Visa Requirements for American Citizens

As of June 1, 2003, visas are no longer required for entry and stay in Serbia or in Montenegro up to 90 days for the citizens of selected countries, including the United States. This covers bearers of all types of U.S. passports - tourist, official, diplomatic. This privilege includes those traveling as part of official and unofficial delegations.

American citizens planning to stay longer than 90 days should leave the country and return visa-free; they can do this repeatedly. This does not apply to students, or American citizens who come to work; they can enter the country visa-free, but they are required to apply for either student or work visa within three days of arrival. The cost is: DIN 4,200 for stay up to three months; and DIN 7,400 for one year.

To obtain a visa or for other entry requirements, travelers should contact the Embassy of Serbia in Washington or the Consulate General of Serbia in Chicago. The address of the Embassy is 2134 Kalorama Road, Washington, DC 20008; telephone
(202) 332-0333 or fax (202) 332-3933; website http://www.yuembusa.org. The address of the Consulate General is 201 East Ohio St., Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60611; telephone (312) 670-6707 or fax (312) 670-6787; e-mail yuconsusa@aol.com. The Montenegro mission in Washington may be reached at (202) 234-6110, or (202) 234-6108, or by fax at (202) 234-6109.

Upon arrival to Serbia or to Montenegro, U.S. citizens, need to register in person with the local police within 24 hours at the nearest police station. If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel performs this registration for you automatically. If you are renting an apartment, it is the duty of your landlord to register you at the local police station. Your employer may also perform the registration for you.

Registration is free for the first three months of stay, regardless of the purpose of the visit. A foreigner who wishes to stay in Serbia or in Montenegro for a longer period for the purpose of education, scientific research, employment, engagement in a professional activity, medical treatment, tourism, or marriage, is obliged to apply for a temporary resident status before the three-month period expires. When submitting an application to the police for temporary residence, you should state the reasons for requesting this status accompanied by supporting documentation.

The temporary residence permit is granted by the Ministry of Interior (i.e. district police department) in district in which the foreigner has already been registered. The permit is entered in the foreigner's passport. The foreign citizen in Serbia and in Montenegro is obliged to apply for extension of temporary resident status a week before the previously granted period of temporary residence expires.

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