China Visa RequirementsFor Serbia passport holders
Serbian passport holders can enter China without a visa for stays up to 15 days under a bilateral visa-free agreement that came into effect as part of the expanded China-Serbia strategic partnership in 2024.
Great news! Serbia passport holders can enter China without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 15 days.
No visa is required for stays up to 15 days. Your Serbian biometric passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. You must carry proof of onward travel (a return or continuing flight booking). The 15-day limit begins from the day of entry. If you intend to stay longer, apply for a Chinese visa (visa categories L for tourism, M for business) at the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade before travel.
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
Required Documents
Valid Serbian Biometric Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into China.
Return or Onward Travel Ticket
Confirmed onward or return flight booking. Chinese border officers require proof that you are transiting or leaving within the 15-day window.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking confirmation for at least the first night in China.
Travel Itinerary Recommended
A day-by-day travel plan is helpful for demonstrating the purpose and duration of your visit to Chinese immigration.
Current Travel Situation
Serbia to China: What You Need to Know
China and Serbia signed a free trade agreement in 2023 and launched a mutual visa-free program reflecting their deep economic and diplomatic ties. China has invested heavily in Serbia through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), financing the Belgrade-Budapest high-speed rail line, the Smederevo steel plant (HBIS Group), and other infrastructure. Serbia is one of relatively few European countries with a bilateral visa-free agreement with China. The 15-day window is designed to facilitate business and short tourism visits. Serbia has no embassy visa application process for stays within the 15-day limit.
How to Get There
For stays beyond 15 days or for work, study, or research, apply for the appropriate Chinese visa category at the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade. China has multiple visa categories and requires an invitation letter for most business and research visas.
Money & Banking
China uses the Chinese yuan/renminbi (CNY/RMB). Cash is important; however, digital payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate in China. Foreign visitors can now link international cards to a WeChat Pay tourist wallet for short stays. ATMs that accept international cards are available in major cities but not universally. Carry some CNY cash for smaller purchases.
Practical Tips
Direct flights from Belgrade (BEG) to Beijing (PEK or PKX) and Shanghai (PVG) are not currently offered; connections are available via Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Frankfurt, or other major hubs. Chinese airlines also operate routes through hub airports. Travel time is 12-16 hours with connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Serbian citizens need a visa to visit China?
No, for stays up to 15 days. China and Serbia launched a bilateral visa-free program in 2024, allowing Serbian passport holders to enter China without a visa for up to 15 days. For longer stays, a Chinese visa is required.
Why does Serbia have visa-free access to China?
China and Serbia have a close strategic partnership driven by significant Chinese investment in Serbia through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has financed the Belgrade-Budapest high-speed rail line, the Smederevo steel plant (HBIS Group), and highway projects. The visa-free agreement reflects this deepening economic and diplomatic relationship, which is unusual for a European country.
What is the 15-day visa-free period in China?
The visa-free period allows Serbian citizens to stay in China for up to 15 days per visit without obtaining a visa. The 15-day clock starts from the day of entry. For longer stays (tourism, business, study), apply for the appropriate Chinese visa at the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade before travel.
What documents do I need to enter China visa-free as a Serbian citizen?
You need a valid Serbian biometric passport with at least 6 months validity, a confirmed return or onward flight ticket, and proof of accommodation or itinerary. Chinese immigration officers may also ask about the purpose of your visit and means of financial support.
How do I pay for things in China as a Serbian tourist?
China's economy is heavily based on digital payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay). Cash is less commonly accepted in many urban businesses. Foreign tourists can now link an international Visa or Mastercard to a WeChat Pay or Alipay tourist wallet for short-term use. ATMs in major cities accept international cards at Bank of China and ICBC branches. Carry some Chinese yuan (RMB) cash as a backup, particularly for smaller cities and rural areas.
What are the top destinations in China for a 15-day visit?
Beijing (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square), Shanghai (The Bund, Old Town, Pudong skyline), Xi'an (Terracotta Army), Chengdu (Giant Panda Base, spicy Sichuan food), Guilin and Yangshuo (Li River karst scenery), and Zhangjiajie (Avatar mountains) are top 15-day itinerary highlights.
Are there internet restrictions in China that Serbian travelers should know about?
Yes. China's internet is restricted by the Great Firewall. Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and many other Western services are blocked in China. Download a reliable VPN before entering China (VPNs become much harder to obtain inside China). WeChat is the dominant local messaging platform. Baidu is the local search engine. Maps.me and offline navigation tools are useful alternatives to Google Maps.
What Chinese visa should I apply for if I want to stay longer than 15 days?
Apply for a Chinese L Visa (tourist) for leisure travel, an M Visa (business) for commercial visits, or other categories as appropriate. Apply at the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade (Bulevar Umetnosti 2, Novi Beograd). You will typically need an invitation letter, itinerary, accommodation confirmations, and financial documentation. Processing takes approximately 4-7 business days.