Serbia🇷🇸
Serbia is situated in the southeast of Europe in the central area of the Balkan Peninsula. It is bordered by Hungary to the north; Romania and Bulgaria to the east; North Macedonia to the south; and Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro to the west; it also borders Albania through Kosovo, whose status as part of Serbia is contested. The country is renowned for its historical cities such as Belgrade and Novi Sad, as well as several UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Studenica Monastery, and the stunning natural beauty of the Djerdap National Park. Serbia shines with tradition, where folk music and dance is part of everyday life. The EXIT music festival in Novi Sad is one of the most recommended events. A visit to the historic district of Skadarlija, in Belgrade offers a taste of the 19th-century bohemian life.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as the Yugoslav wars and Kosovo.
- Don't show disrespect to churches or monasteries; these are sacred sites.
- Avoid illegal taxi services; rely on registered taxi companies.
- Don’t leave personal belongings unattended in public places.
- Don’t engage in open expressions of LGBTQ+ affection outside of known-friendly areas.
- Do not indulge in public intoxication; excessive drinking is frowned upon.
- Don't ignore pedestrian traffic lights; jaywalking is not tolerated.
- Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night, particularly in larger cities.
- Avoid roaming streets and public transportation alone late at night.
- Don't exchange currency anywhere other than dedicated exchanges or banks.
Overall
7
Crime 🔫
6
Serbia has a moderately high crime rate, mostly related to thefts, burglaries, and car theft. Violent crimes are relatively low. The cities with reported high crime levels are Belgrade and Novi Sad. However, it is generally safe to move around if usual precautions are taken.
Terrorism 💣
9
Serbia has an extremely low risk of terrorism. There have been no significant terrorist attacks in recent years. The country applies comprehensive measures against terrorism; thus, the situation is relatively safe.
War ⚔️
9
Serbia is currently at peace, with no immediate risks of war. The last significant conflict was the Kosovo war in 1998-1999, which ended following a NATO intervention. The relations with neighbor countries, while mixed due to historical conflicts, are mostly peaceful at present.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Serbia is primarily susceptible to earthquakes and floods. The 2014 Southeast Europe floods affected a large part of the country causing significant damage and loss of life. However, high-scale natural disasters are relatively rare.
Medical Care 🏥
7
While not on par with Western European standards, Serbia's healthcare system offers decent quality of services, with both public and private healthcare facilities available. The country hosts an increasing number of medical tourists each year.
Tap Water Quality 💧
9
Tap water is generally safe to drink throughout Serbia. However, as with any country, bottled water is recommended for those with sensitive stomachs.
Disease Burden 🤒
8
Common diseases are in line with most European countries and include cardiovascular diseases and various types of cancer. There are no common dangerous infectious diseases. Basic immunizations are advised.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is a serious problem in Serbia, prevalent in many sectors, including healthcare and education, despite the government's ongoing efforts to combat it. Some progress has been made in recent years, but a lot of work remains to be done.
Safety for Women ♀️
7
Serbia is moderately safe for women. However, incidents of sexual harassment and domestic violence occur. Public protest movements such as 'I'd whistle back' campaign reflect an ongoing struggle against this issue.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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While legal protections for LGBTQ+ people exist in Serbia and Belgrade Pride has taken place without substantial incidents in recent years, societal acceptance is not universal, and issues such as discrimination and violence still pose a problem.
Censorship 📺
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There were instances of media censorships and attacks on journalists reported in Serbia. The country's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has worsened in the last few years, mostly due to political pressure and a lack of media pluralism.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Serbia is reliable and covers a wide area. It includes buses, trams, and trolleys in cities and train services for regional travel. Safety is generally not a concern, but instances of pickpocketing may occur, notably in crowded areas.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Overall, Serbia is a relatively safe country to visit. That being said, it's important that visitors are aware of the seriousness of the country's corruption, particularly in lower-ranking public sectors. It's advised to avoid sensitive discussions concerning politics and history, due to the region's past conflict. As for personal safety, standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty crime in cities.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Belgrade houses numerous foreign embassies. Some of these include the U.S. embassy, the United Kingdom embassy, the French embassy, and the German embassy.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Routine vaccines such as MMR, Chickenpox, Polio, Seasonal Influenza, and Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis are recommended. Hepatitis A and B, as well as Rabies vaccines, are also advisable.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Regional venomous snakes such as the Horned Viper and Common Adder are found in Serbia. Bears and wolves inhabit remote mountainous areas. Taking precautions when hiking and avoiding unknown animals is advised.
🛂 Visa Requirements
For most countries, visas are not required for stays under 90 days. However, a passport valid for 6 months is typically required. It’s best to check specific visa requirements for your country prior to travel.
💲 Currency
The Dinar (RSD) is the legal tender in Serbia. It is advisable to exchange at banks or official bureaus to avoid any illegal activity.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Major credit cards are accepted in most locations throughout Serbia. However, cash is preferred, especially in rural areas or small shops.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Opportunities for work and travel exist, particularly in education and tourism. However, this is much easier for EU citizens due the country’s visa policies.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Serbia is one of the most affordable countries in Europe for tourists. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all relatively inexpensive compared to Western European standards.