Serbia Visa for UAE Residents with Philippine Passport (2025 Guide)
If you're a Philippine national living in the Emirates and want to explore the historic charm and cultural beauty of Serbia, then this guide is specially for you. Serbia is a fast-growing travel destination in the heart of Europe. Philippine nationals who are living in the United Arab Emirates can apply for a Serbia visa with simple and easy steps.
Although Serbia doesn't allow visa-free entrance to Philippine nationals, you can apply online easily. There is no need to pay an agent or anyone. You just need an internet connection and a mobile device or laptop to apply. In this article, we will cover Serbia visa costs, requirements, documents required, travel tips, how to apply, and many more.
Serbia Visa At a Glance
Visa Required
Yes, for Philippine passport holders in UAE
Visa Free Option
If you hold valid Schengen, US, or UK visa
Processing Time
5-10 business days (standard)
Visa Cost
AED 180-250 (tourist visa)
Do UAE Residents Need a Visa to Visit Serbia?
The most important question which comes in everyone's mind: do UAE residents really need a visa to visit Serbia or is it visa-free? UAE residents with Philippine passport need a visa to enter Serbia. If they hold other valid visas like Schengen, US, or UK visa then they can enter Serbia visa-free and can stay for up to 90 days. The visit can be extended to 180 days if required.
Who is Eligible for Visa?
If you are living in the United Arab Emirates, you're eligible to get a Serbia visa if:
- You hold a valid and original Philippine passport
- Hold a valid UAE residence visa (Emirates ID)
- You don't have a valid Schengen, US, or UK multiple entry visa
Important Note:
Even if you have a UAE residence visa, you still need a Serbian visa as a Philippine passport holder unless you have a valid Schengen, US, or UK visa.
Documents Required To Apply For Serbian Visa Online
Before traveling to Serbia, make sure you have all necessary documents in hand. Any fake or misprinted documents may cause your visa rejection.
Required Documents Checklist
| Documents | Description |
|---|---|
| Passport | Minimum 6 months of validity with 2 or more blank pages |
| Residence Visa | Hold a valid UAE residence visa or Emirates ID. It must be valid before 3 months of travel. |
| Visa Application Form | Completed and signed visa application form. You can also download it online. |
| Passport Size Photos | 2 Passport Size Photos With White Background |
| Travel | Must have return ticket |
| Hotel Booking | Advance hotel booking before travel needed. |
| Invitation Letter or Cover Letter | It is mandatory if you're visiting family, friends or attending an event. |
| Travel Insurance | Minimum 20,000 Euro Coverage is valid in Serbia |
| Proof of Financial Means | Recent bank statement for at least 3 to 6 months |
| NOC (No Objection Letter) | You can get it from employer or sponsor if required |
| Visa Fee Payment Receipt | Paid in AED at Serbia Embassy in UAE. |
How To Apply For Serbia Visa As UAE Resident
When you have gathered all necessary items and documents, let's uncover how to apply for the visa online.
7-Step Application Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Verify if you qualify for visa-free entry with other visas
Step 2: Download Form
Get the application form from the official Serbia Embassy website
Step 3: Prepare Documents
Collect all required documents as per checklist
Step 4: Book Appointment
Schedule online appointment at Serbia Embassy
Step 5: Visit Embassy
Submit documents and pay visa fee (AED 180-250)
Step 6: Wait Processing
Processing takes 5-10 business days typically
Step 7: Collect Passport
Receive your passport with visa stamp when approved
Step 01: Check if you qualify for the visa-free entry
If you already hold a Schengen, US, or UK valid visa then you don't need a visa to enter Serbia. You can go visa-free.
Step 02: Download & Fill the Application Form
Download the visa application form through the website of Serbia Embassy. Fill out the application carefully. If you make a mistake, download and fill again.
Step 03: Prepare Your Documents
Collect all your necessary documents like Emirates ID, visa copy, Passport, Photos, and more.
Step 04: Book An Appointment
Book an online visa appointment at Serbia embassy Abu Dhabi website online. No walk-in, only online appointment is booked.
Step 05: Visit Embassy
Submit the hard copies of your application and documents at embassy. Pay visa fee which is around AED 180 to 250.
Step 06: Wait for Processing
It may usually take around 5 to 10 working days for your visa processing. But it can vary according to visa cases and files.
Step 07: Collect your Passport
When your visa is approved they will call or email you. Visit Serbia embassy and collect your passport with visa stamp. Make sure visa stamp is there.
Important Reminder:
As of 2025, Serbia doesn't offer any e-visa option for UAE residents with Philippines passport. You must submit your application in person at the Serbia Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
What is the Cost Of Serbia Visa For UAE Residents in 2025?
The actual cost of visa depends upon its type. Like it depends whether it is tourist visa, business visa, work visa or any other. Here is the approximate cost.
| Visa Type | Visa Fee Approximate |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | AED 180-250 |
| Business Visa | AED 220-280 |
Note: All fees are only paid at embassy of Serbia in Abu Dhabi & are subject to change. Always confirm at the time of appointment.
What is The Visa Processing Time For Serbia?
It depends on season and visa files. Like if there are lot of files at the Embassy it can delay your process. Usually it takes 5 to 10 working days.
- Standard Time: 5 to 10 Business Days
- Peak Season time: 5 to 15 Business Days
Helpful Tip:
To avoid any delay in your visa process always apply 3 to 4 months before traveling.
Embassy of Serbia in UAE Contact Details
Embassy of Serbia is located in capital of UAE Abu Dhabi. Here are the contact details.
- Location: Villa No. 14, Sector 24, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi
- Phone: +971 2 445 1280
- Email: embassy.abudhabi@mfa.rs
- Website: emirates.mfa.gov.rs
Travel Tips For Philippine Nationals Visiting Serbia
Here are the best advices from the travelers who already visited Serbia. These tips and hacks can help you a lot and save time.
- Carry multiple hard and soft copies of all necessary and required documents always.
- Make sure your UAE residence visa and passport remains valid during your visa journey to avoid any conflict.
- Confirm COVID vaccine or health requirements at the embassy before departure to Serbia.
- Exchange currency into RSD (Serbian Dinar) within the UAE for better rates.
- Learn basic Serbian phrases as English may not be widely spoken in all areas.
- Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly as Serbia has distinct seasons.
- Purchase a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data and calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Philippine passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Serbia. You must apply for and obtain a visa before your travel from the Serbian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
With a standard Serbian tourist visa, Philippine passport holders can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you enter visa-free with a valid Schengen, US, or UK visa, the same 90-day limit applies.
No, the Serbian Embassy is located only in Abu Dhabi. All visa applications from UAE residents must be submitted at the embassy in Abu Dhabi, regardless of which emirate you reside in.
Typically, no interview is required for Serbian tourist visas. However, the embassy may request an interview in certain cases or for specific visa types like work or study visas.
A Serbian tourist visa is usually valid for the duration of your intended stay (up to 90 days) with single or multiple entries as specified in your application. The exact validity is at the discretion of the embassy.
In exceptional cases, you may apply for visa extension at the local police station in Serbia before your current visa expires. However, extensions are rarely granted for tourist visas, so it's better to plan your travel within the original visa validity.
Your UAE residence visa should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned return from Serbia. If it's expiring soon, renew your UAE residence visa before applying for the Serbian visa.
Yes, travel insurance with minimum coverage of €20,000 valid in Serbia is mandatory for your visa application. The insurance should cover medical expenses and repatriation.
No, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Serbia. If your passport is expiring soon, renew your Philippine passport first before applying for the visa.
You need two recent passport-sized (35x45mm) color photos with white background. The photos should be less than 6 months old, show full face without sunglasses or head covering (except for religious reasons).
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Final Words
Serbia is the beautiful gem in Europe that needs to be discovered. As a Filipino national living in the United Arab Emirates, you can visit Serbia easily and anytime. Always make sure to maintain accuracy and valid documentation. Always prepare everything before 3 to 4 months from the time of traveling. Don't forget to share this guide with your fellow kabayans in the UAE!
