Visa-free travel

TRAVEL WITHOUT VISAS FOR SERBIAN CITIZENS

Of 19 December 2009. year, the citizens of Serbia will no longer need a visa to travel in the 25 member states of the European Union (EU), as well as three countries that are not EU members, which are part of the Schengen area. Citizens of Serbia, who have a biometric passport, will now be able to travel freely in this country, in short visits of up to 90 days every six months (180 days), regardless of whether it is on a business trip, training, or on tourist visits.

In witch country will now be able to travel without a visa?

The new rules apply to all EU Member States except for Great Britain and Ireland, and apply to Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

Why are United Kingdom and Ireland exempt ?

UK and Ireland remain outside the Schengen area and therefore these rules do not apply to them. For information on visa requirements for citizens of Serbia must meet to enter the two countries, please contact the visa office of Great Britain and Ireland.

Do new rules apply to the people of Kosovo?

Since the visa liberalization dialogue between Serbia and the European Commission did not include the territory of Kosovo, the new rules will not apply to persons who have biometric passports issued by the Coordination Directorate at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia. People who have these passports will need to have a valid visa for travel to the Schengen area.

How can I know if my passport biometric?

Biometric passports (red cover) are issued in Serbia since July 2008. year. Check if your passport has this symbol on the front cover. If so, it is a biometric passport with him, you will be able to travel to these countries without a visa (see map).

How can I take out a biometric passport ?

If you still do not have a biometric passport, you will need to remove the new police departments in charge of issuing passports in Serbia without a visa to be able to travel in that country.

Can I still travel with my old passport which is not a biometric?

Given that the biometric passports that are not (blue passports) is not valid visa free travel with them, you will not be able to travel without a visa to the Schengen space. For more information, please contact the authorities of your country or consular offices of Schengen countries.

Under the new rules, how long passengers from Serbia can stay in the Schengen area?

Under the new rules, people with Serbian passport can stay in the Schengen area (all EU members except Britain and Ireland, and the countries of Schengen Agreement: Switzerland, Norway and Iceland) to a maximum of 90 days from the date of entry, and within a period of 180 days (6 months). The period starts from the moment when you first enter the territory within the 180 days. For example, if you are in the Schengen area first entered first January, following a period of 6 months starts on the first July. If you often travel to the Schengen area, you are responsible for counting how many days you stay within the six month period.
This means that you can go on several short trips, provided that their duration does not exceed 90 days within a six-month period (180 days).

Can I live and work in the Schengen countries under new rules?

The new rules apply to travel. It does not grant citizens of Serbia to stay longer than 90 days or take up employment in these countries. Please note that if you intend to because of employment or studies exceeding 90 days, you have to travel before applying for long-term visa or residence permit at the embassy or consulate of the destination. Work or stay in Schengen countries without adequate national residence or work permit is illegal.

Are there any other requirements for entry into the country?

For people with biometric passports are no additional financial or administrative requirements in order to travel freely in the Schengen countries. However, the normal rules for entry of third country nationals when entering the Schengen area are still in force. At the border, travelers may be required to prove possession of the funds for travel and subsistence during their stay in the Schengen area. Travellers can also be asked to specify the place of residence (to show a hotel reservation or address at which they will be staying). Also, people entering the Schengen area should not be considered a threat to public order, peace, health or internal security, and for them not to issued a warning that they are not granted entry. Border authorities of the Schengen member states have the right to refuse entry if these requirements are not met and have the final decision on entering the country (Article 5 of the Schengen Convention).

Recommendations to travelers

• Travel with a reliable travel agencies, check the website http://www.yuta.rs
• Make sure you and on what conditions need health insurance (document / obaveyna confirmation from the respective authorities Republic Institute for Health Care http://www.rzzo.sr.gov.yu.    The recommendation is to obtain health insurance.
• If  you entering with veichle in the Schengen area, you must have a valid international driver's license and international car insurance for a vehicle (green card). For more information, including traffic regulations and the EU, visit Auto-Moto Association of www.amss.rs
• If you travel in its arrangement, check the Internet address, city, telephone number and name of hotel or other accommodation in the Schengen country you go.
• Please note that the European emergency number 112, and applies to all EU member states (for police, ambulance or fire brigade).

For additional information, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting.