United States entry requirements for Serbia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 24, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Serbian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to the United States. There is no visa waiver or electronic travel authorization available for Serbian citizens, so you need to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate prior to your departure. The process involves completing an online application, paying a fee, and attending an in-person interview. Start early, as the entire procedure can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa (B1/B2 or other appropriate category)You must get a visa stamped in your passport before you fly — there is no electronic option for Serbian citizens. Apply at a US embassy or consulate | Serbian citizens must obtain a nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States. You are not eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program or an eVisa. Schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Belgrade or another US consular post, and complete the DS-160 form. | Required |
| Passport validityUS immigration requires your passport to remain valid well after your trip ends. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you plan to leave the United States. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for your visa or traveling. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe visa and border stamps need a clean page to be placed on. At least 1 blank page for the visa and entry stamp | Your passport must have at least 1 completely blank page (front and back) for the visa foil and entry/exit stamps. If you have fewer, get a new passport before your visa interview. | Required |
| Visa interview appointmentYou must appear in person for a visa interview — no way around it. Schedule well in advance | After submitting your DS-160 and paying the MRV fee, schedule an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Belgrade. Wait times can be several weeks, so book as early as possible. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketUS officials want to see that you plan to leave after your visit. Proof of departure from the US | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country outside the United States. This is typically checked at airline check-in and by CBP upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving financial proof helps convince officials you won't become a public charge. Evidence you can support yourself during your stay | Be ready to show bank statements, pay stubs, or other financial documents proving you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in the US. This is often requested at the visa interview and may be asked by CBP. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online arrival form before flying. Not required for Serbian citizens | No arrival declaration (such as an eTA or ESTA) is required for Serbian citizens entering the United States. Your visa and passport are the only entry documents needed. | Not required |
No visa-free entry for Serbian citizens
Serbian passport holders are not eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) or any electronic travel authorization. You must apply for a full visa at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade. Do not book flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Plan for the interview
The visa interview is a mandatory step for most applicants. Be prepared to explain the purpose of your trip, your employment or studies in Serbia, and your plans to return. Bring any documents that support your ties to Serbia — they can make a big difference.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the U.S. Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center website. Fill out the form accurately — any mistakes can cause delays. Upload a compliant digital photo. After submitting, print the confirmation page with the barcode.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee (for most nonimmigrant visas) through the payment options listed on the U.S. Embassy in Serbia's website. This usually involves a bank transfer or payment at a designated bank. Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Use the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Service website to book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade (Bulevar kneza Aleksandra Karađorđevića 92). Wait times can be several weeks, so book early. Print the appointment confirmation.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy at least 15 minutes early. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents. Expect security screening — no electronics or large bags. The consular officer will ask about your trip and ties to Serbia. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for processing and receive your visa
If approved, your passport will be held for visa printing. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but can be longer if administrative processing is needed. You'll receive your passport via courier or pick it up as instructed. Check the visa for correct dates and details.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Serbia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
Validity10 years
Cost$185 USD
Standard visa for tourism or business; must apply at US embassy in Belgrade.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years
Cost$185 USD
Same as single entry but allows multiple visits; most Serbian applicants receive 10-year validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of studies + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of program
Cost$185 USD (SEVIS fee additional ~$350)
For full-time study at accredited US institution; requires I-20 form.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 6 years (extendable)
Validity3 years initially
Cost$190 USD (plus employer fees)
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (renewable in 3-year increments)
$190 USD filing fee (plus employer costs)
For professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows dual intent (immigration intent).
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of academic program + 60 days grace
$185 USD visa fee + $350 SEVIS fee
For full-time study at accredited US institution. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas)
For individuals investing in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Leads to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
exchange visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Varies by program (typically 1–2 years)
$185 USD visa fee + program fees
For cultural exchange, internships, or research. Requires sponsorship by a designated US organization. May include two-year home residency requirement.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $185 USD (equivalent to ~€170) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Serbian citizens. | $185 USD (equivalent to ~€170) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)Fee for extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (equivalent to ~€340) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to visa cancellation and future inadmissibility; fines are rare but possible. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Serbian citizens generally need a C-1 transit visa to transit through the US, even if not leaving the airport. However, if you have a valid B1/B2 visa, it can be used for transit.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (any nonimmigrant category) may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit through the US under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program if flying on specific airlines and meeting conditions.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas, especially Northeast and Upper Midwest; use repellent and check for ticks.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Occasional outbreaks in summer; use insect repellent in affected areas.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Generally safe food and water; risk from undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Belgrade
U.S. Embassy Belgrade
Bulevar kneza Aleksandra Karađorđevića 92, 11000 Belgrade
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main visa application and interview location for Serbian citizens.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extension applications (I-539) by mail; no walk-in service.
Practical information for RS travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process — from DS-160 submission to visa in hand — typically takes 3 to 6 weeks, depending on interview wait times and administrative processing. Interview slots at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade can be booked weeks in advance, so apply as early as possible.
No. Serbian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. There is no visa waiver or electronic travel authorization (ESTA) available for Serbian passports.
The application fee (MRV fee) is $185 for most nonimmigrant visa categories (e.g., B-1/B-2 tourist/business). This fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied. Some categories (like work or student visas) may have different fees.
Yes. Even if you're just transiting through a U.S. airport, you must have a valid U.S. visa (or qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, which Serbian citizens do not). There is no transit visa exemption for Serbian passport holders.
If denied, you'll receive a refusal letter explaining the reason (usually under section 214(b) — insufficient ties to your home country). You can reapply at any time, but you'll need to pay the fee again and demonstrate stronger ties to Serbia. There's no appeal process.
Yes, in some cases. You can apply for an extension with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using Form I-539, but you must apply before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and are typically granted for valid reasons (e.g., medical emergencies). Overstaying can lead to bans.
The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade is located at Bulevar kneza Aleksandra Karađorđevića 92, 11000 Belgrade. It's open for visa interviews by appointment only. Check the embassy's website for specific hours and holidays.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.