How to Apply Serbia Visa For UAE Residents in 2025
Are you a UAE resident planning to explore the captivating landscapes and rich culture of Serbia? The Serbia visa process for UAE residents is simple and accessible
The visa processing fee is AED 237, and while processing times can vary, you can generally expect your application to be processed within 5 to 21 working days, depending on the workload at the embassy or consulate.
If you hold a valid Schengen visa, you’ll be pleased to know that you can visit Serbia for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, provided your visa remains valid.
In this article, I will guide you through the entire process of applying for a Serbia visa, from gathering the necessary documents to submitting your application.
Whether you’re traveling for leisure, business, or family visits, I’ll ensure you have all the information you need to navigate the visa application smoothly and efficiently.
Required Documents for Serbia Visa Application for UAE Residents
When applying for a Serbia visa, ensure you gather the following essential documents to facilitate a smooth application process:
Passport-Sized Photograph: Start by uploading a recent passport-sized photo that meets visa requirements.
Passport Copy: Attach a clear copy of the front page of your passport, which should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Serbia.
Invitation Letter: If applicable, include an invitation letter from a host in Serbia, detailing the purpose of your visit.
Proof of Accommodation: Provide documentation confirming your accommodation, such as a hotel booking confirmation or a tourist agency reservation.
Financial Evidence: Upload your recent bank statement as proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
Travel Itinerary: Include your booking and return tickets to demonstrate your travel plans, ensuring clarity on your intended duration of stay.
Travel Health Insurance: Attach a travel health insurance certificate that covers you for the duration of your stay in Serbia, ensuring you have adequate medical coverage.
Additional Documents
In addition to the essential documents, you may need to submit the following:
Additional Document 1: A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer, indicating approval for your leave and travel.
Additional Document 2: Your travel history, which should include copies of any previous UAE visas and relevant entry and exit stamps.
Additional Document 3: An explanation letter outlining your travel plans and any other pertinent supporting documents that may strengthen your application.
Step By Step Process to Apply Serbia Visa For UAE Residents
Now, I will provide you with a detailed guide on how you can apply for a Serbia visa online from the UAE. Follow each step below.
Once on the website, locate the “E Applications” tab and click on “Visa.”
If you are applying for the first time, you will need to register for an account.
Click on “Register an Account.”
Enter the following details:
First Name and Last Name
Foreign Registration Number: Select “No.”
Date of Birth
Nationality
Passport Number
Upload a Scanned Copy: Provide a scanned copy of the front page of your passport.
Username and Password: Use your email (preferably a Gmail ID) and create a password.
Complete the CAPTCHA verification by clicking “I am not a robot.”
Click on “Register.”
After registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Follow the link in the email to activate your account.
After confirming your account, return to the “Welcome to Serbia” website.
Go to “E Applications,” click on “Visa,” and enter your registered email and password to log in.
Upon logging in, you will find the option to apply for the e-visa.
Select “Visa C”, which covers all types of tourist visas.
Click on “Start Application.”
The application will consist of multiple steps:
Step 1: Travel Purpose
Select “Travel for Tourist and Private Purpose.”
Step 2: Personal Data
Your basic information will be auto-filled (name, date of birth, email) from your passport.
Fill in your residential address in the UAE (e.g., Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi).
Enter your telephone number.
Choose your nationality from the dropdown list and fill out your date of birth and marital status.
Provide your father’s and mother’s names along with your place of birth.
Family Data (if applicable): If you are married or have children, provide the necessary details; otherwise, you can skip this section.
Employment Information: Enter your current profession, your company’s name, and any relevant details about your employment status.
Once you have filled in all the required information, you will proceed to the next steps of the application process, which will include providing additional documents and paying the visa fee.
On the application page, you’ll be prompted to provide information regarding your travel document. This includes both your passport and residency details:
Travel Document Type: Select “National Passport” from the dropdown menu.
Travel Document Number: Enter your passport number here.
Issued By: Mention the country that issued your passport.
Date of Issue: Select the date your passport was issued. For example, if your passport was issued in 2020, fill in the appropriate date.
Next, you’ll need to provide details about your residence in the UAE:
Do you live in a country other than your country of origin? Select “Yes.”
Do you have a permit to return to the country of residence? Again, select “Yes.”
Permit Number: Here, enter your Emirates ID number. For example, you can write 78419980548.
Valid Entry Date: Fill in the date when your visa is valid, specifying the year, month, and day.
Now, let’s move on to the visa application specifics:
Diploma, Tick, and Counselor Representation Office: Select Abu Dhabi as your representation office.
Visa Type: You should have already selected “Short-Stay Visa.”
Travel Purpose: Confirm your travel reason as “Travel for Tourism and Private Purpose.”
Number of Days of Stay: Specify your intended duration of stay. For instance, if you plan to stay for seven days, mention this clearly.
You’ll now need to indicate any previous travel to Serbia:
Have other visas been issued in the last three years? If you have not previously been issued a Serbian visa, write “No.”
Date of Arrival in Serbia: Specify your expected date of arrival.
Date of Departure from Serbia: Fill in the date you plan to return.
This section requires details on how you will enter Serbia:
Border Crossing Method: Since you are likely traveling from Dubai, select Belgrade Airport. This airport is commonly referred to as Beograd Aerodrom in Serbian.
Transportation Mode: Indicate your mode of travel. If you are flying, write “airplane.”
If you are staying in a hotel, provide the following information:
Hotel Name: Enter the name of your hotel in Serbia.
Host’s Telephone Number: Write the mobile number of the hotel, which can typically be found on booking platforms like Booking.com.
Host’s Address: Enter the complete address of the hotel.
Host’s Email: Provide the email address of the hotel.
As you fill in these details, the municipal settlement and area-wise address will auto-populate based on the address you provide.
You will need to include specific address details for your accommodation:
Street Name: Enter the street name from your hotel’s address.
House Number and Entrance: Mention the house number and if applicable, the entrance (this is often optional).
Floor Number: Specify which floor you will be staying on (e.g., third floor).
Apartment Number: If your accommodation has a specific apartment number (e.g., 306), you may include that here.
Finally, the application will ask who will cover your travel costs:
Covering Expenses: Here, you should indicate how you will manage your finances while in Serbia. You can simply mention “cash” if that is your intended method of funding your trip.
Moving on to the next step, you will need to attach all necessary documents to your application. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to provide:
Photo: Start by uploading your passport-sized photograph.
Passport: Attach a copy of the front page of your passport.
Invitation Letter: If applicable, include your invitation letter.
Accommodation Proof: Provide documentation confirming your accommodation, such as your hotel booking or tourist agency confirmation.
Financial Evidence: Upload your recent bank statement as proof of funds for your stay.
Travel Itinerary: Include your booking and return tickets, demonstrating your travel plans.
Travel Health Insurance: Attach your travel health insurance certificate to ensure you are covered during your stay.
You will also need to submit additional documents, categorized as follows:
Additional Document 1: A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer.
Additional Document 2: Your travel history, including copies of previous UAE visas.
Additional Document 3: An explanation letter outlining your travel plans and any other relevant supporting documents.
If applicable, you may also attach copies of your vehicle registration and driver’s license. If your family is accompanying you, include their documentation as well. Organize all supporting documents into three separate files as outlined.
Once you’ve uploaded all the required documents, you’ll proceed to the final step of the application process.
Click to consent and proceed to the payment gateway. After you’re redirected to the payment page, complete the transaction to finalize your application.
After submitting your application, the authorities will review your documentation. You’ll receive updates via email regarding your application status. You can log in to the portal to check your application progress and payment status.
For those of you holding a valid visa for the UK, Canada, or the USA, here’s some fantastic news: you can travel to Serbia visa-free!
Last year, I visited Serbia shortly after traveling to the UK, utilizing my valid UK visa. Now, having renewed that visa, I’m back in Serbia and planning to head to London next.
Smooth Immigration Process
My experiences at immigration have been incredibly stress-free. I’ve never been asked challenging questions like where I’m coming from, my reasons for visiting, or when I plan to leave. The process involves simply handing over your passport for a quick check, and they stamp your entry without fuss.
This has been consistent across my visits; the officers do not ask about the specific visa you hold, whether it’s a Serbia visa or a UK visa.
For those traveling from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, I’ve flown from Abu Dhabi on both occasions. On my last trip, they requested a hotel booking, which I readily provided.
This time, they only asked about my visa, and after a brief glance, I received my boarding pass within minutes—no need for additional documents like travel insurance or hotel confirmations.
Finding the Right Accommodation
If you’re planning a trip to Serbia, I recommend staying in a city center hostel. Hostels are an excellent choice for solo travelers, offering opportunities to meet new people and socialize.
Private rooms can be quite pricey, averaging around 350 to 400 dirhams, while hostel beds can be found for as little as 45 to 50 dirhams per night. I’m currently staying in a hostel for just 50 dirhams a night for two nights, which is fantastic value.
The hostel provides amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, clean washrooms, and a shared kitchen stocked with complimentary tea. I’ve also rented a locker for four euros, which will be refunded upon return. Plus, the view of the street at night is simply breathtaking, with the city beautifully illuminated.
Getting to the City Center
Upon arriving at the airport, you’ll notice the iconic red mini-vans that provide convenient transport to the city center. The fare is 400 dinars, and they will drop you off right at the last stop in the heart of the city, allowing you to walk to your accommodation from there.
Travel Tips and Insights
To summarize my experience: if you hold a valid Schengen, UK, Canadian, or US visa, you can enter Serbia hassle-free. Just book your flight and accommodation, and you’re all set!
However, if you plan to travel to Serbia specifically, I advise applying for a European Schengen visa instead. This grants access to multiple countries and enhances your travel opportunities.
The weather in Serbia is currently delightful, especially for those who enjoy cooler temperatures. While I visited in June last year, I find the chilly breeze and occasional rain refreshing now.
As for expenses, Serbia is quite affordable; the cost of meals is similar to what you’d find in Dubai. One crucial tip: when I traveled here last year, I brought UAE dirhams, thinking I could exchange them upon arrival.
Unfortunately, I discovered that UAE dirhams are not exchangeable in Serbia, not even at the airport. Be sure to carry euros or pounds for easy transactions.
I'm Haris Ali. I am resident of United Arab Emirates. I've been working with identification documents in UAE for over 8 years. I've gained valuable experience from working with various government authorities in the region, especially with documents like the Emirates ID.
In my free time, I enjoy playing cricket and exploring new destinations around the world.
