05 Apr 2021 | 07:57 PM UTC
Serbia: Authorities slightly ease domestic COVID-19-related restrictions April 5 /update 27
Serbia slightly eases certain domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of April 5; other measures remain in place.
Event
Authorities in Serbia have slightly eased certain domestic COVID-19-related restrictions despite no decrease in infection rates. Effective April 5, all businesses and facilities allowed to open will have the same permissible hours of operation, specifically 06:00-22:00, albeit with certain exceptions. Pharmacies, filling stations, and veterinary clinics, among other essential businesses may operate 24 hours a day. Restaurants and other catering establishments may reopen their outdoor spaces to customers; however, they can provide delivery and carryout services 24 hours a day. Most nonessential businesses and services are permitted to reopen but are subject to strict hygiene and social distancing measures.
Other restrictions remain unchanged as of April 5. Gatherings of more than five people remain prohibited and facemasks are mandatory in all enclosed public spaces and outdoor spaces where social distancing of at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) cannot be observed.
Additionally, certain entry restrictions remain in force for international travelers. Upon arrival, all incoming travelers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 48 hours before travel; travelers arriving from the US may show the results from a rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before travel instead of those from a PCR test. Serbian nationals and residents who enter the country without a test must undergo a 10-day self-isolation period instead. All travelers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Hungary, and Montenegro, as well as foreign nationals transiting through Serbia, freight transporters, and aircraft crews, are exempt from entry restrictions.
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.
