Welcome to Serbia

Although it might not be on your travel radar yet, Serbia should jump to the front of the list for its diversity of landscape, culture and adventure.

From the bustling streets and bopping nightclubs of Belgrade to archaeological ruins that will channel your inner Indiana Jones, Serbia is a right-now kind of Europe destination, before it gets discovered by the masses. In Belgrade, where the Danube and Sava rivers meet, tour the imposing Kalemegdan Fortress.

Feel the Austro-Hungarian heritage of Subotica and the bohemian vibe of Niš. Take advantage of the beautiful, rugged Balkan region with trips into Fruška Gora Park, studded with vineyards and crisscrossed with hiking trails. While you’re there, visit the Orthodox monasteries scattered through the countryside, some dating back to the 12th century. Tara and Derdap National Park are also worth a visit for their trekking, biking, rafting and kayaking opportunities.

Soothe weary muscles in the spa town of Sokobanja and consider how lucky you are to have discovered Serbia.

Unique Facts

• Serbia is one of the world’s largest raspberry exporters. They’re also near the top of the list for plums, prunes and cherries.
• Approximately 20 percent of all Roman emperors were born on the land is now Serbia. That includes Constantine the Great.
• The most expensive cheese in the world – Pule – is produced in Serbia. It’s made from donkey and goat milk. In other dairy news, be sure to try the unique Serbian Kajmak, a rich dairy appetizer or side dish, with a skim milk flavor.
• The capital of Serbia, Belgrade, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Archaeologists believe that settlements have continuously existed here for at least 7,000 years. On the outskirts of the city, there are remnants of Vinca and Starcevo cultures, two of the most prominent cultures in the Bronze Age.
• The village of Gostusa, in Mt. Stara Planina, is made entirely of mud, stone and natural materials.

Language

Serbia’s official language is Serbian.

When To Go

The best time to go to Serbia is from March to May and September to October. Try to avoid the heat of June, July and August. Belgrade itself has a subtropical climate and even precipitation year-round. The winters are exceptionally cold.

Airports

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 90 days or less.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Serbia: Hepatitis A. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type F. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Serbian Dinar

Getting Around

Be aware the the roads throughout Serbia are not consistently maintained, especially in rural area and southern Serbia. Use extra caution if driving in the winter or along Serbia’s Ibarska Magistrala, the highway between Belgrade and Cacak.

Belgrade and the larger cities have public transportation. In Belgrade, the ticketing system for buses, trams and trolleybuses is BusPlus. Tickets are for saleat newsstands and corner shops. Belgrade also operates the Beovoz suburban railway system, which connects the city to the suburbs, such as Pancevo and Indija.

Intercity bus and train services connects many locations throughout Serbia.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license and international driving permit are required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Belgrade
Bulevar kneza Aleksandra Karadordevica 92
11040 Belgrade
Serbia
Telephone: +(381) (11) 706-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(381) (11) 706-4000
Fax: +(381) (11) 706-4481
belgradeacs@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Organization of Serbia
Čika Ljubina 8/1
Belgrade
Tel: +381 11 6557 100

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 194
Police: 192
Fire: 193

Safety and Security

The crime rate is moderate in Serbia.Be aware of your surroundings, as violent crime may occur at any hour in all types of neighborhoods.Pickpocketing, purse snatchings and other petty crimes occur regularly.

Pay attention to taxi meters and listed fares as taxi drivers may try to scam foreigners and charge higher rates.