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Serbian citizens preparing to travel to the European Union should be aware of several significant changes that will soon impact their journeys. While the current visa-free regime remains intact — allowing Serbian passport holders to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period — upcoming EU-wide reforms will introduce a range of new digital systems and procedures.
Option Trip – Starting October 12, 2025, the European Union will officially implement the Entry/Exit System (EES), a large-scale IT infrastructure designed to replace passport stamps with biometric identification. Upon arrival at a Schengen border, Serbian travelers — like all other non-EU citizens — will be required to scan their fingerprints and facial image. The EES will automatically register each entry and exit, as well as track any overstays. This change will mark the end of traditional passport stamping and aims to streamline border control processes. More details on the EES can be found on Wikipedia and through BalkanTravel.rs.
One year later, another major reform will take effect. By the end of 2026, Serbian citizens will be subject to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Though it is not a visa, ETIAS is a mandatory electronic travel authorization, similar to the U.S. ESTA program. Serbian travelers will be required to complete an online application, pay a €7 fee, and receive electronic approval before traveling to the EU. The authorization will be valid for three years or until the expiration of the applicant’s passport, whichever comes first. Further information is available on etiasauthorisation.com and Wikipedia.
As of October 13, 2024, visa-free travel has also been extended to holders of Serbian biometric passports issued by the Coordination Directorate — a change that affects many ethnic Serbs and residents of Kosovo. The European Council approved this step as part of wider efforts to eliminate disparities in freedom of movement among Serbian passport holders. The official announcement is available on the Council of the EU website, with background coverage from EY Global.
Meanwhile, in a major financial development, Serbia officially joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) in May 2025. This change allows Serbian citizens and companies to make euro-denominated bank transfers across the EU with reduced fees and increased efficiency. The inclusion was welcomed by the European Commission and is expected to strengthen Serbia’s economic integration with Europe. See the European Commission announcement for more information.
Another significant area of change relates to Serbia’s visa policy alignment with the EU. Under pressure from Brussels, Serbia has begun the process of harmonizing its visa rules with those of the Union, particularly concerning citizens from third countries. This measure aims to reduce irregular migration into the EU through Serbia and is part of broader political negotiations. Updates on this topic can be found on Kosovo Online.
In addition, the EU is currently reviewing reforms to air passenger rights that may impact Serbian travelers. If enacted, the changes would revise compensation rules for delayed or cancelled flights operated by EU airlines, potentially reducing entitlements for affected passengers. The draft regulation is described on Wikipedia and will undergo further negotiation among EU institutions.
Taken together, these developments mean that while Serbian travelers can still enjoy visa-free access to Europe, they must prepare for a new era of digitally monitored and regulated movement. From biometric screenings and electronic pre-authorizations to harmonized financial systems and shifting airline regulations, the freedom to travel across the continent will require more planning and compliance than ever before. By staying informed and understanding the upcoming obligations, Serbian citizens can continue to benefit from European integration while adapting to the next generation of EU border management.