Serbia has updated the conditions for entering the country. Transit without COVID-19 test is allowed.

Following the clarifications of 15 August 2020 on the changing conditions of entry into the territory of the Republic of Serbia in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs that on the evening of 20 August the Serbian authorities issued a new decision to revise the conditions of entry. entry and transit in the Republic of Serbia, applicable to persons arriving from Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Northern Macedonia.

Transit without COVID-19 test is allowed.

According to the new provisions, starting with August 20, 2020, the transit of persons traveling from Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia or Northern Macedonia and not exceeding a duration of 12 hours is allowed without the obligation to present a negative molecular test (PCR) for infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus. 

Persons entering the territory of the Republic of Serbia from one of the four countries mentioned above are also exempted from the obligation to submit a negative molecular test if the persons concerned have only been in transit, for no more than 12 hours, in their territory. .

Exceptions to the presentation of the COVID-19 test

At the same time, the Serbian authorities announced new exceptions to the mandatory presentation of a negative molecular test (PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. Thus, as of 20 August 2020, in addition to the previously exempted categories, foreign nationals domiciled or residing in the Republic of Serbia and hold valid documents to that effect are also exempted.

Exceptions are also made for members of the road freight crews in transit, if the duration of transit through the territory of the Republic of Serbia does not exceed 12 hours, railway staff, navigating personnel and passengers of aircraft transiting Serbian airports, children up to 12 years of age, if parents, tutors or their accompanying persons present a negative PCR molecular test for SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, not older than 48 hours.

And diplomatic and consular staff accredited to the Republic of Serbia and international organizations, as well as their family members, holders of specific identity cards issued by the competent Serbian authorities.

Categories of persons, with the exception of the presentation of a negative molecular test

The following categories of persons are also exempted from the mandatory measure on presentation of a negative molecular test (PCR):

• - cross-border workers holding valid supporting documents;
• - carriers whose final destination is the Republic of Serbia or who take cargo from that State;
• - members of road passenger transport crews (buses and international passenger transport), either in transit or with final destination or stops in the Republic of Serbia;
• - flight crew of aircraft to the Republic of Serbia;
• - personnel of river vessels transporting goods to a Serbian port or in transit. In the case of upstream navigation, inland waterway transit through the territory of the Republic of Serbia is limited to a maximum of 90 hours from the time of entry into the territory of the Republic of Serbia for barges and 60 hours for ships, and in the case of downstream navigation is limited to 72 hours for barges and 54 hours for ships;
• - diplomatically agreed humanitarian convoys.

Presentation of a negative molecular test (PCR) for SARS-CoV-2-19 virus infection

 The MFA recalls that, in other cases, the entry of foreign nationals arriving from Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Northern Macedonia into the Republic of Serbia can only be achieved by presenting a negative molecular test (PCR) for SARS-CoV-2-19 virus infection. , performed no later than 48 hours before entry, in nationally accredited laboratories.