How to get a Serbia visa from Nigeria

• Serbia tourist visa is also known as a short-stay or type C visa.
• A short-stay visa is issued mainly for business and tourism purposes.
• It can be categorized into:
• Single Entry
• Double Entry
• Multiple Entry
• The single-entry visa allows the individual just one entry and exit.
• Double-entry allows a two-time entry and exit to Serbia while the multiple-entry grants several entries and exits within the visa validity period.
• Single-entry and Double-entry visas are valid for 6 months (180 days) but the duration of stay must not exceed 3 months (90 days) per visit.
• The multiple-entry option however is valid for 1 year with a stay period of 90 days also after which you must leave Serbia.
• A type C visa holder can visit friends and family, go on vacation or carry out business deals.
• However, you are not allowed to work or take up paid employment with this visa.
• Individuals obtaining this visa for a tourist trip are to present a tourist voucher or other form of payment proof issued by a travel agency.
• Those travelling to visit a friend or relative are to submit a letter of invitation from their Serbian host. The letter must be verified by authorities in Serbia.
• Business visa applicants are also required to submit an invitation letter. This letter should be from the partner company in Serbia and from the Nigerian company represented. It should state the purpose and exact duration of the trip.
• They are also to submit a copy of their tax clearance certificate.
• All applicants have to provide a medical insurance certificate from a reputable insurance company. It is important to get your medical certificate from a visa expert as not all medical certificates are accepted by Serbia.
• A recent bank statement, salary slip or paycheck of the applicant should be included in the documents. This will serve as proof that the individual has enough money to fund the trip.
• It is important to remember to make photocopies of all documents submitted.
• It is advisable to submit your visa application for a while before your trip is due.
• If your application documents are incomplete or false, it will delay the visa processing.
• A consular interview is sometimes required before the visa is issued.
• If you need to stay for a longer time in Serbia then you have to apply for a temporary residence permit that allows you stay for as long as a year. After that, it is possible to extend your visa yearly until you leave Serbia.
• A fine is imposed on individuals who overstay their visa.

• Transit Visa is issued to foreigners who are travelling through Serbia to other countries.
• Holders of this visa can use their visa for 180 days but are not allowed to stay for longer than 5 days per transit.
• It allows for single, double and multiple transits through Serbia.
• You are required to present a visa or travel document for the country you will be travelling to from Serbia.
• A cover letter stating the exact purpose of your trip to the third country should be submitted.
• Transit travelers do not need a health insurance cover.
• The applicant must provide documents showing proof of enough funds for the duration of the trip.
• It is advisable to start visa processing at least four weeks before your trip to allow the embassy enough time for visa processing.
• In some cases, the embassy of Serbia may ask for additional documents.
• Nigerians must present proof of residence in Nigeria or a National identity card.
• Receipts of payments made for the application should be provided.
• A transit visa can not be used for tourism or private visits.

The country is generally warm and friendly and the locals are welcoming thus giving the feeling of safety to foreigners. Security-wise, Serbia is considered extremely safe for tourists with the worst crime recently recorded being a stolen phone. Visitors, however, are advised to take general precautions and protect their property.