Serbia

Recommended Vaccinations For Serbia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in Serbia or where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Serbia

There are no recommendations for Serbia at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Serbia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Serbia through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Serbia.

For Some Travellers

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Serbia

Personal Safety

With respect to your personal safety, be cautious and always be aware of your surroundings in Serbia due to crime, especially near Kosovo. Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing, occurs in Belgrade and other towns in Serbia, particularly in public areas and at transportation hubs. Theft from vehicles also occurs. Signs of wealth, including driving luxury vehicles can put you at risk for theft. Be cautious when using a credit card. Credit card fraud is common in Serbia. Do not carry large sums of money, and ensure that your important travel documents, such as passport, are secure.

Same-sex relationships are legal in Serbia, and there are anti-discrimination laws. However, the level of public prejudice against LGBT+ people is still relatively high. Taking photographs of military and police installations, personnel or vehicles anywhere in Serbia may lead to arrest or difficulties with the authorities. There are strict penalties for possessing and trafficking drugs, including long prison sentences.

Extreme Violence

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities.Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Political Unrest

Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings as they are unpredictable and can become violent with little warning. There have been mass gatherings in Belgrade and other cities since May 2023.

Areas To Avoid

Because unexploded land mines remain in Serbia, do not stray from well-travelled roads, particularly in the Presevo and Bujanovac districts. Exercise caution in the areas bordering Kosovo due to the potential for political tensions and possible unrest. Exercise a high degree of caution and expect possible delays at the border with North Macedonia due to the migrant situation.