Orientation briefing in Serbia

In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. The monarchy remained in power until 1945, when the communist Partisans headed by Josip Broz (aka TITO) took control of the newly created Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). After TITO died in 1980, communism in Yugoslavia gradually gave way to resurgent nationalism. In 1989, Slobodan MILOSEVIC became president of the Republic of Serbia, and his calls for Serbian domination led to the violent breakup of Yugoslavia along ethnic lines. In 1991, Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia declared independence, followed by Bosnia in 1992. The remaining republics of Serbia and Montenegro declared a new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in 1992, and MILOSEVIC led military campaigns to unite ethnic Serbs in neighboring republics into a "Greater Serbia." These actions ultimately failed, and international intervention led to the signing of the Dayton Accords in 1995.

In 1998, an ethnic Albanian insurgency in the formerly autonomous Serbian province of Kosovo resulted in a brutal Serbian counterinsurgency campaign. Serbia rejected a proposed international settlement, and NATO responded with a bombing campaign that forced Serbian forces to withdraw from Kosovo in June 1999. In 2003, the FRY became the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, a loose federation of the two republics. In 2006, Montenegro seceded and declared itself an independent nation. 

In 2008, Kosovo also declared independence -- an action Serbia still refuses to recognize. In 2013, Serbia and Kosovo signed the first agreement of principles governing the normalization of relations between the two countries. Additional agreements were reached in 2015 and 2023, but implementation remains incomplete. Serbia has been an official candidate for EU membership since 2012, and President Aleksandar VUCIC has promoted the ambitious goal of Serbia joining the EU by 2025.

Mass gatherings and demonstrations are taking place in Belgrade and other towns and cities. These can happen at short notice and cause significant disruption, including to public transport and mobile phone networks. Most gatherings are peaceful but there is the potential for things to escalate quickly. Some demonstrations have turned violent. To reduce your personal risk, including possible injury:

• keep up to date with local developments
• plan ahead to avoid disruption
• keep a reasonable amount of cash with you in case there is a disruption to electronic payment networks
• ensure mobile phones, power banks and other important devices are charged and ready for use
• stay away from areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place
• leave the area immediately should you encounter disorderly crowds or a violent situation

Parliamentary elections 

Parliamentary elections will take place in Serbia on Sunday 25 October 2026.

Political demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place in Belgrade and other towns and cities in the run up to the elections. Demonstrations may also take place on election day and the days after. They can be organised at short notice and cause significant disruption, including to public transport and mobile phone networks.

Plan ahead to avoid disruption. Check with your travel provider and monitor local and international media for the latest information. See political situation.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Serbia

Terrorist attacks in Serbia cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Terrorists may target religious sites, including churches. There may be increased security in place during festive periods and other major events that might attract large crowds. Remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities.

In June 2024, a lone attacker fired at a police officer with a crossbow outside the Israeli Embassy in the Savski Venac area of Belgrade.

Political situation

Mass gatherings and demonstrations are taking place in Belgrade and other towns and cities. These can happen at short notice and cause significant disruption, including to public transport and mobile phone networks. Most gatherings are peaceful but there is the potential for things to escalate quickly. Some demonstrations have turned violent. To reduce your personal risk, including possible injury:

• keep up to date with local developments
• plan ahead to avoid disruption
• keep a reasonable amount of cash with you in case there is a disruption to electronic payment networks
• ensure mobile phones, power banks and other important devices are charged and ready for use
• stay away from areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place
• leave the area immediately should you encounter disorderly crowds or a violent situation

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself from street crime, particularly in larger cities. Pickpockets work in tourist areas, airports, on public transport and at motorway service stations.

Criminals may assume that foreigners are carrying large amounts of cash. Four-wheel-drive and luxury vehicles are also common targets.

Sporting events

Some sporting events have had incidents of violence and petty crime. Incidents are common, particularly in and around derby matches between Red Star and Partizan in Belgrade. Take extra care in and around stadiums when matches are taking place.

There may be a significant delay in leaving venues due to security protocols to separate fans. Transport may be disrupted. Buses are usually provided for ‘away’ supporters at international football matches – this can be the most convenient way of travelling to and from the stadium.

The officials will want to discourage conflict between fans. If you try to gain access to the home end of the stadium, but are clearly supporting the away team, you may not be allowed entry, or be removed from the stadium.

Unexploded landmines and bombs

There is still some danger from unexploded landmines and bombs from the 1999 Kosovo conflict. Most of the affected areas are in the mountains to the north and east of Kosovo. Take special care in these areas and keep to marked roads.

Thick vegetation covers most of the dangerous areas. Do not touch anything suspicious and report it to the police.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You must always carry your passport or – if you are a resident – your ID card for identification purposes. Keep a copy separately in a safe place.

Illegal drugs

There are strict penalties for possessing and trafficking drugs, including cannabis. 

Airports in Serbia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Using cameras in secure areas

Taking photographs of military and police installations, personnel or vehicles anywhere in Serbia may lead to arrest or difficulties with the authorities.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Serbia, and there are anti-discrimination laws. There are LGBT+ friendly hostels, clubs and other events in Belgrade. However, the level of public prejudice against LGBT+ people is still relatively high. Showing affection in public could result in unwanted attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Serbia, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Serbia guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You can drive with a UK photocard driving licence for a series of short visits up to a year, or for a single stay of up to 6 months.

You may find it helpful to have the 1968 version of the international driving permit as Serbian police will be able to recognise it.

If you’re staying longer than 6 months, you must get a local licence.

Road conditions

The general standard of roads in Serbia varies widely. Roads are worse in rural areas, especially after bad weather. One particularly dangerous road is the Ibarska Magistrala (linking Belgrade, via Čačak and Užice, to Montenegro).

Dial 1987 for roadside assistance.

Car hire

Many Serbian car hire firms will not allow you to drive their vehicles into Kosovo, Albania or Bulgaria because of security concerns. There have been some incidents where Serbian registered cars have been vandalised, or in some cases set on fire, in more isolated areas of Kosovo.

Bringing a vehicle into Serbia

If you are bringing a vehicle into Serbia, you must have vehicle registration and ownership documents and a locally valid insurance policy.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

Taxis

You should only use registered taxis – look for a municipal registration number alongside the cab number. Instead of hailing a taxi, you can call one of the radio taxi phone numbers – most operators speak English.

See more information about taxis and public transport from the Belgrade Tourism Organisation.

Rail travel

Trains can be slow, particularly in winter when there are often long delays. Each carriage has an attendant, and local police may carry out random ID checks.

Thieves operate on trains, so take particular care that passports and other valuables are safe. On overnight trains, lock your sleeping berth from the inside for safety.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Wildfires

Wildfires are possible in Serbia from April to October due to the dry and hot weather.  Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. You should: 

• take care when visiting or driving through countryside 

• make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished 

• not light fires or barbecues except in designated and marked areas  

• not leave any rubbish 

If you see a wildfire, call the emergency services on 112. Follow any advice from the police or local authorities.

Flooding

Parts of Serbia can flood after heavy rain. See flood warnings from the Serbian Hydrometeorological Service. If floods affect your area, follow the instructions of the Serbian authorities.

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes in Serbia, and earth tremors are common. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but can occur. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice on what to before, during and after an earthquake.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 194 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Serbia
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Serbia including biting insects and ticks.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Serbia

FCDO has a list of healthcare facilities in Serbia where some staff will speak English.

The UK has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Serbia. You’re entitled to free emergency treatment.       

To get treatment you must show:

• a British passport
• your hotel documents or evidence of registration with the local police, if you’re not staying in a hotel
• a certificate confirming entitlement to benefit under the UK Social Security Acts – you can get the certificate from HM Revenue & Customs before you travel or contact the British Embassy if you need assistance

You may need to pay cash for non-emergency treatment or treatment that is not covered under the reciprocal agreement. Make sure you can access money to cover medical treatment.

Some private clinics in Serbia offer treatment for addiction which may not meet UK standards. Seek advice from your local GP or health provider in the UK before undertaking any treatment.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.