Serbia: Authorities largely maintaining existing COVID-19-related protocols as of Dec. 16 /update 37

Event

As of Dec. 16, authorities in Serbia are largely maintaining existing measures previously imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Domestic Measures
Most businesses and facilities are permitted to operate subject to hygiene and social distancing measures. Evidence of vaccination against or recovery from COVID-19 or a negative result from a recently taken COVID-19 test is required to patronize indoor catering establishments after 20:00 each day. Most gatherings of more than 500 people remain prohibited. Wearing a facemask is mandatory in all indoor public spaces, including on public transport, as well as in crowded outdoor spaces.

International Travel Restrictions
Travelers arriving without proof of vaccination against or recovery from COVID-19 generally must present a negative result from a PCR test issued no more than two calendar days before arrival to enter Serbia; such travelers arriving from the US may instead opt to present a negative result from an antigen FIA Rapid Test issued no more than two calendar days before arrival. Travelers who can present a valid certificate indicating vaccination against or recovery from COVID-19 are exempt from the pre-travel testing requirement. Vaccination and recovery certificates are only accepted if issued by an authority with which the Serbian government has a reciprocity agreement. Serbia maintains such agreements with only a few nations; for a complete list of nations with which Serbia has such agreements, click here.

Serbian nationals and residents are permitted to enter without meeting one of these entry requirements, but must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival and report to a healthcare center within 24 hours after entering Serbia by registering on the eHealth portal; to access the portal, click here.

Serbian citizens and residents and citizens and residents of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Hungary, Montenegro, and North Macedonia arriving in Serbia directly from these countries, as well as other limited categories of travelers, are exempt from the abovementioned entry restrictions.

Authorities have categorized Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe as of being of "special risk." To enter Serbia, all travelers arriving from one of these locations, regardless of nationality, are required to present either a valid certificate indicating full vaccination against COVID-19, a valid certificate indicating recovery from the disease, or a negative result from a PCR test issued no more than two calendar days before arrival. Additionally, foreign nationals who are arriving from or have visited a special-risk country in the last 14 days before entering Serbia must also present an email indicating successful registration on the eHealth portal before arrival and a completed and signed statement of consent pledging adherence to COVID-19-related protocols in place in Serbia, including quarantine measures.

All travelers arriving from countries of special risk and those who have visited special-risk countries in the last 14 days before arrival are subject to a 14-day quarantine period upon arrival; these travelers must also take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours after entry and on the seventh day of the quarantine period at their own expense. Individuals may exit quarantine at the end of the 14-day period without additional testing, provided they do not exhibit symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Local authorities are empowered to introduce stricter measures within their jurisdictions if infection rates warrant.

Advice

Heed all official advisories and remain nonconfrontational if stopped by authorities. Reconfirm all travel arrangements if traveling to, from, or via Serbia. Shipping disruptions may occur; consider delaying or rerouting shipments. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Resources

Government of Serbia
Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Detailed Entry Requirements