Serbia

Recommended Vaccinations For Serbia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in Serbia or where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Serbia

There are no recommendations for Serbia at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Serbia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Serbia.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Serbia through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Serbia

Personal Safety

Pickpocketing happens in crowded spaces like markets, airports, public transport, and motorway service stations. Belgrade and other major cities see petty crime targeting tourists and foreigners, though violent crime is typically unrelated to visitors. Organized crime exists and can lead to mafia-style incidents where bystanders occasionally become unintended victims, but tourists are rarely targeted directly. Credit card fraud is common, so use ATMs inside banks or secure locations. Some Serbians own guns and shootings do occur, though not typically directed at foreigners. High-profile sporting events involving teams like Partizan, Red Star, and Rad can turn violent with clashes between fans or with police. Foreigners have been affected in isolated incidents. Avoid these matches unless familiar with local football culture. Unlicensed taxis overcharge tourists, so use registered services or ride-hailing apps. Scams involve fake tour guides, currency exchange issues, and overcharging by taxi drivers. Confirm prices upfront and only exchange money at banks or official outlets.

Extreme Violence

No terrorist attacks occurred in 2023, though terrorism remains a monitored concern. In June 2024, one person was killed in an attack outside the Israeli embassy in Belgrade involving a crossbow. The government has not adopted a new National Strategy for the Prevention and Countering of Terrorism since the previous strategy expired in 2021. Self-radicalization and the movement of migrants, money, and weapons are ongoing concerns. Organized crime involving mafia-style groups exists and occasionally results in violent incidents and shootings. While tourists are not targeted, innocent bystanders can become unintended victims. Violence associated with organized crime and high-profile sporting events is common. Mass shootings have occurred across multiple decades, including two in May 2023 that killed 17 people. Many Serbians legally own firearms. Violent crime is most often linked to organized crime activities rather than random attacks on foreigners. Several violent and fatal attacks against foreigners have occurred, particularly late at night. There is a threat of terrorism in Europe generally, with possible attacks in places frequented by foreigners.

Political Unrest

Protests are common in Belgrade and other cities across Serbia and have increased significantly since November 2024. Most are peaceful, but some have turned violent with clashes between protesters, police, and ruling party supporters. Violent demonstrations have resulted in injuries, arrests, tear gas use, and major disruptions to traffic and public transport. A November 2024 train station canopy collapse in Novi Sad that killed 16 people sparked massive student-led anti-corruption protests that spread to 400 cities and towns by March 2025. A March 15, 2025 demonstration in Belgrade drew an estimated 300,000 people, described as potentially the largest protest in Serbian history. Protesters have been detained, beaten, and charged with criminal offenses. Some demonstrations have involved barricades, road blockades, and acts of vandalism. Counter-protests organized by the ruling Serbian Progressive Party have also occurred. Foreigners have been detained after attending protests. Protests can happen at short notice and disrupt mobile phone networks. Avoid all protests and large gatherings as they can escalate quickly.

Areas To Avoid

Within 10 kilometers of the Kosovo border, tensions exist due to political disputes, ethnic conflict, and the presence of unexploded landmines and ordnance from the 1999 conflict. Heavy military or police presence is common. Serbia does not recognize Kosovo border crossings as official international entry points. Do not attempt to enter Serbia directly from Kosovo without first obtaining a valid Serbian entry stamp. Travel via a third country like Albania, North Macedonia, or Montenegro if entering from Kosovo. Border crossings have been temporarily closed and blockaded. The southern Serbian district of Pcinja, including the municipalities of Bujanovac and Presevo, has unexploded landmines and ordnance. Stick to main roads and well-known paths. Thick vegetation covers most dangerous areas. Do not touch suspicious objects and report them to police. Serbian-registered vehicles have been vandalized or set on fire in isolated areas of Kosovo. High-profile soccer matches involving Red Star, Partizan, and Rad are considered high-risk events with violence at previous games. Avoid the vicinity of these matches. Some nightclubs have been deemed off-limits for foreign embassy personnel due to xenophobic violence.