Visa: Nigerians who want to visit Serbia can now apply online

Nigerians planning a trip to Serbia will soon benefit from a streamlined visa application process as the Serbian government prepares to launch a fully online electronic visa (e-visa) system. Announced earlier this month, the initiative is designed to eliminate the need for in-person visits to Serbian embassies or consulates, making travel to Serbia more convenient and accessible for foreign nationals, including those from Nigeria. 

The system, a collaboration between Serbia Immigration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment, promises to modernise Serbia’s visa services and boost tourism and business travel.

Currently, Nigerian citizens, along with travellers from countries such as India, Pakistan, Qatar, and several African and Middle Eastern nations, must visit a Serbian embassy or consulate to apply for a visa. This process often involves scheduling appointments, submitting physical documents, and enduring lengthy wait times, hurdles that the new e-visa system aims to remove.

Once operational, Nigerians will be able to apply for their visas entirely online, submitting applications from the comfort of their homes or offices, a move expected to encourage more travel to the country.

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić, and Director of the Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment Mihail Jovanović, recently signed an agreement to lead this digital transformation. The partnership builds on existing efforts, such as the Foreigners’ Portal launched in February 2024, which has already processed tens of thousands of applications.

“The online visa application system and the Foreigners’ Portal have benefitted tens of thousands of individuals seeking to visit our country,” Đurić said, emphasising that the e-visa system marks a significant leap forward in Serbia’s digital infrastructure.

How the Serbian e-visa system will work

While the Serbian government has yet to announce an exact launch date, the e-visa system is expected to roll out soon, with preparations underway ahead of the Specialised Expo 2027 in Belgrade. The e-visa system will enable Nigerians to apply for short-stay visas (Visa C) or long-stay visas (Visa D) entirely online, depending on their travel purpose. 

A short-stay visa allows entry, transit, or a stay in Serbia for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, suitable for tourism, business, or personal visits. A long-stay visa, on the other hand, is required for those intending to apply for temporary residence, such as for employment or extended stays. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the process will function:

1. Online Application Portal: Applicants will access the e-visa system through an official portal, likely integrated with existing platforms like welcometoserbia.gov.rs or a dedicated e-visa site (evisa.welcometoserbia.gov.rs). Travellers will need to create an account using a valid email address.

1. Document Submission: Nigerians will upload required documents digitally, including a valid passport (valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended departure from Serbia), a recent passport-size photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm), proof of travel purpose (e.g., an invitation letter for private or business visits or a travel agency voucher for tourism), proof of sufficient funds (approximately 50 euros per day of stay), and valid travel medical insurance. Additional documents may be required based on the visa type.
2. Payment: Visa fees, 90 euros for a short-stay visa and 50 euros for a long-stay visa, will be paid online in Serbian dinars (RSD) at the National Bank of Serbia’s exchange rate. 
3. Processing and Approval: Once submitted, applications will be processed by Serbian authorities, with notifications sent via email. Standard processing typically takes 15 days, though it may extend to 30 days in exceptional cases. Applicants can track their request status online, further enhancing transparency and convenience.
4. E-Visa Issuance: Upon approval, the e-visa will be sent to the applicant’s email as a downloadable PDF or digital document. Travellers will need to present this e-visa, either printed or on a mobile device, along with their passport upon arrival in Serbia.

For Nigerians, this shift eliminates the logistical challenges of travelling to the Serbian Embassy in Abuja or other diplomatic missions, a process that can be particularly daunting for those living outside the capital. The e-visa system aligns Serbia with a growing number of countries adopting digital visa solutions, such as Turkey, India, and Australia, reflecting a global trend toward simplifying international travel.

The e-visa system is poised to benefit not only Nigerians but also citizens of other visa-requiring nations, while travellers from visa-exempt countries, like the European Union, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and Russia, will continue to enjoy visa-free access for short stays of up to 90 days. Serbian officials hope the simplified process will boost tourism and business ties.

Alongside the e-visa launch, Serbia is enhancing its Portal for Foreigners, which has already processed nearly 44,000 applications for temporary residence and work permits since its inception. These upgrades signal a broader commitment to digital governance and improved services for foreigners.

Travellers are encouraged to monitor the official Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for updates, as visa policies can change. With this new system, Serbia is positioning itself as a more welcoming destination, leveraging technology to remove barriers and invite the world, including Nigerians, to explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and growing economy.