South Africa Visa RequirementsFor Serbia passport holders
Serbian passport holders need a South African tourist visa before travel, obtained from the South African Embassy in Belgrade. The visa allows a stay of up to 90 days.
Serbia passport holders require a visa to enter South Africa.
Apply at the South African Embassy in Belgrade (Milana Tankosica 15). Required documents include: valid Serbian passport (at least 30 days validity beyond intended stay), completed application form (BI-84), two passport photos, return flight booking, accommodation proof, yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a yellow fever zone, bank statements, and travel insurance. The visa fee is approximately $60 USD. Processing time is typically 10-15 business days. Submit in person or by courier.
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 Passport
Must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure from South Africa. Original passport required for submission to South African Embassy in Belgrade.
Completed BI-84 Application Form
South African visa application form, available from the Embassy in Belgrade (Milana Tankosica 15).
Two Passport-Sized Photos
Recent photos on white background meeting South African Embassy specifications.
Return Flight Booking
Confirmed round-trip or onward flights from South Africa.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel bookings, safari lodge reservations, or host invitation letter.
Bank Statements
Demonstrating sufficient funds for the stay.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Strongly recommended. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country.
Current Travel Situation
Serbia to South Africa: What You Need to Know
South Africa does not have a visa waiver with Serbia. Serbian citizens must obtain a tourist visa from the South African Embassy in Belgrade. South Africa is a premier safari destination offering the Big Five, the Western Cape wine country, Cape Town's Table Mountain, the Garden Route, and Kruger National Park — all in one country. Despite the visa requirement, South Africa is a well-organized and accessible African destination for European travelers.
How to Get There
South Africa is the most developed tourism infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa. Self-drive safaris in Kruger National Park are popular and accessible. Cape Town is a world-class city. The Garden Route (Cape Town to Port Elizabeth by road) is one of the world's great scenic drives. Be security-aware in Johannesburg and certain Cape Town areas.
Money & Banking
South Africa uses the South African rand (ZAR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and safari lodges. Cash is useful for markets, tips, and smaller establishments. The rand is significantly weaker than the euro, making South Africa affordable for Serbian visitors.
Practical Tips
Flights from Belgrade (BEG) to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) require one or two connections, typically via Istanbul (IST), Dubai (DXB), Addis Ababa (ADD), or Amsterdam (AMS). Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Ethiopian Airlines all serve the Johannesburg route. Flight time is approximately 14-18 hours total.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Serbian citizens need a visa to visit South Africa?
Yes. Serbian citizens must apply for a South African tourist visa at the South African Embassy in Belgrade (Milana Tankosica 15). The fee is approximately $60 USD and the visa allows a stay of up to 90 days.
How do I apply for a South African visa in Belgrade?
Apply at the South African Embassy in Belgrade. Required documents: valid Serbian passport (at least 30 days validity beyond intended stay), completed BI-84 application form, two passport photos, return flight booking, accommodation proof, yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from a yellow fever endemic zone), bank statements, travel insurance, and a yellow fever certificate if transiting through affected countries. Fee is approximately $60 USD. Processing takes 10-15 business days.
What are the best safari options in South Africa for Serbian tourists?
Kruger National Park is the most accessible Big Five safari destination: self-drive safaris are possible with a rental car (unlike East African parks, you drive yourself between designated camps). Private reserves adjacent to Kruger (Sabi Sand, Timbavati) offer luxury lodge safaris with night drives. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal is excellent for white rhino. Addo Elephant Park near Port Elizabeth is a good option in the Eastern Cape.
Is Cape Town worth including in a South Africa itinerary?
Yes. Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities. Table Mountain (cable car or several hiking routes), Boulders Beach penguin colony, Cape Point, the Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch and Franschhoek), Camps Bay beach, and Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned) make Cape Town worth at least 4-5 days. The Garden Route (Cape Town to Port Elizabeth via George and Knysna) is one of the world's great scenic road trips.
How do I fly from Belgrade to South Africa?
Flights from Belgrade (BEG) to Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) require one connection. Turkish Airlines (via IST), Emirates (via DXB), Ethiopian Airlines (via ADD), and KLM (via AMS) all serve the route. Total flight time is approximately 14-18 hours.
What currency does South Africa use?
South Africa uses the South African rand (ZAR). The rand is a volatile currency that has generally weakened against the euro in recent years, making South Africa increasingly affordable for Serbian visitors. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Cards are accepted in larger establishments; cash is useful for smaller businesses, markets, and tips.
What safety precautions should Serbian tourists take in South Africa?
South Africa has significant crime levels, particularly in urban areas. Do not display expensive cameras, phones, or jewelry in public. Use Uber or pre-booked transfers rather than hailing street taxis. Be security-aware in Johannesburg city center; stay in established tourist areas like Sandton, Rosebank, and Melrose Arch. Cape Town's tourist areas are generally safer but still require vigilance. Safari areas in game reserves are very safe.