{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624895,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:35"}},"data":{"country-iso":"RS","advisory-state":0,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Serbia","url-slug":"serbia","friendly-date":"February 19, 2014 17:22 ","advisory-text":"Exercise normal security precautions","recent-updates":"A minor editorial change was made.","advisories":"
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Serbia. Exercise normal security precautions.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>","security":"
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.<\/p>\n
You should exercise a high degree of caution in the areas bordering Kosovo due to the potential for political tensions and possible unrest.<\/p>\n
The incidence of street crime is similar to that elsewhere in Europe, particularly in urban centres. Pickpocketing occurs at airports, on public transportation and in other public places. Foreigners could be targeted by thieves. Car thieves target four-wheel-drive and luxury vehicles more than other models.<\/p>\n
Use common sense in determining the need to drive with car windows closed and doors locked. <\/p>\n
Demonstrations and roadblocks occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent, especially in the vicinity of official buildings and foreign embassies. Avoid all demonstrations, large gatherings and roadblocks, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local and international media.<\/p>\n
Special care should be taken in the areas that border Kosovo. Stay on the main roads as unexploded landmines and other unexploded ordnance remain in Serbia, particularly in the Presevo and Bujanovac districts (in southern Serbia).<\/p>\n
Secondary roads are often narrow and poorly maintained. The Ibarska Magistrala road is dangerous due to poor road conditions and traffic congestion. Expect delays along major or minor routes due to road construction.<\/p>\n
There have been incidents where police have targeted vehicles with foreign plates, often demanding immediate cash payment for alleged traffic violations. If stopped, request a full explanation and, if an explanation is not forthcoming, request permission to speak to the Embassy of Canada in Belgrade.<\/p>\n
Public transportation is often old and overcrowded, especially in Belgrade. Use only officially marked taxis and pre-negotiate fares where meter is not in use. Make use of the taxi reservation service in the baggage claim area of Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla airport in order to avoid being charged exorbitant rates for transportation to the city centre.<\/p>\n
Railway equipment is old. Trains are slow and often subject to delays. A number of companies offer domestic and international bus services. The larger firms have modern, well-maintained fleets.<\/p>\n
Consult our Transportation Safety<\/a> page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>\n Credit card fraud is common. See our Overseas Fraud<\/a> page for more information on scams abroad.<\/p>\n Parliamentary elections will take place on March 16, 2014. Demonstrations may occur in the period surrounding the elections. Avoid all protests and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.<\/p>\n Exercise a high degree of caution in all places. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times, particularly on public transportation and in large crowds or public markets. Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash.<\/p>\n Dial 192 for the police, 193 for firefighters, 194 for ambulance and 1987 for roadside assistance.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Serbian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of Serbia <\/a>or one of its consulates<\/a> for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n Canadians must present a passport<\/a> to visit Serbia, which must be valid for the expected duration of their stay in that country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.<\/p>\n It is important to get your passport stamped when entering and exiting Serbia.<\/p>\n You may not travel into Serbia from Kosovo, unless you initially entered Kosovo from Serbia. The Serbian immigration authorities have denied entry to travellers whose passports contained entry or exit stamps from Kosovo. If you plan to travel to Serbia by land, you should consider entering the country from a non-Kosovo crossing point.<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days<\/p>\n Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days<\/p>\n Student visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days<\/p>\n If you are planning to stay in private accommodations, you must register with local police within 48 hours of your arrival in the country. If you are still in Serbia after 90 days, you must return to the police to register again. Failure to do so could result in a fine or delays in departing the country.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tRabies<\/a> is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tTick-borne encephalitis<\/a> is a viral disease that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans by the bite of an infected tick. Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to tick bites (e.g., those spending time outdoors in wooded areas) while travelling in regions with risk of tick-borne encephalitis.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>Fraud<\/h3>\n
General safety information<\/h3>\n
Emergency services<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n
Visas<\/h3>\n
Children and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Rabies<\/summary>
Tick-borne encephalitis<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>