Serbia is a small, cozy country located on the Balkan Peninsula. Travelers here are impressed by the bewitching landscapes, the presence of unique architectural monuments. And for lovers of outdoor activities there is the famous resort of Kapaonik. However, not everyone knows whether a visa to Serbia is necessary for the Russians. The answer to this question is presented in the article.
Types of Visas
Do Russians need a visa to Serbia in 2018? Based on the diplomatic agreement between the countries, a visa-free regime applies to Russian citizens if they stay in the country for no longer than 30 days. Entry into Serbia without a visa is free for Russians.
Many people travel to a country to get an education or a job. If you plan to stay in Serbia for longer than a month, then you need to apply for a visa. It is drawn up at the Embassy of Serbia, located on the territory of Russia. A single visa is now available that applies to all long trips.
With kids
Do I need a visa to Serbia for Russians under 18? And if so, what is needed for this? For minor children, as well as for adults, the privilege of visa-free entry applies. For this, the child must have his own passport, but you can also specify the children in the passport of the parents.
If a teenager travels to a country without parents, for example, to a children's camp or to study, then an exit permit is required. The document is signed by the parents, it is certified by a notary.
In this country, you can perfectly organize family or children's vacations. There are many summer camps in Serbia hospitably accepting children from all countries. On the seashore there are many sanatoriums and special sports centers for children and youth, where you can not only relax, but also improve your health and get new experiences.
A family trip to Serbia would also be a great option. Many people choose resorts where there are hotels for families with young children. Many hotels have special children's pools, water parks, sports and playgrounds. There is also a beach holiday, for example, the village of Novi Sad on the Danube coast.
Documentation
Although you do not need a visa up to 30 days in the country, this does not mean that other documents are not needed. You need to take all the documentation with you that confirms the tourist purpose of the trip: hotel reservation, round-trip air ticket. Still need a document that confirms the financial viability, a certificate or extract from the bank is suitable. The amount must be at least 3000 rubles for 1 day of travel.
Visa-free stay
Within a day after arrival in the country you need to register. For the day of delay, a fine of 350 rubles is applicable. In practice, registration is not checked, but it is better to perform this procedure so that there are no troubles.
Registration is carried out in the territorial police departments. In hotels, this procedure is carried out by the administration, in private apartments - by the owners of the accommodation. After registration “white cardboard” is issued. He confirms that the foreigner stays in the country legally.
To register with the police you must:
- Purchase blank white cardboard.
- Fill it out, making basic information about yourself, the time you live.
- Visit the police and ask for a seal.
How to extend visa-free travel?
To stay in the country for longer than 30 days, you need to leave its territory and enter again. A visa-free period will be counted again. Please note that for Russians entering without additional permits, rule 90/180 applies. It turns out that you can stay in the country for no more than 3 months in six months. And for 3 months, you must complete 2 entry / exit every 30 days.
Serbia is allowed to stay on a Schengen visa. The maximum stay is 3 months for six months. Traveling outside the country during these 3 months is not necessary.
Visa Documents
What is required to obtain a visa to Serbia for Russians? It is issued if the stay in the country will be longer than 30 days. What visa is needed for Serbia for Russians if the purpose of the trip is to get a job? Since there is no visa distribution, a single permit is granted.
For registration in the consular department serves:
- International passport. The duration of its validity should be at least 90 days from the date of the planned end of the trip.
- A copy of the passport sheet where personal data is recorded.
- Photo 3 x 4 cm (2 pcs.).
- Application form completed in one language - Serbian, Russian or English.
- Copies of pages with information about a common passport.
- Certificate of employment with the designation of the position and monthly salary. Housewives and unemployed citizens need to issue a sponsorship letter. This document may be prepared by a spouse, parent or other relative. Certificate from the sponsor's place of work is required. Students need a certificate from the dean’s office, which confirms the fact of studying at a university, and for pensioners - copies of a pension certificate.
A visa to Serbia for Russians is usually issued in 5-6 days. The applicant is not required to attend in person. If it is not possible to visit the consulate yourself to submit documentation, this can be done with the assistance of a third party, having issued a person a permit certified by a notary.
You can get a visa to Serbia for Russians through a travel company. But if this method is selected, it is important to be careful. You need to trust only trusted, reliable companies. If there is an opportunity to personally deal with the design, then it is better to do it yourself.
Visa to Kosovo
After the Yugoslav conflict, the Kosovo region separated into a separate republic, but its official independence status is in doubt. This part of the country recognizes itself as an autonomous republic, but on the basis of legal and political status is considered part of Serbia. Kosovo has its own government, with a president and parliament elected.
This area has its own life in terms of politics, culture and society. Therefore, entry rules also apply. To do this, you need a special visa to Serbia for the Russians. To get it, you must have:
- The application form, which is filled in 1 of the languages - Serbian, Albanian or English.
- Color photo 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
- Booking air or bus tickets.
- Any documentation that confirms the purpose of the trip. It can be an invitation or booking a hotel room.
- Health insurance that is valid for the entire trip. The amount of coverage should be at least 2 million 130 thousand rubles.
- Confirmation of financial solvency. An account statement showing the movement of funds over the past 3 months is suitable.
For registration, the personal presence of the applicant is required. The procedure is performed for 2 weeks. If you already have a Schengen visa of any country, then you do not need to go through this procedure, since it is allowed to enter the Republic of Kosovo.
Customs regulations
For customs clearance during entry into the country democratic rules apply. There are restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency. Financial means do not need to be declared. Free transportation of valuable goods that have been declared is permitted.
There are restrictions on the import of cigarettes (up to 200 pcs.), Alcohol (up to 1 liter), perfumes (no more than 100 ml. Perfumes or 250 ml. Of toilet water). If you plan a trip by car, then the fuel is carried out only in the tank.
Explosive chemicals and other dangerous components, drugs, cold steel and firearms, ammunition, gold cannot be imported into the country. If after a trip art objects or other valuable objects will be exported, then official permission is required. It is drawn up at the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations.
Financial side
If you plan a regular tourist trip for up to 30 days, then entry will be free. With a long trip, permission to draw up is necessary. Moreover, to obtain a visa to Belgrade (Serbia) for the Russians will need to pay. The consular fee for applying for permission to enter Kosovo is 2,800 rubles. What visa does Serbia need for Russians if they plan to study or work in the country? In this case, you need a standard resolution, which costs 7,800 rubles.
In general, a trip to the country is an affordable event. Airfare is not so high, and with a visa-free entry you can still save on travel.
For lovers of travel on a grand scale, there are also many opportunities. There are many luxury hotels in Belgrade and other cities of the country. You can have a good rest in the country, have a good time for people with any financial resources.
Difficulties in obtaining permission
As it was revealed, the Russians need a visa to Serbia in 2018. But even though the countries have excellent diplomatic relations and a simplified visa regime, there are still some nuances that are important for all travelers to know:
- When planning a trip, you need to pay attention to the route. It will be comfortable and quick to arrive in the country with a direct non-stop flight. But the cost of such tickets is usually much more expensive compared to transit flights. Therefore, many prefer to choose a trip with transfers, because you can choose affordable prices. If this option is chosen, then care must be taken. If there is a preliminary transfer in another country, it is likely that a special transit visa from that state will be required. These details must be obtained from the operator or at the embassy of the desired country.
- When crossing the border, customs officers pay attention to the passport. It is important that its validity is more than 90 days at the end of the trip. If this period is shorter, difficulties may arise. Therefore, it is important to check your passport before departure.
Other issues regarding entry into Serbia are easier to resolve. Customs representatives, as well as employees of the Serbian consulate, are loyal to visitors to the country. Failures are rare. Serbs are hospitable people, therefore they are always glad to see tourists.
Diplomatic relations between Serbia and Russia
Relations between countries have always been friendly. Serbia is a beautiful country, close in spirit, atmosphere and culture to the citizens of the Russian Federation. Nevertheless, there were unpleasant moments and times of hostility, for example, in the 1950s. At that time, Yugoslavia (which included Serbian territories) was in close relations with Western countries, so they did not maintain relations with the Soviet Union.
In the 1990s, when Yugoslavia had difficult times, these problems remained in the past. Russia has become one of the few countries that supported Yugoslavia.
Now the countries maintain friendly relations, which have also strengthened thanks to energy agreements. This means that Serbia is open to our citizens, like Russia is open to tourists from Serbia. For many years, the visa regime has been in force, which no one plans to cancel.
Serbia attracts citizens of the Russian Federation with its picturesque nature, rich culture and interesting traditions. Ancient Belgrade is famous for its ancient architecture. Travelers have the opportunity to visit this beautiful state and have a great time.