporate events in dynamic business hubs like Belgrade. Serbia’s growing infrastructure, combined with its hospitality and modern amenities, provides an ideal setting for both professional and leisure activities. This accessibility enhances Serbia’s appeal as a prime travel destination, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience for visitors from around the world. The number of overnight stays by foreign tourists in Serbia rose by 13% to 5,582,604 last year. Turkey emerged as Serbia’s largest feeder market in 2023, with 201,440 tourists, representing a 60% increase. Russia followed with 170,884 tourists, marking a 39% rise.

TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “The implementation of Serbia visa-free policy for 92 countries, including Schengen nations, has been a transformative force for the tourism sector. This strategic move has not only simplified the entry process for millions but has also broadened our appeal across diverse travel sectors. Additionally, this policy has invigorated niche travel markets, such as culinary tourism, adventure travel, and wellness retreats, enriching the travel experience and fostering significant economic growth and cultural exchange.”

Schengen Nations

1. Austria (90 days)
2. Belgium (90 days)
3. Czech Republic (90 days)
4. Denmark (90 days)
5. Estonia (90 days)
6. Finland (90 days)
7. France (90 days)
8. Germany (90 days)
9. Greece (90 days)
10. Hungary (90 days)
11. Iceland (90 days)
12. Italy (90 days)
13. Latvia (90 days)
14. Liechtenstein (90 days)
15. Lithuania (90 days)
16. Luxembourg (90 days)
17. Malta (90 days)
18. Netherlands (90 days)
19. Norway (90 days)
20. Poland (90 days)
21. Portugal (90 days)
22. Slovakia (90 days)
23. Slovenia (90 days)
24. Spain (90 days)
25. Sweden (90 days)
26. Switzerland (90 days)

Other Countries

1. Albania (90 days)
2. Andorra (90 days)
3. Antigua and Barbuda (90 days)
4. Argentina (90 days)
5. Armenia (90 days)
6. Australia (90 days)
7. Azerbaijan (90 days)
8. Bahamas (30 days)
9. Bahrain (90 days)
10. Barbados (30 days)
11. Belarus (30 days)
12. Bolivia (90 days)
13. Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days)
14. Brazil (90 days)
15. Bulgaria (90 days)
16. Burundi (30 days)
17. Canada (90 days)
18. Chile (90 days)
19. China (30 days)
20. Colombia (30 days)
21. Costa Rica (90 days)
22. Croatia (90 days)
23. Cuba (90 days)
24. Cyprus (90 days)
25. Dominica (90 days)
26. Georgia (90 days)
27. Grenada (90 days)
28. India (30 days)
29. Indonesia (30 days)
30. Ireland (90 days)
31. Israel (90 days)
32. Jamaica (30 days)
33. Japan (90 days)
34. Kazakhstan (30 days)
35. Kuwait (90 days)
36. Kyrgyzstan (90 days)
37. Mexico (90 days)
38. Moldova (90 days)
39. Monaco (90 days)
40. Mongolia (90 days)
41. Montenegro (90 days)
42. New Zealand (90 days)
43. North Macedonia (90 days)
44. Oman (90 days)
45. Palau (90 days)
46. Paraguay (30 days)
47. Peru (90 days)
48. Qatar (90 days)
49. Romania (90 days)
50. Russia (30 days)
51. Saint Kitts and Nevis (90 days)
52. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (30 days)
53. San Marino (90 days)
54. Seychelles (90 days)
55. Singapore (90 days)
56. South Korea (90 days)
57. Suriname (30 days)
58. Trinidad and Tobago (90 days)
59. Tunisia (90 days)
60. Turkey (90 days)
61. Ukraine (90 days)
62. United Arab Emirates (90 days)
63. United Kingdom (90 days)
64. United States (90 days)
65. Uruguay (90 days)
66. Guinea-Bissau (30 days)

Top Touristy Places in Serbia

1. Belgrade
   • The capital city, known for its vibrant nightlife, historical landmarks, and cultural scene.
   • Highlights: Belgrade Fortress, Kalemegdan Park, Skadarlija (bohemian quarter), and the Nikola Tesla Museum.
2. Novi Sad
   • Serbia’s second-largest city, famous for its cultural events and picturesque setting on the Danube River.
   • Highlights: Petrovaradin Fortress, Danube Park, and the EXIT music festival.
3. Niš
   • One of the oldest cities in Europe, with significant historical and cultural sites.
   • Highlights: Niš Fortress, Skull Tower, and the archaeological site of Mediana.
4. Kopaonik National Park
   • A major ski resort and a beautiful natural park with diverse flora and fauna.
   • Highlights: Skiing, hiking, and the Kopaonik Mountain.
5. Tara National Park
   • Known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.
   • Highlights: Drina River Canyon, Perućac Lake, and the Banjska Stena viewpoint.
6. Drvengrad (Mokra Gora)
   • A traditional wooden village built by film director Emir Kusturica.
   • Highlights: Scenic beauty, cultural events, and the Sargan Eight narrow-gauge railway.
7. Subotica
   • A city known for its beautiful architecture and multicultural heritage.
   • Highlights: Art Nouveau buildings, Palić Lake, and the Subotica Synagogue.
8. Golubac Fortress
   • A medieval fortress located on the banks of the Danube River.
   • Highlights: Well-preserved ruins, panoramic views of the Danube, and the nearby Iron Gate gorge.
9. Fruška Gora National Park
   • A forested mountain and a national park with numerous monasteries.
   • Highlights: Hiking trails, 16 Orthodox monasteries, and local wineries.
10. Studenica Monastery
    • A 12th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    • Highlights: Byzantine architecture, medieval frescoes, and religious artifacts.

Unknown Facts About Serbia

Historical and Cultural Insights

1. Birthplace of Roman Emperors
   • Serbia is the birthplace of 18 Roman emperors, the highest number born in any country outside of Italy. The most notable among them is Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor who founded Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) .
2. Unique Alphabet
   • Serbia uses both Cyrillic and Latin alphabets, making it one of the few countries in the world to officially use two alphabets. Cyrillic is primarily used for official documents, while Latin is commonly seen in daily use .
3. Nikola Tesla’s Heritage
   • Although often associated with the United States due to his work there, the famous inventor Nikola Tesla was of Serbian descent and born in Smiljan, which is now part of Croatia .
4. Slava – Unique Serbian Tradition
   • Slava is a unique Serbian Orthodox Christian tradition where each family has a patron saint day that they celebrate annually. This tradition is so significant that it has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity .

Natural Wonders and Attractions

1. The Devil’s Town
   • Known locally as Đavolja Varoš, this unique geological formation consists of 202 peculiar stone towers located in southern Serbia. It is a candidate for the New Seven Wonders of Nature​.
2. Largest Gorge in Europe
   • The Đerdap Gorge, also known as the Iron Gate, is the largest gorge in Europe. It stretches over 100 kilometers along the Danube River and forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania​

Innovations and Achievements

1. First Vampire
   • The term “vampire” is one of the few Serbian words that has been accepted worldwide. The first documented vampire was Petar Blagojević from the Serbian village of Kisiljevo in the early 18th century .
2. Pioneers in Clockmaking
   • Serbia has a rich history of clockmaking, with one of the oldest public clocks in the world located in the town of Sremski Karlovci. The clock, known as “Karlovačka Clock,” has been running since 1789 .
3. Red Star Belgrade – European Champions
   • Red Star Belgrade, one of Serbia’s most successful football clubs, won the European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) in 1991, making them the only Serbian club to have won this prestigious title .

Unique Traditions and Customs

1. Plum Brandy – Rakija
   • Rakija, a traditional Serbian fruit brandy, is often made from plums. Serbia is one of the largest producers of plums in the world, and Rakija is a staple in Serbian culture, often enjoyed during celebrations .
2. The World’s Oldest Urban Settlement
   • The archaeological site of Lepenski Vir, located on the banks of the Danube, is one of the oldest urban settlements in the world, dating back to around 7000 BC. It provides invaluable insights into the prehistoric cultures of Europe .

Airlines and Airports in Serbia

Major Airlines

1. Air Serbia
   • Description: The national airline of Serbia, offering flights to various destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
2. Lufthansa
   • Description: Offers flights connecting Serbia to Germany and other European cities.
3. Austrian Airlines
   • Description: Provides flights between Serbia and Austria, with connections to other European destinations.
4. Turkish Airlines
   • Description: Offers flights from Belgrade to Istanbul and beyond.

Major Airports

1. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)
   • Location: Belgrade
   • Description: The main international airport in Serbia, serving as a hub for Air Serbia and offering numerous international connections.
2. Niš Constantine the Great Airport (INI)
   • Location: Niš
   • Description: Serves as an alternative international airport, providing flights to several European destinations.

Railway Connectivity in Serbia

Serbia has an extensive railway network that connects major cities and towns within the country, as well as international routes to neighboring countries.

Key Routes and Services

1. Belgrade to Novi Sad
   • A major route connecting the capital with Serbia’s second-largest city.
2. Belgrade to Niš
   • Connects the capital with the historic city of Niš in southern Serbia.
3. International Routes
   • Serbia is connected by rail to countries such as Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Montenegro.

Benefits for Visa-Exempt Travelers

Easier Access for Holidaymakers and Leisure Travel

Travelers from countries that do not require a visa to enter Serbia benefit from seamless travel planning. They can easily book flights with major airlines such as Air Serbia, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines, ensuring convenient access to Serbia’s top tourist destinations like Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Kopaonik National Park.

Convenient Business and Corporate Travel

For business and corporate travelers, the visa-free policy simplifies travel arrangements, making it easier to attend meetings, conferences, and corporate events. The efficient airline and railway connectivity ensures that professionals can travel seamlessly within Serbia and to international business hubs, enhancing productivity and convenience.

Top MICE Travel Advisors in Serbia

Here are some of the leading MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel advisors in Serbia, providing comprehensive services for planning and managing corporate events and business travel:

1. Alpha Travel & Marketing SEE
   • Description: Specializes in MICE services across Southeast Europe, including Serbia. They offer event planning, destination management, and tourism marketing services tailored to corporate needs. Their expertise ensures seamless execution of meetings, conferences, and incentive trips in Serbia’s prime locations.
2. MICE Travel Advisor
   • Description: A leading B2B online travel magazine that provides the latest news, trends, and insights on the MICE industry. They offer comprehensive resources and valuable insights for planning successful meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions worldwide, including Serbia.
3. Holiday Tours & Travel
   • Description: They offer innovative MICE travel solutions, focusing on arranging meetings, incentive trips, conventions, and exhibitions. Their dedicated MICE department ensures events are managed with the utmost attention to detail and safety, providing competitive pricing and high-quality service.

These MICE travel advisors are equipped to handle the specific needs of business travelers, ensuring that corporate events in Serbia are conducted smoothly and professionally.