Iran/Serbia: Iran Air to suspend service to Belgrade starting Oct. 27

Event

The Iranian government announced on Wednesday, October 17, that it will end its visa-free regime for Serbians following Belgrade’s earlier decision to rescind visa-free travel for Iranians to Serbia. Iran Air, Iran's national carrier, will also suspend all flights to Belgrade effective Saturday, October 27. It is unclear when flights will resume and continued reciprocal visa requirements may be issued between Iran and states peripheral to Europe in the coming months.

Context

On October 10, Serbia's government announced the cessation of visa-free travel for Iranians to Serbia. From August 2017 until October 10, 2018, more than 15,000 Iranians traveled to Serbia under the visa-free entry system.

Advice

Potentially affected travelers are advised to monitor developments to the situation, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.