Serbia

Serbia (officially the Republic of Serbia) is a landlocked country in Southeast Europe. Serbia borders Hungary to the north, Romania to the northeast, Bulgaria to the east, Macedonia to the south, Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the west, and Croatia to the northwest. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR SERBIA
Find out about European Travel Insurance

Belgrade is the capital city of Serbia.  The city is surrounded on three sides by the rivers Danube and Sava.  Belgrade has a turbulent history, having been razed many times, but it has emerged a modern and lively city, with a rich cultural history.  There is plenty to see and do, including the Bohemian quarter, Fortress, the Old Palace, New Palace, and cathedral.  

Belgrade’s nightlife is buzzing and mainly centres around clubs and restaurants on rafts and floats on the rivers, which offer dining and live music.  The centre of Belgrade is the place for shopping and to find designer fashion boutiques, restaurants and museums. 

Novi Sad is the capital city of the province of Vojvodina and second largest city in Serbia, situated on the Danube river in the north of the country.  Pristina is the capital and largest city of Kosovo in the south.

Serbia’s mountain ranges are rich with a wealth of summer and winter sports activities.  The many national parks are renowned for their outstanding beauty. Kopaonik and Brezovica are probably the best-known winter sports areas for skiing.  In summer the mountains offer a wide range of outdoor sports and recreational activities.  The surrounding areas provide a diverse selection of sightseeing opportunities, including interesting historical and archaeological sites, religious buildings, monasteries, wineries, spas, galleries and museums.

Popular activities in Serbia include white water rafting, sailing, log rafting, caving in the many karst and other cave systems, hiking, climbing, fishing, horse riding, cycling, and birdwatching. 

Serbia offers a wide choice of natural mineral spring spas and health resorts, including the well-known Zlatibor.  Many of the spas are situated at the base of the country’s mountain ranges.  The spa tradition dates back to Roman times and remains of some Roman and Turkish baths still exist. 

Serbia is not a member of the European Union.  The currency is the Serbian Dinar.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Useful travel advice from the Foreign & Commonweath Office for travel to Serbia. Click Here

Prior to your trip to Serbia we recommend a visit to the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for updated travel advice as part of their ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign.  Their advice includes information on the following topics and more:

• Passports and visas (check your passport is not damaged)
• Register with police upon arrival (unless handled by your hotel)
• Political situation in Serbia and warning of demonstrations/marches
• Avoid discussing the political situation with locals
• Driving in Serbia (International Driving License required)
• Toll roads
• Car rental requirements, restrictions and insurance
• Risk of encountering unexploded ordnance
• Travelling between Kosovo and Serbia
• Street crime
• Using public transportation and taxis
• Travelling with children
• Health concerns and unsafe drinking water in some areas
• Lost and stolen passports and Embassy contact information
• Banking, access to money and foreign exchange

If you plan to hike or travel off the beaten path or in mountainous areas of Serbia there is a danger of unexploded ordnance and mines that may be present following the Kosovo/Serbia conflict.  Rabies is also common, mostly in parks and outskirts of major cities.  See the FCO website for more information.

Drinking water may be unsafe in some areas (notably Vojvodina region).  Outbreaks of meningitis and hepatitis A in recent years were linked to water quality.
 
Serbia is not a member of the European Union at the time of writing, therefore the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)is not valid.  However, according to the FCO, a reciprocal healthcare agreement exists for British nationals.  This agreement provides for free treatment for emergencies. (Requirements: UK passport, evidence of UK insurance, and registration with the local police).  

Note:  payment for treatment may be required in cash.  It is very important to take out comprehensive travel insurance and check that the cover includes medical evacuation/repatriation.

Useful website:  http://www.serbia.travel/

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure the information in this Travel Guide is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy, or the content of external links.

Inclusion in this Travel Guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in any country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have issued an advisory against travel.

You are strongly advised to visit the FCO website for updated travel information and general travel advice before you travel.