Moving to Serbia: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

5 facts — expand for details.

Population

7,012,165

Population - note

note: does not include the population of Kosovo

Population Growth Rate

-0.46%

Urban Population

56.400000

Population in Major Urban Areas

BELGRADE (capital) 1.135 million

10 facts — expand for details.

Age Structure

14.640000

Median Age

41.700000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

9

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

13.77

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

1.41

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

60.8%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

60.8%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

27.2

Mother's mean age at first birth

27.2

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.070000

Ethnic Groups

Serb 62.6%, Albanian 16.5%, Montenegrin 5%, Hungarian 3.3%, other 12.6%

Nationality Noun

Serb(s); Montenegrin(s)

6 facts — expand for details.

Literacy - total population

96.4%

Literacy - male

98.9%

Literacy - female

94.1%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.8%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

14.000000

12 facts — expand for details.

Life Expectancy at Birth

74.790000

Infant Mortality Rate

6.280000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

6.280000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

12

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

2.11

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

5.4

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

10.4%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

intermediate

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

24.8%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

99.400000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

98.600000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

1.6%

4 facts — expand for details.

Economic Overview

• Growth: Serbia has a mixed economy, with various sectors contributing to its GDP. In recent years, Serbia has experienced moderate economic growth, with GDP growth rates typically ranging from 3% to 5% annually. The COVID-19 pandemic has had some impact on the economy, causing a temporary contraction in 2020, but the economy has shown signs of recovery since then. Industry and
• Services: Serbia's economy is diversified, with key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, mining, energy, information technology, tourism, and services. The automotive industry, particularly vehicle manufacturing, is a significant contributor to Serbia's exports and industrial output. The services sector, including finance, telecommunications, and tourism, also plays an important role in the economy. Foreign
• Trade: Serbia has a relatively open economy and actively engages in foreign trade. The European Union (EU) is Serbia's largest trading partner, with significant exports of manufactured goods, agricultural products, and raw materials. Serbia's trade relations with other countries, including China and Russia, also contribute to its foreign trade. Investment
• Climate: Serbia has been working to improve its business environment and attract foreign investment. The government has implemented various reforms to streamline business regulations, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance investor confidence. Foreign direct investment (FDI) has been increasing in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and services. Infrastructure
• Development: Serbia has been investing in infrastructure projects to improve transportation, energy, telecommunications, and other key sectors. Infrastructure development is seen as crucial for economic growth, attracting investment, and enhancing regional connectivity. Projects such as highway construction, railway modernization, and energy infrastructure upgrades are underway.
• Challenges: Despite progress, Serbia faces several economic challenges. Unemployment remains relatively high, particularly among youth and long-term unemployed. Income inequality and poverty are also significant issues. Additionally, Serbia's economy is vulnerable to external factors such as global economic trends, geopolitical tensions, and natural disasters. EU
• Accession: Serbia has been pursuing closer ties with the European Union and aims to eventually join the EU. Accession to the EU could bring benefits such as increased trade, investment, and access to EU funding programs. However, the accession process also involves implementing reforms, meeting EU standards, and addressing various economic and political criteria.

Industries

• machine building (aircraft, trucks, and automobiles
• tanks and weapons
• electrical equipment
• agricultural machinery)
• metallurgy (steel, aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, chromium, antimony, bismuth, cadmium)
• mining (coal, bauxite, nonferrous ore, iron ore, limestone)
• consumer goods (textiles, footwear, foodstuffs, appliances)
• electronics, petroleum products, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$13,600.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

0.5%

9 facts — expand for details.

GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$125,800,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$13,600.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

0.5%

GDP - official exchange rate

$36,560,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 81% government
• consumption: 17.9% investment in fixed
• capital: 17.8% investment in
• inventories: -10.1% exports of goods and
• services: 46% imports of goods and
• services: -52.6%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

10.4%

GDP by Sector- Industry

38.5%

GDP by Sector- services

51.1%

Industrial Growth Rate

3.2%

Inflation Rate

10.3%

Currency Name and Code

Serbia Dinar (CSD)

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

13.85%

7 facts — expand for details.

Labor Force

2,950,000

Unemployment Rate

19.2%

Major Industries

• machine building (aircraft, trucks, and automobiles
• tanks and weapons
• electrical equipment
• agricultural machinery)
• metallurgy (steel, aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, chromium, antimony, bismuth, cadmium)
• mining (coal, bauxite, nonferrous ore, iron ore, limestone)
• consumer goods (textiles, footwear, foodstuffs, appliances)
• electronics, petroleum products, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals

Agriculture Products

cereals, fruits, vegetables, tobacco, olives; cattle, sheep, goats

Population Below Poverty Line

8.8%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

36,141

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

4%

3 facts — expand for details.

Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

23.9%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

16.5%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

59.6%

4 facts — expand for details.

Annual Budget

$16,470,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

53.1%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-4.9%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

40%

8 facts — expand for details.

Full Country Name

Republic of Serbia

Country Name

Serbia

Local - Long

Republika Srbija

Local - Short

Srbija

Former Name

People's Republic of Serbia, Socialist Republic of Serbia

Etymology- history of name

the origin of the name in uncertain, but seems to be related to the name of the West Slavic Sorbs who reside in the Lusatian region in present-day eastern Germany; by tradition, the Serbs migrated from that region to the Balkans in about the 6th century A.D.

Independence

• 5 June 2006 (from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro)
• notable earlier dates: 1217 (Serbian Kingdom established)
• 16 April 1346 (Serbian Empire established)
• 13 July 1878 (Congress of Berlin recognizes Serbian independence)
• 1 December 1918 (Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (Yugoslavia) established)

National Holiday

Statehood Day, 15 February (1835), the day the first constitution of the country was adopted

10 facts — expand for details.

Government Type

parliamentary republic

Constitution

• history: many previous; latest adopted 30 September 2006, approved by referendum 28-29 October 2006, effective 8 November 2006
• amendments: proposed by at least one third of deputies in the National Assembly, by the president of the republic, by the government, or by petition of at least 150,000 voters; passage of proposals and draft amendments each requires at least two-thirds majority vote in the Assembly; amendments to constitutional articles including the preamble, constitutional principles, and human and minority rights and freedoms also require passage by simple majority vote in a referendum

Legal System:

civil law system

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Aleksandar VUCIC (since 31 May 2017)
• head of government: Prime Minister Djuro MACUT (since 16 April 2025)
• cabinet: Cabinet elected by the National Assembly election/appointment
• process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister elected by the National Assembly most recent election
• date: 17 December 2023
• election results: 2022: Aleksandar VUCIC reelected in first round; percent of vote - Aleksandar VUCIC (SNS) 60%, Zdravko PONOS (US) 18.9%, Milos JOVANOVIC (NADA) 6.1%, Bosko OBRADOVIC (Dveri-POKS) 4.5%, Milica DJURDJEVIC STAMENKOVSKI (SSZ) 4.3%, other 6.2% 2017: Aleksandar VUCIC elected president in first round; percent of vote - Aleksandar VUCIC (SNS) 55.1%, Sasa JANKOVIC (independent) 16.4%, Luka MAKSIMOVIC (independent) 9.4%, Vuk JEREMIC (independent) 5.7%, Vojislav SESELJ (SRS) 4.5%, other 7.3%, invalid/blank 1.6%; Prime Minister Ana BRNABIC reelected by the National Assembly on 5 October 2020; National Assembly vote - NA expected date of next
• election: 2028

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral National Assembly or Narodna Skupstina (250 seats; members directly elected by party list proportional representation vote in a single nationwide constituency to serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: last held on 17 December 2023 (next to be held in 2027)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party/coalition - Serbia Must Stop 48%, SPN 24.4%, SPS-JS-ZS 6.7%, NADA 5.2%, MI-GIN 4.8%, Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians 1.7%, SPP-DSHV 0.8%, SDAS 0.6%, Political Battle of the Albanians Continues 0.4%, RS-NKPJ 0.3%, other 7.1%; seats by party/coalition - Serbia Must Stop 128, SPN 65, SPS-JS-ZS 18, NADA 13, MI-GIN 13, Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians 6, SPP-DSHV 3, SDAS 2, Political Battle of the Albanians Continues 1, RS-NKPJ 1;
• Composition: men NA, women NA; percent of women NA%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court justices proposed by the High Judicial Council (HJC), an 11-member independent body consisting of 8 judges elected by the National Assembly and 3 ex-officio members; justices appointed by the National Assembly; Constitutional Court judges elected - 5 each by the National Assembly, the president, and the Supreme Court of Cassation; initial appointment of Supreme Court judges by the HJC is 3 years and beyond that period tenure is permanent; Constitutional Court judges elected for 9-year terms
• subordinate courts: basic courts, higher courts, appellate courts; courts of special jurisdiction include the Administrative Court, commercial courts, and misdemeanor courts

Regions or States:

117 municipalities (opstine, singular - opstina) and 28 cities (gradovi, singular - grad) municipalities: Ada*, Aleksandrovac, Aleksinac, Alibunar*, Apatin*, Arandelovac, Arilje, Babusnica, Bac*, Backa Palanka*, Backa Topola*, Backi Petrovac*, Bajina Basta, Batocina, Becej*, Bela Crkva*, Bela Palanka, Beocin*, Blace, Bogatic, Bojnik, Boljevac, Bosilegrad, Brus, Bujanovac, Cajetina, Cicevac, Coka*, Crna Trava, Cuprija, Despotovac, Dimitrov, Doljevac, Gadzin Han, Golubac, Gornji Milanovac, Indija*, Irig*, Ivanjica, Kanjiza*, Kladovo, Knic, Knjazevac, Koceljeva, Kosjeric, Kovacica*, Kovin*, Krupanj, Kucevo, Kula*, Kursumlija, Lajkovac, Lapovo, Lebane, Ljig, Ljubovija, Lucani, Majdanpek, Mali Idos*, Mali Zvornik, Malo Crnice, Medveda, Merosina, Mionica, Negotin, Nova Crnja*, Nova Varos, Novi Becej*, Novi Knezevac*, Odzaci*, Opovo*, Osecina, Paracin, Pecinci*, Petrovac na Mlavi, Plandiste*, Pozega, Presevo, Priboj, Prijepolje, Raca, Raska, Razanj, Rekovac, Ruma*, Secanj*, Senta*, Sid*, Sjenica, Smederevska Palanka, Sokobanja, Srbobran*, Sremski Karlovci*, Stara Pazova*, Surdulica, Svilajnac, Svrljig, Temerin*, Titel*, Topola, Trgoviste, Trstenik, Tutin, Ub, Varvarin, Velika Plana, Veliko Gradiste, Vladicin Han, Vladimirci, Vlasotince, Vrbas*, Vrnjacka Banja, Zabalj*, Zabari, Zagubica, Zitiste*, Zitorada cities: Beograd (Belgrade), Bor, Cacak, Jagodina, Kikinda*, Kragujevac, Kraljevo, Krusevac, Leskovac, Loznica, Nis, Novi Pazar, Novi Sad*, Pancevo*, Pirot, Pozarevac, Prokuplje, Sabac, Smederevo, Sombor*, Sremska Mitrovica*, Subotica*, Uzice, Valjevo, Vranje, Vrsac*, Zajecar, Zrenjanin* note: the northern 37 municipalities and 8 cities - about 28% of Serbia's area - compose the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and are indicated with *

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians or SVM or VMSZ [Shepherd BALINT, acting]
• Democratic Alliance of Croats in Vojvodina or DSHV [Tomislav ZIGMANOV]
• Democratic Party or DS [Zoran LUTOVAC]
• Ecological Uprising or EU [Aleksandar JOVANOVIC]
• Green - Left Front or ZLF [Radomir LAZOVIC, Biljana DORDEVIC]
• Greens of Serbia or ZS [Ivan KARIC]
• Justice and Reconciliation Party or SPP [Usame ZUKORLIC] (formerly Bosniak Democratic Union of Sandzak or BDZS)
• Movement for Reversal or PZP [Janko VESELINOVIC]
• Movement for the Restoration of the Kingdom of Serbia or POKS [Vojislav MIHAILOVIC]
• Movement of Free Citizens or PSG [Pavle GRBOVIC]
• Movement of Socialists or PS [Aleksandar VULIN]
• National Democratic Alternative or NADA [Milos JOVANOVIC and Vojislav MIHAILOVIC] (electoral coalition includes NDSS and POKS)
• New Communist Party of Yugoslavia or NKPJ [Aleksandar BANJANAC]
• New Democratic Party of Serbia or NDSS or New DSS [Milos JOVANOVIC] (formerly Democratic Party of Serbia or DSS)
• New Face of Serbia or NLS [Milos PARANDICOVIC]
• Party of Democratic Action of the Sandzak or SDAS [Sulejman UGLJANIN]
• Party of Freedom and Justice or SSP [Dragan DJILAS]
• Party of United Pensioners, Farmers, and Proletarians of Serbia – Solidarity and Justice or PUPS - Solidarity and Justice [Milan KRKOBABIC] (formerly Party of United Pensioners of Serbia or PUPS)
• People's Movement of Serbia or NPS [Miroslav ALEKSIC]
• People's Movement of Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija or Fatherland [Stavica RISTIC]
• People's Peasant Party or NSS [Marijan RISTICEVIC]
• Political Battle of the Albanians Continues [Shaip KAMBERI]
• Russian Party or RS [Slobodan NIKOLIC]
• Serbia Against Violence or SPN [collective leadership] (electoral coalition includes DS, SSP, ZLF, Zajedno, NPS, PSG, EU, PZP, USS Sloga, NLS, Fatherland]
• Serbia Must Not Stop [Milenko JOVANOV] (electoral coalitions includes SNS, SDPS, PUPS, PSS, SNP, SPO, PS, NSS, USS)
• Serbian People's Party or SNP [Nenad POPOVIC]
• Serbian Progressive Party or SNS [Miloš VUCEVIC]
• Serbian Renewal Movement or SPO [Vuk DRASKOVIC]
• Social Democratic Party of Serbia or SDPS [Rasim LJAJIC]
• Socialist Party of Serbia or SPS [Ivica DACIC]
• Strength of Serbia or PSS [Bogoljub KARIC]
• Together or ZAJEDNO [Biljana STOJKOVIC, Nebojsa ZELENOVIC]
• United Peasant Party or USS [Milija MILETIC]
• United Serbia or JS [Dragan MARKOVIC]
• United Trade Unions of Serbia "Sloga" or USS Sloga [Zeljko VESELINOVIC]
• We - The Voice from the People or MI-GIN [collective leadership)
• Note: Serbia has more than 110 registered political parties and citizens' associations

Suffrage:

18 years of age, 16 if employed; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Serbia dual citizenship
• recognized: yes residency requirement for
• naturalization: 3 years

4 facts — expand for details.

Capital Name

Belgrade (Beograd)

Capital - geographic coordinate

44 50 N, 20 30 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Daylight Savings Time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

4 facts — expand for details.

International Organization Participation:

• BIS
• BSEC
• CD
• CE
• CEI
• EAPC
• EBRD
• EU (candidate country)
• FAO
• G-9
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IHO
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• MONUSCO
• NAM (observer)
• NSG
• OAS (observer)
• OIF (observer)
• OPCW
• OSCE
• PCA
• PFP
• SELEC
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNFICYP
• UNHCR
• UNIDO
• UNIFIL
• UNMIL
• UNOCI
• UNTSO
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Christopher R. HILL (since 1 April 2022)
• Embassy: 92 Bulevar kneza Aleksandra Karadjordjevica, 11040 Belgrade
• Mailing Address: 5070 Belgrade Place, Washington, DC 20521-5070
• Telephone: [381] (11) 706-4000
• FAX: [381] (11) 706-4481
• Email: belgradeacs@state.gov
• Website: https://rs.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Marko DJURIC (since 18 January 2021)
• Chancery: 1333 16th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20036
• Telephone: [1] (202) 507-8654
• FAX: [1] (202) 332-3933
• Email: info@serbiaembusa.org
• Website: http://www.washington.mfa.gov.rs/
• Consulate(s) General: Chicago, New York

6 facts — expand for details.

Geographic Location

Europe

Geographic Coordinates

44 00 N, 21 00 E

Total Area

29,913 Square Miles 77,474 Square Kilometers

Land Area

29,913 Square Miles 77,474 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

1,259 Miles 2,026 Kilometers

Border Countries

Albania 287 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina 527 km, Bulgaria 318 km, Croatia (north) 241 km, Croatia (south) 25 km, Hungary 151 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 221 km, Romania 476 km

7 facts — expand for details.

Terrain

• extremely varied
• to the north, rich fertile plains
• to the east, limestone ranges and basins
• to the southeast, ancient mountains and hills
• to the southwest, extremely high shoreline with no islands off the coast

Highest Point

2,656 Meters

Highest Point Location

Daravica 2,656 m

Lowest Point

35 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Adriatic Sea 0 m

Natural Resources

oil, gas, coal, iron ore, bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, antimony, chromite, nickel, gold, silver, magnesium, pyrite, limestone, marble, salt, hydropower, arable land

Irrigated Land

355 Square Miles 919 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

5 facts — expand for details.

Climate

A continental climate predominates in Serbia with cold winters and warm summers.

Montenegro is largely the same, but with alpine conditions in the mountains and a Mediterranean climate on the Adriatic coast.

The Belgrade climate is moderate continental with four, distinct seasons.

Autumn is longer than spring, with lengthy sunny and warm periods.

Winter is not particularly harsh, and averages 21 days with below freezing temperatures.

January is the coldest month of the year with an average temperature of -0.2°C/31.6°F.

Spring is rather short and rainy.

Summer starts abruptly.

The average daily temperature in the hottest month of July is 34.2°C/93°F, but it is not uncommon for highs to reach the upper 30s and lower 40s Celsius (90s, 100s Fahrenheit) in the summertime.

Average humidity is 70%.

Belgrade has a characteristic southeastern and eastern wind called "košava," which brings fair and dry weather.

It is most frequent in the fall and winter, lasting for 2-3 days.

The average košava speed is 25-43 km/h.

The capital has an annual average of 139 days with precipitation, including 27 days of snow.

The most intense precipitation occurs in May and June, when 1-day rains are most frequent.

February is the driest month.

The annual average precipitation is 701mm / 27.6.''

Terrain

• extremely varied
• to the north, rich fertile plains
• to the east, limestone ranges and basins
• to the southeast, ancient mountains and hills
• to the southwest, extremely high shoreline with no islands off the coast

Location

Southeastern Europe, between Macedonia and Hungary

Total Area

29,913 Square Miles 77,474 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Albania 287 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina 527 km, Bulgaria 318 km, Croatia (north) 241 km, Croatia (south) 25 km, Hungary 151 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 221 km, Romania 476 km

Environment - Current Issues

• pollution of coastal waters from sewage outlets, especially in tourist-related areas such as Kotor
• air pollution around Belgrade and other industrial cities
• water pollution from industrial wastes dumped into the Sava which flows into the Danube

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

4 facts — expand for details.

Exports

$9,700,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$15,780,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

manufactured goods, food and live animals, raw materials

Major Imports

machinery and transport equipment, fuels and lubricants, manufactured goods, chemicals, food and live animals, raw materials

Top Export Partners

Italy 31.3%, Germany 19.7%, Greece 6.9%, Austria 5.9%, France 4.5%, Hungary 4.3%

Top Import Partners

Germany 18.9%, Italy 17.1%, Austria 8%, Slovenia 7.6%, Hungary 5.2%, Greece 4.1%, France 4.1%, Bulgaria 4%

Export Partners

Italy 31.3%, Germany 19.7%, Greece 6.9%, Austria 5.9%, France 4.5%, Hungary 4.3%

Import Partners

Germany 18.9%, Italy 17.1%, Austria 8%, Slovenia 7.6%, Hungary 5.2%, Greece 4.1%, France 4.1%, Bulgaria 4%

2 facts — expand for details.

Country Description

Serbia is strengthening its democratic, economic, and social institutions, but it still faces many challenges.

In 2008, Kosovo, which used to be part of Serbia, declared itself an independent country and was recognized as such by the United States.

You should be aware that Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence; the dispute will only affect foreign travelers who plan to visit Kosovo.

Serbia has many tourist and travel facilities like hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, and gas stations, but the quality varies significantly from place to place.

Some facilities are not up to Western standards.

Safety & Security

Public demonstrations by political parties, unions, and other groups are held in Serbia from time to time.

Violent demonstrations have occurred as recently as August 2011.

You should know that even demonstrations that start out peacefully can quickly turn violent.

U.S. citizens traveling or living in Serbia should avoid demonstrations if possible, and maintain caution if within the area of demonstrations.

There is often a heavier than usual police presence in areas where demonstrations occur and traffic may slow or stop until well after the demonstration ends.

Anti-U.S. sentiments are strongest in Serbia surrounding the anniversary dates of certain events and on some national holidays.

These dates and holidays include March 24 (the beginning of the 1999 NATO bombing campaign), February 17 (the date of the 2008 independence of Kosovo), and ethnic Serb holidays such as St.

Vitus’s Day (Vidovdan, celebrated June 28).

Wins or losses in sporting events can also trigger violence.

U.S. citizens were not targets of any recent sports-related violence, but in a few isolated cases, soccer hooligans and petty criminals singled out and attacked citizens of other Western countries.

We urge U.S. citizens to be vigilant if attending, or in the vicinity of, sporting events in Serbia.

Any Serbian-Kosovo border crossing or area within five kilometers of the border between Serbia and Kosovo, as well as the western Preševo Valley,which include all areas south of Vranje and west of the E75 highway stretching south to the Macedonian border, are still considered Restricted Travel areas by the U.S.

Embassy.

U.S. government employees are restricted from entering these areas except on official business.

If you are traveling near the Kosovo border or in the western Preševo Valley, you should enroll with the U.S.

Embassy and check in with the Embassy regularly for the latest security updates.

Belgrade nightclubs are increasingly popular with foreign tourists.

If you decide to go to a nightclub, you should know that they can be crowded and may not be up to Western standards for maximum occupancy and fire safety.

2 facts — expand for details.

Crime

Belgrade does not have high levels of street crime, but pick-pocketing and purse snatchings do occasionally occur.

People traveling to Serbia should take the same precautions in Belgrade as they would in any large city in the United States.

Most crimes happen because people let their guard down.

Unlocked cars, items left in plain sight in a car, open gates, and open garage doors make attractive targets for thieves.

Car thefts or break-ins can happen any time, day or night, in all sections of Belgrade and other parts of the country.

Using security devices such as auto alarms, fuel-line interrupter switches, or steering-wheel locking devices may discourage or frustrate auto theft, but no device can guarantee one hundred percent protection against determined thieves.

In Serbia, difficult economic conditions have sparked the growth of an organized criminal class, and violent crime is most often associated with organized crime activities.

Tourists are almost never the targets of violent crime, but Mafia-style reprisals have occurred, including in places where tourists gather such as hotels, restaurants, shops, and busy streets.

When those kinds of crimes happen, innocent bystanders may become victims of crime.

You should be especially vigilant in Serbian city centers, just as you would anywhere else in the world.

When taking taxicabs in Serbia, travelers should pay attention to cab meters and listed fares as taxi drivers sometimes try to charge foreigners higher rates.

Do not buy counterfeit or pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While traveling in Serbia, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own.

In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport with you.

Also, it may be illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In Belgrade, you are not permitted to take pictures of the old annex of the Ministry of Defense building or the old Ministry of the Interior building.

Insome places, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. .

There are also some activities that might be legal in Serbia, but still illegal in the United States., You can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

You should try to remain aware of local laws and their implications.

If you break local laws in Serbia, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. .If you are arrested in Serbia, Serbian authorities are required to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest.

If you are concerned the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest.

2 facts — expand for details.

Medical Facilities

Many doctors and other health care providers in Serbia are highly trained, but the equipment and hygiene in hospitals, clinics, and ambulances are usually not up to Western standards.

You can get many medicines and basic medical supplies at private pharmacies, but you should not expect to find the same kinds or brands of medication or medical supplies in Serbia as in the United States.

Hospitals usually require payment in cash for all services, and do not accept U.S. health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid as payment.

Traffic Safety

While in Serbia, you may encounter road conditions that significantly differ from those in the United States.

Roads in Serbia are not always well-maintained, especially in rural areas.

During winter months, fog can significantly reduce visibility.

Winter fog is extremely heavy in the Vojvodina region between Belgrade and the Hungarian border.

You must wear a seat belt while driving or riding in a car in Serbia.

According to Serbian law, a driver with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.05% is considered intoxicated.

Serbian traffic police do carry portable breathalyzers to test drivers.

Roadside assistance is available by dialing 1987.

Metered taxi service is safe and reasonably priced; however, travelers should pay attention to cab meters and listed fares as taxi drivers sometimes try to charge foreigners higher rates.

Belgrade and some other large cities in Serbia have local public transportation networks, and a nationwide network covers most major cities, but public transportation is often crowded and some lines and vehicles are poorly maintained.

You may use a foreign or U.S. driver’s license in Serbia for up to 180 days after your arrival.

8 facts — expand for details.

Airports - total

26

Airports with Paved Runways

10

Heliports

2

Railways

2,367 Miles 3,809 Kilometers

Roadways- total

27,494 Miles 44,248 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

17,398 Miles 28,000 Kilometers

Waterways

365 Miles 587 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Bar, Belgrade, Kotor, Novi Sad, Pancevo, Tivat, Zelenika

1 facts — expand for details.

Pipelines: Liquid Petroleum Gas

1,974,340 Miles 3,177,393 Kilometers

6 facts — expand for details.

Telephones

3,106,000

Cell Phones

8,453,000

Internet Users

1,500,000

Internet Country Code

.rs

Internet Hosts

528,253

Telephone System

• assessment: replacements of, and upgrades to, telecommunications equipment damaged during the 1999 war has resulted in a modern digitalized telecommunications system
• domestic: wireless service, available through multiple providers with national coverage, is growing very rapidly; best telecommunications services are centered in urban centers; 3G mobile network launched in 2007
• international: country code - 381

12 facts — expand for details.

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

34,100,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,300,000,000

Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

770,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

35,900,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

2,827,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

2,450,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

484,700,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

48,140,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

72,770

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

33,330

Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

14,660

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

77,500,000

3 facts — expand for details.

Anthem History

• name: "Boze pravde" (God of Justice)
• lyrics/music: Jovan DORDEVIC/Davorin JENKO
• note: adopted 1904; song originally written as part of a play in 1872 and has been used as an anthem by the Serbian people throughout the 20th and 21st centuries

Anthem Lyrics

Hej Sloveni Hej Sloveni, još 'te živi duh naših dedova, dok za narod srce bije njihovih sinova. Živi, živi duh slovenski živet ce vekov'ma zalud preti ponor pakla zalud vatra groma.

Nek se sada i nad nama burom sve raznese stena puca, dub se lama, zemlja nek se trese.

Mi stojimo postojano kano klisurine proklet bio izdajica svoje domovine.

Anthem Lyrics English

O, Slavs, there still lives Word of our grandfathers While for the people heart strikes Of their sons Live, live, spirit Slavic You will live for centuries Futile is the Hell's abyss Futile is the fire of thunder Even if now there above us Storm shatters everything Stone breaks, tree shatters Earth quakes We stand steadily As river gorges Damned be the traitor Of his homeland!