Serbia

Serbiahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/europe/serbiaSerbiahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/europe/serbia/serbia-crime-and-touristsBelgrade and other cities in Serbia are relatively safe for visitors, but here are our top tips for travelers on crime, bribery and the mafia operating in Serbia.2021-04-30T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/europe/serbia/serbia-crime-and-touristshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Serbia shares its borders with <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-europe/hungary" target="_blank" title="How to Stay Safe in Hungary">Hungary</a>, <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-europe/romania" target="_blank" title="How to Stay Safe in Romania">Romania</a>, <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-europe/bulgaria" target="_blank" title="How to Stay Safe in Bulgaria">Bulgaria</a>, North Macedonia, <a href="/travel-safety/europe/croatia" target="_blank" title="Travel Safely in Croatia">Croatia</a>, <a href="/travel-safety/europe/bosnia-and-herzegovina">Bosnia and Herzegovina</a>, <a href="/travel-safety/europe/montenegro/travel-in-montenegro" target="_blank" title="How to Stay Safe in Montenegro">Montenegro</a> and Kosovo, a country it doesn't recognize. This Balkan country is famous for <em>Rakija <strong></strong></em>(homemade fruit brandy) and <em>Slivovitza</em> (a very strong spirit). Beyond the alcoholic content of its local beverages, there are a few things travelers should know before they go.</p> <p>For a country that's slowly emerging from years of war and internal security issues, Serbia is relatively safe when it comes to crime. Like elsewhere, travelers should take common-sense precautions.</p> <h2>Belgrade safety: crime in Serbia</h2> <p>Belgrade does not have high levels of street crime, but pick-pocketing and purse snatchings do happen, and tourists are prime targets. Travelers in Belgrade should keep their belongings on them at all times, and never out of sight.</p> <p>Unlocked cars, items left in plain sight in a car, open gates, and open garage doors make attractive targets for thieves – but this is not unique to Serbia. If you are carrying valuables, don't be overly flashy in public.</p> <h2>Bribery in Serbia</h2> <p>A report by Belgrade-based newspaper Blic says bribery has become a way of life in Serbia. Two-thirds of survey respondents said they'd been asked for a bribe and 50% said they'd offered a bribe.</p> <p>The average size of bribes was €178, but most were around the €50 mark. Interestingly the people who were being offered or asking for bribes were most commonly medical workers (38%), probably indicating some difficulty in accessing quality health care in the country. The next most popular targets for bribes were police officers (35%), then local government officials (10%). Don't encourage the bad habit by succumbing to bribery.</p> <h2>Mafia of Serbia</h2> <p>In Serbia, difficult economic conditions have sparked the growth of organized crime, and violent crime is most often associated with this.</p> <p>But travelers shouldn't be too worried. Tourists are almost never the target of violent crime, but Mafia-style reprisals have occurred.</p> <p>When those kinds of crimes happen, innocent bystanders may become unintended victims of crime. You should be especially on guard in city centers here, just as you would anywhere else in the world.</p> <p>Don't be alarmed, just be aware of your surroundings.</p> <h2>Local laws in Serbia</h2> <p>Travelers are subject to local laws, and foreign laws may be different to what you're used to back home. </p> <p>It is prohibited to take pictures of the old annex to the Ministry of Defense building or the old Ministry of the Interior building. Be careful taking street photography, and ask first if you're unsure. Possession or dealing of drugs is punished with strict penalties usually including a prison term.</p> <h2>Safety for LGBTQ+ travelers</h2> <p>While homosexual activity is not illegal in Serbia, there are gay-friendly hotels, clubs and events (including an annual Pride parade), homosexuality is not widely accepted. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal, but unfortunately, there is still a negative attitude towards LGBTQ+ communities and public displays of affection may receive negative attention. Same-sex marriage is not legal.</p> <p>In 2019, the Serbian police clashed with people who were trying to stop the Belgrade Pride Parade. Each year, despite protestors showing up to the parade, local mayors and government officials have shown up to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community in Serbia.</p> <h2>Unexploded bombs</h2> <p>The area of southern Serbia, bordering Kosovo, may have unexploded landmines leftover from the civil war in the late 1990s. It is advised that if you are traveling in this area, you stick to well-used roads and paths.</p> <p></p>Getty Images/vladimir_n 1506236269 Getty Images Belgrade fortress and Kalemegdan park

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/europe/serbia/serbia-and-its-neighboursWhile Serbia is recovering from a period of intense fighting and war, there are opportunities for you to experience the warm and welcoming local hospitality.2018-01-16T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/europe/serbia/serbia-and-its-neighbourshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Serbia is finally sorting itself out and the opportunities to travel there are beginning to become inviting. But while Serbia looks destined to put the past behind itself, civil tensions aren't far from the surface. And as a country that has for centuries simmered with religious and cultural differences, most grudges can't be forgotten in a few years.</p> <h2>A colorful past</h2> <p>Serbia seems to have always been a country split. Conquered by the Slavs, the Romans and the Ottomans, Serbia has always been a country with an ethnic mix and one struggling to have a true identity of its own.</p> <p>Its history didn't get any easier in the 20<sup>th</sup> century. Following World War II, Serbia was amalgamated into Yugoslavia. It was this joining of territories, that would impact so heavily on the already burdened Serbia.</p> <p>Since the 1990's the small eastern European country has been wracked by internal and external strife.</p> <p>The Yugolsav Wars (1991 - 1995) saw a series of conflict between Serbia and its neighbours, Croatia and Bosnia. Often described as Europe's deadliest conflicts since World War II, they have become infamous for the war crimes they involved, including mass ethnic cleansing.</p> <p>These wars ended in 1995. But conflict wasn't over. Serbia also partook in a war against Kosovo, which claimed thousands of lives and ended only after NATO/UN intervention.</p> <p>Many of Serbia's politicians and military leaders faced trials for crimes against humanity. A truly ugly time for Serbia and its people</p> <h2>Serbia today</h2> <p>Despite past tensions and conflicts, Serbians, particularly those who are young are looking forward to the future as tourism ramps up in the country. It has given locals great opportunities to show their culture and country to visitors.</p> <p>The occasional protest or demonstration still does happen. Peaceful anti-government protests have been held frequently since April 2017, causing traffic issues so best to steer clear if possible.</p> <p>Protesters can be aggressive and dangerous, and government forces usually don't tolerate dissent, so a heavy-handed approach is often the first and last response.</p> <p>Demonstrations in 2009 and 2010 have turned violent with dozens injured and property destroyed.</p> <h2>All along the watchtower</h2> <p>The conflict against Kosovo is a scar on Serbia's past ethnic cleansing, refugees and war crimes. The border between the two regions remains tense and should be avoided . Intermittent violence and unrest is endemic on the border between Serbia and Kosovo, so do yourself a favour and leave the area to locals and military forces.</p> <p>The greatest danger though to travellers moving through the area is unexploded land mines. These terrible weapons of war have been left over from the conflict in 1999 and dot the countryside near the border.</p> <h2>No fireworks</h2> <p>Just a quick note about celebrating in Serbia: avoid the use of fireworks. Indiscriminate use of "cherry bombs" and firearms often result in what is called "happy fire", a nice term for accidental injury.</p> <p>Each year in Serbia, people are injured by the misuse of fireworks and firearms at celebrations.</p> <h2>Down south</h2> <p>Southern Serbia is often a hot bed of civil tensions that can sometimes become violent.</p> <p>Clashes between security forces and armed groups associated with separatist movements are common and have turned deadly.</p> <p>Areas like Presevo and Bujanovac are often linked to violence in the country's southern regions bordering Kosovo.</p> <p>Throughout the 2000s, clashes between Serbian police and ethnic Albanian militia groups in the Presevo Valley, became commonplace.</p> <p>But the news isn't all bad -there does seem to be some future for southern Serbia. International watchers are calling the region one of the rare conflict resolution success stories in the former Yugoslavia. Since 2007, incidents have decreased however it is best to exercise caution when traveling in this part of the country.</p> <p>It is also important to stick to marked roads and pathways clearly labelled by the local de-mining authority as there are still unexploded landmines left over from conflicts past.</p>Getty Images/Posnov 1952067560 Getty Images Winding bends of the Uvac river in Serbia

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/europe/serbia/travel-tips-for-serbiaIs it safe to drive in Serbia? Find out about public transport safety, from taxis and buses to bribes and corruption, this is what you need to know.2019-12-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/europe/serbia/travel-tips-for-serbiahttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Driving in Serbia</h2> <p>Driving in Serbia can be a great way to see the country, with road conditions improving and being maintained, you can take things at your own pace.</p> <p>The general standard of roads is fair to poor with conditions worsening in rural areas, especially in and after bad weather. One particularly notorious road is the Ibarska Magistrala (linking Belgrade, via Cacak and Uzice, to Montenegro). Bad conditions and overcrowding can make it dangerous.</p> <p>Road works on the main highways across Serbia (from the Croatian and Hungarian border to Bulgaria and Macedonia) may cause delays.</p> <p>Road rules are sometimes ignored by drivers and pedestrians, so it pays to keep your eyes peeled while on the roads.</p> <p>Sometimes getting behind the wheel can be a hair-raising experience, so make sure if you want to drive around Serbia, take small steps until you get confident. And even then, be careful.</p> <p>And watch out for the wildlife! Roads are constantly shared with farm animals in rural areas, and the last thing you want is a head-on with a cow or horse.</p> <p>There are several toll booths along motorways. Toll charges vary depending on the size of your vehicle.</p> <p>Foreign-registered vehicles are charged a higher toll than those registered locally.</p> <p>You are advised to have sufficient cash (Dinars preferred, although Euros are accepted) to pay these toll charges.</p> <h2>Public transport dilemmas in Serbia</h2> <p>Although public transport is usually reliable, it can be congested and standards are variable.</p> <p>Using taxi services for destinations outside metropolitan Belgrade is unwise, as prices are unreasonably high.</p> <p>All licensed taxi drivers have a badge, an oval blue license plate with a serial number, and the Belgrade Coat of Arms displayed on the roof. Make sure that the taximeter is switched on.</p> <p>And watch your tariffs in taxis!</p> <p>Tariff 1 is the correct one Monday to Saturday from morning till 10pm.</p> <p>Tariff 3 is the 'trick' fare used to scam out of obscene amounts of money.</p> <p>Avoid taxi services being offered by drivers in the airport terminal (arrivals); that service has a long history of dishonest drivers (protected by the police) ripping off the passengers.</p> <p>Drivers won't use their meters and will charge many times the normal fare.</p> <p>In December 2010, new measures were introduced to help taxi passengers. Dispatch officers in yellow vests will give you information and vouchers for the ride. The ride should cost exactly RSD 1500 (€15) to most parts of the city center, Zemun and Novi Beograd, but for suburban areas it could cost up to RSD 7500 (€75).</p> <p>There are reports of problems with this system, such as drivers claiming the voucher is only good for one passenger and that you must pay more for additional passengers. Consequently, visitors are still recommended to pre-book a taxi, as the drivers are less inclined to rip tourists off if they are aware the booking can be followed up later.</p> <h2>Bus travel in Serbia</h2> <p>So taxis might not be your thing… a bus may be more your speed.</p> <p>When you take an international bus from Belgrade towards Germany, don't feel surprised when a collection is held inside the bus for paying the Hungarian border guards a fee to let the bus go faster over the border. This is what you would call a bribe. On your way into Serbia, it seems 'cheaper', though the Hungarian border guards will demand all passengers sign a form declaring they 'offered no gift, cash or otherwise, to Hungarian border police' whether they paid a bribe or not.</p> <p>Bribes like this are commonplace, with corruption rife throughout the country.</p> <p>Corruption is common with traffic police (who will stop you and attempt to fine you for speeding, even if you are abiding by the speed limits).</p> <p>This is not a strange practice – from Asia to Africa, this is a typical revenue raiser for police. So grin and bear it. Putting up a fight may impact on you later.</p>Getty Images/xbrchx 11077114782 Getty Images Subotica city hall and main square colorful street view, Vojvodina region of Serbia

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/europe/serbia-borders-and-customsCrossing the border in Serbia is not a simple process. Here's what you need to know to stay safe and out of trouble.2021-04-30T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/europe/serbia-borders-and-customshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Serbia can be a tough place to travel to at times, and having the right documentation is very important, especially in a country constantly watching those across the border.</p> <p>Serbia has seen a renaissance with more tourists visiting the Balkan nation each year. This shouldn't put you off seeing what Serbia has to offer, just understand that officials like things to go to plan.</p> <p>If you are planning a trip to Serbia, here are some ideas to keep yourself out of jail and trouble.</p> <h2>Border information</h2> <p>In 2014, the Serbian Government legislated that entry into Serbia would be visa-free for 90 days for holders of foreign passports having a valid Schengen, other member states, UK, United States and Australia. Any visitor who stays longer than 90 days or for business purposes requires a visa.</p> <p>For dual nationals, it is also important to use the same passport when you enter and exit Serbia.</p> <p><span>For more information visit the website of the<span> </span></span><a rel="external" href="http://www.mfa.gov.rs/en/">Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs</a><span>.</span></p> <h2>Serbia-Kosovo border crossing</h2> <p>Following the brutal war with its neighbor Kosovo, resulting in Kosovo's independence, Serbia doesn't recognize Kosovo as an independent state. As a result, the security situation along this border is unpredictable and can change at short notice. <br /><br />Similar to the relationship between some Middle Eastern countries and Israel, having a stamp from Kosovo in the past would end your journey to Serbia. Luckily, times have changed and this is no longer the case. Officials will just over-stamp your Kosovo visa with a "canceled" stamp. But whatever you do, don't try to outthink the Serbian border officials. Entering Serbia through Kosovo without a Serbian entry stamp is considered an illegal entry and can be met with stiff penalties. Likewise, leaving Serbia via Kosovo is not considered legally leaving the country, so you run the risk of being charged with overstaying your entry permit.</p> <h2>Serbia-North Macedonia border crossing</h2> <p><span>Serbia's border with North Macedonia is often an entry point for asylum seekers attempting to reach the EU. Delays and strict controls here are common, especially in the European summer.</span></p> <h2>Getting through customs</h2> <p>On arrival, travelers are required to declare valuables (such as laptop computers, cameras, and jewelry) with a value of more than 10,000 Euros and obtain a declaration from customs officials. This declaration form is required on departure from the country. Failure to comply may result in the confiscation of valuables.</p> <p>You can take an unlimited sum of foreign currency into Serbia, but you can only take up to 10,000 EUR out of the country.<br /><br /><span>For more information on the declaration of money and the importation of goods see the<span> </span></span><a rel="external" href="http://www.mfa.gov.rs/">Serbian Ministry for Foreign Affairs</a><span><span> </span>or the<span> </span></span><a rel="external" href="http://www.srbija.travel/en">National Tourism Organisation of Serbia.</a></p> <h2>Travelers beware</h2> <p>Similar to neighboring Bosnia and Croatia, foreigners are required by law to register with the police station in their district within 12 hours of receiving a Serbian entry stamp at a border crossing or airport. This may sound like a hassle, but if it isn't done, you'll find yourself in a precarious position.</p> <p>When you check in at your hotel, staff will register you automatically. This is quite common when you travel to any country (for example, it happens in France), so don't worry about it. However, if you are staying with friends in a private home, you must register your presence with the police in the district you are staying in.</p>Getty Images/joe daniel price 11160589587 Getty Images Church of Saint Sava, Belgrade

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/europe/serbia/staying-healthy-in-serbiaSerbia is an easy place to stay healthy, but there are a few things you should know about wildlife and weather.2018-01-17T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/europe/serbia/staying-healthy-in-serbiahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Serbia is not too bad when it comes to staying healthy, like any country it has its share of health issues. There are a few little things you need to be careful of, but all-in-all you shouldn't have too much trouble. So let's take a look at what you need to watch out for.</p> <h2>The Kosava</h2> <p>When traveling through Serbia and especially the capital, Belgrade, you maybe hear locals refer to the Kosava. Basically it's a notorious Belgrade wind, which sweeps through the area bringing a burst of cold that will chill you to your bones.</p> <p>It starts in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpathian_Mountains">Carpathian Mountains</a> and follows the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danube">Danube</a> northwest where it gains a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_jet">jet effect</a>, then continues to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgrade">Belgrade</a>. It can spread as far north as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hungary">Hungary.</a></p> <p>In the winter, it can cause temperatures to drop to around -30C. In the summer, it is cool and dusty. But the danger of this wind - it can give you a cold more quickly than you expect, especially in winter.</p> <p>The best advice would be to dress appropriately and don't spend too much time out in the wind. You'll definitely feel the pinch.</p> <h2>Wildlife and stray dogs</h2> <p>Serbia has a particularly high number of animals roaming its countryside and streets. Many of these are strays.</p> <p>And while they may look friendly, always be careful about unknown animals. Rabies can be found with stray dogs and you can definitely give yourself an unpleasant experience if you end up with a dose while on your trip overseas. The positive is that the risk of contracting it has reduced thanks to an EU supported program to help eradicate the disease. The number of rabies cases fell as much as 80% in 2011, with only 13 cases of the disease present in 2012.</p> <h2>Vaccinations for Serbia</h2> <p>There are no specific vaccinations required for Serbia, however it is always a great idea to get a Hepatitis A shot and make sure your routine vaccinations e.g measles are up to date.</p> <h2>Is the water safe to drink in Serbia?</h2> <p>If you decide to go to this region, boil (or better still, purify) your drinking water or used bottled water only. Taking the right food and water hygiene precautions can often save you a few days in hospital.</p> <h2>Medical treatment in Serbia</h2> <p>So you've got yourself sick and you need to go to hospital. Many doctors and other health care providers in Serbia are highly trained with ambulance services, hospitals and equipment having improved considerably. Serbia also has reciprocal agreements with other EU nations for emergency health care.</p> <p>For less serious illnesses and injuries, chemists can sort you out with advice and over the counter medications. However, it is recommended to take what medications you may need from home along with a doctor's letter as sometimes there are medication shortages in Serbia.</p>Getty Images/Westend61 1531200147 Getty Images View from Belgrade Fortress, River delta of Sava and Danube river

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/europe/serbia/balkan-border-issuesTraveling between countries on the Balkan Peninsula can be a fun road trip. Here's how to cross borders safely.2021-09-28T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/europe/serbia/balkan-border-issueshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>With the Adriatic Sea to the west, the Mediterranean to the south, and the Black Sea to the east, The Balkan Peninsula (aka the Balkans) has a stunning coastline and is home to Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia (and includes parts of Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Greece, Italy, Slovenia and Turkey). If you are planning on traveling from one country to the other, there are some border rules and restrictions that may apply.</p> <h2>Crossing from Serbia to Kosovo</h2> <p>Since 2008,  Serbia refused to recognize Kosovo's 2008 Declaration of Independence and continued to treat Kosovo as one of its provinces, refusing to recognize a Kosovo visa. However, in the years since multiple attempts at intervention by other countries have brokered a peace of sorts. In 2020, in a US-brokered deal, <span>Serbia and Kosovo agreed to normalize economic relations including <span>freer transit, including by rail and road, between the two countries. Prior to this, travelers were always advised to visit Serbia before visiting Kosovo in case their Kosovo visa was refused. </span></span>The security situation along the Kosovo-Serbia border remains unpredictable, and politically motivated violence happens often at the border crossings of Jarinje and Brnjak, aka Gates 1 and 31. </p> <h2>Crossing from Kosovo to Serbia</h2> <p dir="ltr">Some governments advise that travelers don't attempt to enter Serbia from Kosovo unless you initially traveled into Kosovo from Serbia. If you want to travel from Kosovo to Serbia, you need a valid, recent Serbian entry stamp in your passport. If not, you'll need to transit via a third country. If you try to cross the checkpoint with only a Kosovo visa, you'll be deemed to have entered the country illegally.</p> <p>If you want go into Kosovo and back to Serbia, be aware that your Serbian visa (or entry stamp, usually valid for 90 days) will still be counting on your trip to Kosovo. If you stay past the deadline, you could be charged with overstaying your visa.</p> <p>But many travelers have reported crossing with minimal hassle. Serbian guards, they say, might simply cross out the Kosovo visa and stick a Serbian one on top.</p> <p>Others have simply been turned away. Save yourself the risk. If you must go from Kosovo to Serbia, go through <a href="/travel-safety/europe/macedonia/crime-in-macedonia" target="_blank" title="Crime in Macedonia: What travelers should know">Macedonia</a>.</p> <h2>Crossing from Albania to Kosovo</h2> <p>All other borders are open, with new roads being built regularly between formerly belligerent nations. For instance, there's a nice new highway between <a href="/explore/europe/albania/hiking-in-albania" target="_blank" title="Hiking in Albania">Albania</a> and Kosovo, replacing a harrowing, 10-hour mountain ride.</p> <h2>Crossing from Kosovo to Macedonia</h2> <p>The border crossing between Rastelica in Kosovo and Strezimir in Macedonia is officially for locals only. It's only open from May through September due to bad weather.</p> <h2>Crossing from Croatia to Montenegro</h2> <p>Summer traffic between both nations can be hectic, and you might have to wait hours to cross. Consider going through Bosnia-Herzegovina instead. There's a catch: you might have to pay 20 Euro for a Green Card for Bosnia.</p> <h2>Crossing from Albania to Macedonia</h2> <p>Most border crossings are only open until 10pm.</p>Getty Images/Sebastian Condrea 11059290198 Getty Images Bajina Bašta is a town located in the western mountains of Serbia at the border between Serbia and Bosnia