Warden Notice

American Embassy Belgrade
September 28, 2009

New Law on Foreign Nationals in the Republic of Serbia – Important Changes for Temporary Residents

A new Serbian Law on Foreigners came into effect on April 1, 2009. It changes the conditions under which U.S. citizens can enter and remain in the Republic of Serbia without a visa. U.S. citizens still do not need a visa to enter Serbia for up to 90 days; however, this new law limits visa-free entry to a cumulative total of 90 days every six months. Border officials may or may not be enforcing the law as of April 1, 2009, but full enforcement is expected by October 1, 2009.

Previously, foreign citizens who were not required to obtain an entry visa (including Americans) could extend their stay in Serbia indefinitely by exiting and re-entering the country every 90 days. According to the new law, foreign citizens who are not required to obtain an entry visa may now enter and leave Serbia any number of times within a 180-day period from the date of first entry, provided that they do not stay in Serbia more than 90 days total in any 180-day period. In practical terms, this means it will no longer be possible for American citizens to stay indefinitely in Serbia by simply leaving and re-entering the country every 90 days. Once a foreign citizen accumulates 90 days in Serbia during the 180 day period that begins upon the person’s into the country, , that person must leave Serbia until the end of the 180-day period. The citizen may not then reapply for re-entry until 180 days have passed since the person’s first entry.

U.S. citizens can stay longer than 90 days in a 180-day period only if local authorities grant them temporary residence on the basis of employment, business, educational, or marriage and family reasons. This procedure has not changed much, though the categories are now defined in the law. Foreigners must apply for a temporary residence visa, which is valid for one year if approved, and can be renewed, at the Ministry of Internal Affairs (police) where they registered when they first arrived. This application must be made no less than 30 days before the expiration of the 90-day stay. Applicants must present evidence of a contract to work, enrollment in school, or relationship to a Serbian citizen, as well as evidence of health insurance and financial means to remain in Serbia. Foreigners are eligible for permanent residence if they have resided in Serbia for longer than 5 years, or if they have been married to a citizen of Serbia and resided in Serbia for at least 3 years. Persons born in Serbia are also eligible for permanent residence. According to the new law, permanent residence may be refused to persons without health insurance.

The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade is located at 50 Kneza Miloša Street. The Embassy's website is belgrade.usembassy.gov. The Embassy telephone number is 381-11-3619-344. The Consular Section telephone is 381-11-3619-344 ext. 4655, 4665 and 4860, and the fax number is 381-11-3615-989. For after-hour emergencies, the number is 381-11-306-4679.

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