United States Visa RequirementsFor Serbia passport holders
Serbian passport holders must obtain a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States. Serbia is neither an EU member nor part of the Visa Waiver Program. The process involves completing DS-160, attending an interview at the US Embassy in Belgrade, and paying $185.
Serbia passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply at the US Embassy in Belgrade (Bulevar Kneza Aleksandra Karadjordjevica 92, Belgrade). Complete the DS-160 at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your interview at ais.usvisa-info.com. Bring bank statements, employment records, and evidence of ties to Serbia. Processing after the interview typically takes 3 to 10 business days if approved.
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
DS-160 application form
Completed online nonimmigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay in the US
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable machine-readable visa fee, paid before interview
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm) photo, white background, taken within 6 months
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled via the US Embassy appointment system (ais.usvisa-info.com)
Proof of financial means
Bank statements for the past 3 to 6 months, pay stubs, or tax returns
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property deeds, family ties, or other evidence of return
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended travel dates, purpose of visit, and accommodation details
Current Travel Situation
Serbia to United States: What You Need to Know
Serbia is a candidate country for EU membership but has not yet joined, and it is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Serbian citizens therefore require a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa for tourism, business, or family visits to the United States.
The US Embassy in Belgrade processes a significant volume of Serbian visa applications. The B1/B2 visa, once approved, is typically issued for 10 years with multiple entries. The exact length of stay allowed on each entry is determined by a CBP officer at the US border, usually up to 6 months.
Serbia and the United States have maintained diplomatic relations and cooperate on regional security in the Balkans. A substantial Serbian diaspora lives in the US, particularly in Chicago, New York, and Cleveland. Family connections in the US do not disqualify an application but the consular officer will assess whether the applicant has sufficient ties to Serbia to ensure return.
How to Get There
Fly from Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) to New York JFK, Chicago, or other US cities, typically with one connection through Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam, Istanbul, or London. Air Serbia, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines operate popular connecting routes. Total travel time is approximately 12 to 15 hours.
Money & Banking
Currency is the US dollar (USD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere including taxis and small shops. Inform your Serbian bank before travel to prevent transaction blocks. Daily costs average $120 to $200 USD in most US cities, with New York and San Francisco on the higher end. Tipping 18 to 20 percent at restaurants is expected; staff wages are partially subsidized by tips.
Practical Tips
Book your interview appointment well in advance as wait times in Belgrade can be 4 to 8 weeks during summer and holiday periods. Bring originals of all financial and employment documents. Once in the US, 911 is the emergency number. Tap water is safe to drink in all US cities. US sales tax is added at checkout and is not shown in advertised prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Serbian citizens need a US visa?
Yes. Serbian citizens are not covered by the US Visa Waiver Program and must obtain a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States. The application is submitted at the US Embassy in Belgrade, and an in-person interview is required.
Does holding a Schengen visa help Serbian applicants get a US visa?
A valid Schengen visa can be a positive supporting factor in a US visa application, as it shows that another government has vetted you for travel. However, it does not automatically result in US visa approval. The US consular officer will independently evaluate your ties to Serbia, financial stability, and purpose of travel.
How long does it take to get a US visa from Serbia?
Processing time at the US Embassy in Belgrade after a successful interview is typically 3 to 10 business days for a decision. However, scheduling the interview itself may take several weeks to months depending on demand. The total timeline from application to visa in hand can range from 4 weeks to several months.
Can Serbian citizens with family in the US still get a tourist visa?
Yes. Having family in the United States does not disqualify you from obtaining a B1/B2 visa. However, the consular officer will carefully examine whether you have sufficient ties to Serbia (employment, property, family responsibilities) to ensure you will return home after your visit. Strong documentation of your situation in Serbia is important.
What is the Visa Waiver Program and will Serbia ever join it?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of eligible countries to travel to the US for up to 90 days without a visa. Serbia is not currently in the VWP and is not on an official pathway toward it in the near term. Serbia would need to significantly reduce its US visa refusal rate and meet security cooperation requirements to be considered for VWP membership.
Are there any US visa options for Serbians other than B1/B2?
Yes. Other visa categories include the F-1 student visa for academic study, J-1 exchange visitor visas, H-1B work visas (subject to an annual lottery and employer sponsorship), and others. Each category has different eligibility requirements and processes. The B1/B2 is the appropriate category for tourism, family visits, and short business trips.
How much does the US visa fee cost for Serbian citizens?
The MRV fee is $185 USD, paid before scheduling your interview. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa decision. Payment instructions are provided through the ais.usvisa-info.com scheduling system for the Belgrade Embassy.