United States entry requirements for Serbia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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 need a visa to travel to the United States. There is no visa-free or visa-waiver option for tourism or business. All travel requires a valid visa, which you must apply for well in advance of your trip.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | Apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Complete the DS-160 form online, pay the $185 fee, and schedule an in-person interview. Processing takes a few days to several weeks depending on the consulate.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Serbian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the United States. No specific minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by US law, but airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready at the border. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from your US host with their address and contact details. Immigration officers may ask where you are staying during your visit. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or credit cards | Bring recent bank statements showing enough funds to cover your stay. US immigration does not set a fixed amount, but having $100–$200 per day available is a safe benchmark. Credit cards also work as proof. | Recommended |
No visa-free transit
Even if you're only connecting through a US airport, you must go through immigration and customs. Serbian passport holders cannot use the Visa Waiver Program or ESTA. You need a visa for any US entry, including transit.
Apply early
Visa processing times can be unpredictable. Apply at least 3 months before your planned travel to avoid last-minute stress. Interview slots at the Belgrade embassy can fill up quickly.
What happens at the border
1
Determine visa type
Most Serbian travellers need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa for tourism or business. Check the US Embassy website to confirm which category fits your trip.
2
Complete DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out the DS-160 form, upload a compliant photo, and submit. Print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 fee (or current amount) through the designated bank or online portal. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
4
Schedule interview
Log into the US Visa Appointment System, create an account, and book an appointment at the US Embassy in Belgrade. Wait times vary — book as early as possible.
5
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy on time with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents. The interview is short — answer honestly and clearly.
6
Wait for processing
After approval, your passport will be held for visa printing. Processing takes a few days to a couple of weeks. You'll get instructions to collect or receive your passport.
7
Travel to the US
Once you have the visa, book your flight. At US border control, present your passport with visa, and be ready to answer questions about your trip. Have your return ticket and accommodation details handy.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Serbia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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
Yes, absolutely. There is no visa waiver or visa-free entry for Serbian citizens. You must get a visa before traveling.
From application to visa in hand, expect 2–4 weeks on average. Interview wait times at the Belgrade embassy can vary — check the appointment calendar when you book.
The standard nonimmigrant visa application fee is $185 (as of 2025). This is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.
Yes, you can apply for an extension with USCIS before your current stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and require a separate application and fee.
Bring your passport (valid 6+ months beyond entry), DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, one US-compliant photo, and any supporting documents like employment letter, bank statements, or travel itinerary.
You can reapply, but you must address the reason for denial. Common reasons include insufficient ties to Serbia or incomplete documentation. There's no waiting period, but reapplying without changes is unlikely to succeed.
No. Even if you're just changing planes in the US, you must clear US immigration and customs, which requires a visa or ESTA. Serbian citizens are not eligible for ESTA, so you need a transit visa (C-1) or a B-1/B-2 visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.