Canada Visa RequirementsFor Serbia passport holders
Serbian passport holders need a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before travel. Apply online through IRCC. Processing time is typically 2-8 weeks.
Serbia passport holders require a visa to enter Canada.
Apply online at ircc.canada.ca. The application fee is $100 CAD. You will need a valid Serbian passport, passport photos, completed IMM5257 form, proof of funds (bank statements for the last 3-6 months), travel itinerary, letter of employment or proof of ties to Serbia (property, family), and if applicable, a letter of invitation from Canadian family. Processing time is 2-8 weeks depending on the visa office processing your application.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Biometrics
Required at first application
Required Documents
Valid Serbian Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended return date. Scanned bio page required for online IRCC application.
Completed IMM5257 Application Form
The Canadian visitor visa application form, completed online or downloaded and filled manually at ircc.canada.ca.
Recent Passport Photo
Digital or physical passport-sized photo meeting IRCC specifications.
Bank Statements (3-6 months)
Demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your stay in Canada. Approximately CAD 100-150 per day is typical.
Proof of Employment
Employment letter confirming your position, salary, and approved leave/vacation dates. Key document for demonstrating ties to Serbia.
Travel Itinerary
Planned travel dates, accommodation in Canada, and activities.
Ties to Serbia Recommended
Property ownership documents, family ties, business registration, or other evidence of compelling reason to return to Serbia.
Invitation Letter Recommended
If visiting family or friends in Canada, a formal invitation letter from the host (including their Canadian status and contact information) strengthens the application.
Current Travel Situation
Serbia to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada does not have a bilateral visa-free agreement with Serbia. Serbian citizens must apply for a Canadian visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa, TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — Serbian passport holders need a TRV, not an eTA. Canada is a popular destination for Serbian tourists and a major country of settlement for the Serbian diaspora, particularly in Ontario (Toronto, Hamilton) and British Columbia (Vancouver). The visa approval rate for Serbian applicants is generally reasonable for genuine tourists, but a strong application is important.
How to Get There
Canada is a large and expensive country. Budget approximately $100-150 CAD per day for modest travel. Toronto and Vancouver are high-cost cities. The Serbian community in Toronto is substantial and can provide practical support for first-time visitors. Public transport is available in major cities but a car is necessary for exploring national parks and rural areas.
Money & Banking
Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). ATMs and cards are accepted universally. Contactless payments are standard. Tipping 15-20% is expected in restaurants and for most service workers; this is a cultural norm, not optional.
Practical Tips
Flights from Belgrade (BEG) to Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), or Vancouver (YVR) require one connection, typically via London (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA), or Amsterdam (AMS). Air Serbia operates to several of these hubs. Air Canada and other carriers complete the transatlantic leg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Serbian citizens need a visa to visit Canada?
Yes. Serbian citizens must apply for a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before travel. Apply online through the IRCC portal at ircc.canada.ca. The fee is $100 CAD.
How do I apply for a Canadian visitor visa from Serbia?
Apply online at ircc.canada.ca. You will need to create an account, complete the IMM5257 application form, and upload supporting documents: valid Serbian passport, passport photo, bank statements (last 3-6 months), proof of employment or financial ties to Serbia, travel itinerary, and if applicable, a letter of invitation from Canadian family. Pay the $100 CAD fee online. Processing takes 2-8 weeks.
What is the difference between a Canadian TRV and an eTA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is for visa-exempt travelers (like US or EU citizens) who are flying into Canada. Serbian citizens are NOT visa-exempt and require a TRV (traditional visitor visa). The eTA and TRV are entirely different; Serbian citizens must apply for the TRV.
What documents strengthen a Canadian visitor visa application from Serbia?
The Canadian visa office assesses "ties to Serbia" (reasons to return home). Strong evidence includes: steady employment with a letter from your employer, property ownership in Serbia, bank accounts showing substantial funds, family members in Serbia (especially children), and a well-organized travel itinerary with confirmed bookings. The more concrete your ties to Serbia, the more convincing the application.
How large is the Serbian community in Canada?
Canada has one of the world's largest Serbian diaspora communities, primarily in Ontario (Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor, London) and British Columbia (Vancouver). The Serbian community is estimated at 100,000-200,000 people. Toronto's Serbian community has multiple Orthodox churches, cultural organizations, and Serbian restaurants.
How do I fly from Belgrade to Canada?
Flights from Belgrade (BEG) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), or Vancouver (YVR) require one connection. Common hubs are London (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA), and Amsterdam (AMS). Air Serbia operates to several of these hubs. Air Canada, Lufthansa, and British Airways complete the transatlantic segments. Total journey time is approximately 12-16 hours.
What is Canada like for Serbian tourists in terms of cost?
Canada is an expensive country. Toronto and Vancouver are among North America's priciest cities. Budget approximately $100-150 CAD per day for modest travel. Accommodation is a major cost. Renting a car and exploring outside major cities (Banff, Niagara Falls, Quebec City) is the classic Canadian travel experience.
Is there a Canadian Working Holiday program for Serbian citizens?
Canada's International Experience Canada (IEC) program includes a Working Holiday category, but eligibility depends on bilateral agreements. Serbian citizens should check the IRCC website for current IEC eligibility. If not eligible for the IEC, the standard work permit process through a Canadian employer is the primary route to working in Canada.