Serbia Imposes Visas for Four Countries as Part of EU Integration Efforts

Starting March 2025, Serbia has introduced visa requirements for citizens of Qatar, Mongolia, Oman, and Kuwait. The move is part of the country’s broader goal to fully align its visa policy with European Union standards by the end of 2026.

According to Schengen News, Serbian authorities are also considering extending visa requirements to citizens of Russia, Belarus, Türkiye, China, and Azerbaijan.

Why is Serbia Changing Its Visa Policy?

The new visa rules are not political retaliation but a necessary adjustment under Serbia’s EU accession roadmap. The EU requires candidate countries to align their visa and migration systems with Schengen Zone norms to ensure security and policy coherence.

As BalkanEU reports, Serbia’s liberal visa policy was previously seen by EU officials as a “loophole” allowing third-country nationals to reach the EU via Serbia — especially evident in 2022–2023 amid rising migrant flows through the so-called “Balkan route.”

What Travelers Should Expect

The immediate implications for Qatari, Mongolian, Omani, and Kuwaiti nationals include:
- Pre-arranged visas will now be mandatory for visiting Serbia.
- Potential visa application delays due to administrative backlog.
- Reduced ease of access for tourism and business visits.

Tourism-dependent regions in Serbia may also feel an economic pinch due to the anticipated decline in tourist numbers from these countries.

Serbia’s Path to EU Membership

Serbia began its EU integration journey in 2009 and was granted candidate status in 2012. Formal accession talks have been ongoing since 2014. However, according to the European Commission’s 2024 enlargement report, progress has slowed due to early elections and delayed reforms.

In December 2024, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp expressed skepticism, saying Serbia had not made sufficient strides in the rule of law. Meanwhile, Hungary’s Defense Minister emphasized the urgency of finalizing Serbia’s accession due to its geopolitical importance.

Conclusion

Serbia’s decision to impose visas for several countries marks a key step in aligning its policies with the EU. While the changes may inconvenience travelers, they strengthen Serbia’s case for EU membership and demonstrate its commitment to European norms and standards.