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Serbia Country Security Report

Published: February 12, 2026

This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Serbia Travel Advisory and Serbia International Travel Information Page.

Embassy & Consulate Contact Information

​​U.S. Embassy Belgrade

92 Bulevar kneza Aleksandra Karadjordjevica, 11040 Belgrade

Tel: +381-11-706-4000

Hours: 0830 – 1700, Monday – Friday

Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(381) (11) 706-4000

 

OSAC Country Chapter

 

Belgrade's OSAC Country Chapter comprises approximately 109 members.

Contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.

Serbia Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise increased caution in Serbia due to crime.

Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Crime

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Belgrade as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Serbia, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.

The crime emergency line in Serbia is 192. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Crime: General Threat

Violent crime rates, including homicides, remain relatively low in Serbia. In 2025, the homicide rate remained around 1.4 per 100,000, marking no major shift in violent crime rates from 2024. Youth crime, including “debut crimes” like assault, are also low. Property and opportunity crimes are of concern in densely populated urban centers, but the rate of theft and burglary did not significantly increase from 2024 to 2025.

Organized Crime (OC) groups, including those associated with Serbia’s major soccer clubs and regional narcotics trafficking networks, are the primary criminal threat in Serbia. Serbia is located on a significant trafficking route for illicit goods, including narcotics, into the EU. Drug cartels in Serbia and the Western Balkans are playing an increasing role in the coordination of larger, worldwide narcotics distribution networks, including from the Western Hemisphere. Violent crime in Serbia is usually linked to rival OC groups targeting each other for the spoils of organized crime, including control of narcotics networks. In the past, such violence has included targeted assassinations using firearms and explosives, and according to open-source reporting, has occasionally involved criminal groups from neighboring Montenegro and the Balkan region. Press and investigative journalism outlets have alleged connections between OC groups and government officials, who they claim allow these OC groups to operate with a degree of impunity in Serbia. As a result, they allege this results in few investigations, prosecutions, or convictions of OC figures. The European Commission, in its reports on Serbia’s rule of law reform efforts for EU accession, frequently calls on Serbia to do more to combat organized crime and official corruption.

Serbia is home to a large contingent of “sports fan clubs” that support Serbian professional sports teams. Club members are often 15-25 years old and commonly known as “football hooligans.” A number of these clubs have very strong ties to criminal, right-wing, and ultra-nationalist organizations. In February 2021, Serbian police and intelligence officials dismantled a major OC crime network associated with Belgrade-based Partizan football club. Authorities at times may struggle to curb violence inside particularly high-risk sporting events around their traditional venues. This risk also extends to sports pubs, where hooligans have attacked patrons or passersby for wearing an opposing team’s jersey. These hooligans are often involved in turf wars between criminal organizations and allegedly have strong ties with political structure in Serbia. The Embassy considers matches between certain teams, including Partizan and Red Star, to be higher risk events because of violence at previous games. While U.S. citizens have not been targeted in the past, in a few isolated cases non-Serbians have been the victims of sports-related violence. Use caution when attending local soccer matches and even being near soccer arenas on gameday.

Vehicle theft is also a concern. Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz, and BMW vehicles are popular targets for thieves. Unattended or unlocked cars with items visible from the outside often fall victim to crimes of opportunity. Consider using secondary locking devices (e.g., steering wheel or transmission locks) and fuel kill switches, as thieves can overcome vehicle alarm systems easily; criminals and the public generally ignore audible vehicle alarms.

Crime: Areas of Concern

Street crime is a common occurrence in Belgrade. Most crimes against visitors are crimes of opportunity.

Residential burglaries are not specific to certain areas of the city; affluent communities, despite increased police presence and security, are susceptible to these crimes. Most incidents occur while occupants are away from home, so residents should ensure they lock all doors and use alarm systems.

Pickpocketing in tourist areas is common, especially on the central pedestrian street Knez Mihailova, at the Kalemegdan Fortress, and on the public transportation system. Criminals often work in well-orchestrated groups, using distraction and misdirection techniques to steal from unsuspecting victims. Tourists should also pay attention to taxi meters and listed fares as some taxi drivers may try to scam foreigners and charge higher rates.

Serbia is known for its vibrant nightlife. Belgrade is a major destination for European partygoers who seek out its restaurants, pubs, bars, clubs, and floating discos (splav). A number of these establishments owned by Balkan OC elements serve as social clubs and bases of operation for criminal gang members. Be mindful of your personal safety and avoid confrontations in Belgrade nightlife establishments.

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.           

Kidnapping Threat

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Serbia.

 

Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.

Terrorism

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Belgrade as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Serbia.

Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists worldwide are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, rudimentary Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. They may target high-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.); hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists; places of worship; schools; parks; tourism infrastructure; shopping malls and markets; and public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights).

Because Belgrade sits on the land route between the Middle East and Western Europe, transnational/international terrorism concerns are on par with the rest of the Balkans. With no Islamic terrorist attacks in 2025, the main concerns in Serbia were bomb threats, political-radicalization, and ethnic conflict. In June 2024 a Serbian Gendarme guarding the Embassy of Israel was shot with a crossbow in what the Serbian government labeled a terrorist attack. This was deemed to be a “lone wolf” operation.  In late 2025, a Serbian man fired a handgun and attempted to set fire to a protest area in front of the Serbian Parliament, an act classified by officials as a “terrorist act with political motives.” Weeks later, a citizen of Kosovo was shot near the Kosovo-Serbia border; Kosovo officials claimed the event was “state-tolerated terrorism.”

Authorities are sensitive to, and intolerant of transnational terrorism. Attempts at robust border control have produced mixed results, but Serbia is building its counterterrorism efforts in cooperation with the United States and international partners. Illegal migration, including the alleged involvement of “extremist” and organized criminal groups, presents a challenge to Serbian law enforcement and border security.

Political Violence and Civil Unrest

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Belgrade as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Serbia. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent. A large-scale, student-led, anti-corruption movement in Serbia gained ground following the collapse of a train station in the northern city of Novi Sad in November 2024, and protests stemming from this movement continued throughout 2025.

Elections/Political Stability

The Republic of Serbia is a constitutional, multiparty, parliamentary democracy, led by a president. The country held presidential elections in 2022 and snap parliamentary elections in December 2023. International observers stated parliamentary elections were well-administered, but dominated by involvement from the president, which created unjust conditions in favor of the ruling party. Additionally, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODHIR) noted that the frequency of early elections has eroded public confidence in Serbia’s democratic institutions.

In 2022, Aleksandar Vucic was elected president with approximately 60% of the vote in the first round. International observers stated that the presidential election was mostly free, but that campaigning ahead of these elections was tilted to benefit the ruling party.

The December 2023 parliamentary elections took place against a backdrop of intensified polarization following strikes and large-scale weekly “Serbia against Violence” protests, which were triggered by two mass shootings in May 2023. A coalition led by President Aleksandar Vucic’s Serbian Progressive Party won a majority, with more than 46% of the vote. Serbia’s Electoral Commission published the official result in January 2024, after voting was repeated at eight polling stations, though repeat voting did not change the outcome.

While the next regular parliamentary election is not due to be held until December 31, 2027, increased political pressure following a year of domestic student-led protests following the November 1, 2024, Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse which killed 16 people has spurred speculation, including from President Vucic, that elections will take place in 2026.

Protests & Demonstrations

Demonstrations by students, political parties, unions, and other groups protesting government policies, economic issues, and regional concerns occur frequently in front of government buildings. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. In March 2025, Belgrade saw what many described as the largest demonstration in modern Serbian history, with estimates ranging from 275,000 to over 325,000 participants. During this rally, a minor stampede occurred after an unusual and disturbing noise was heard. Protesters and investigative organizations alleged the government used a long-range acoustic device (LRAD) or "sound cannon" against the crowd, which the authorities denied. Tensions recurred in June during a protest of an estimated 140,000 people in Belgrade; violent confrontations between riot police and demonstrators led to dozens of injuries and hundreds of detentions in July and August.

Such demonstrations continue, although smaller, more sporadic, and often less intense than in the first half of 2025. These protests thus far have largely remained non-violent, and the police have exercised considerable restraint in managing massive crowds; there also have been incidents involving vehicles, tear gas, projectiles, and riot police, however, and the possibility that protests could turn violent always exists. Maintain caution if within the vicinity of demonstrations. There is often a heavier-than-usual police presence near demonstrations and traffic may slow or stop until well after any demonstration ends.

Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

While Serbian citizens are generally welcoming to visitors, anti-U.S. sentiment is widespread and can be more prevalent around certain anniversaries and some national holidays, including February 17 (anniversary of Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence), between March 24 and June 10 (the anniversary of the 1999 NATO air campaign against Yugoslavia in response to events in Kosovo), and potentially June 28 (St. Vitus’s Day or Vidovdan). Several nationalist organizations with varying levels of xenophobia direct efforts against U.S. nationals and other foreigners. Anti-U.S. and anti-NATO graffiti is visible throughout Belgrade. Many Serbians blame the United States and U.S. nationals for the NATO bombing campaign in 1999, and for Kosovar independence in 2008.

Law Enforcement

The national police maintain internal security and are under the control of the Interior Ministry. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. Members of the security forces have committed some abuses.

The United States and Western European countries provide significant training in criminal investigation, combatting organized crime, and anti-terrorist operations.

Police Response

Emergency services are only available in the larger cities and are not universal. Response times vary greatly. Use of the English language is passively used among the population, including police members. The police emergency line in Serbia is 192.

Transportation Security

Road Safety

The emergency road assistance line in Serbia is 1987. Within Belgrade, some roads lack proper maintenance and markings and often have many potholes. Flooding occurs due to poor drainage, even in areas at a high elevation. Roads are often too narrow for larger vehicles to drive within the marked lanes. Parking is difficult due to small spaces. Some secondary roads, particularly in the mountainous south, are in poor repair and not clear of snow (or are closed entirely) during the winter.  

Driving is a challenging experience; impatient drivers coupled with high speed, reckless/aggressive driving, and sometimes ambiguous lanes make for a dangerous mix. Many accidents involve driving under the influence, aggressive driving, and not yielding to a pedestrian right of way. Aggressive drivers sometimes follow and taunt other drivers and may get out of the car to escalate a conflict. Because Serbia is a popular transit country, foreign motorists who have driven long hours from their home countries pose a risk on Serbian roads, as they may fall asleep at the wheel, and may congregate at crowded border crossings, especially at holiday peak travel seasons.  

Exercise caution on roads in southern Serbia in the winter, especially along Serbia’s Ibarska Magistrala (Route 22), the highway between Belgrade and Čačak, because of the higher rate of accidents. Winter fog significantly reduces visibility and is especially heavy in the Vojvodina region between Belgrade and the Hungarian border.  

Police strictly enforce parking laws that require drivers to pay for parking via text messaging. Payment instructions are located on parking signs within the designated parking areas. Serbia has also established new traffic legislation to conform to EU standards.  

It is common practice for those in a vehicular accident to remain at the point of impact until the police arrive. This causes unnecessary backups, as even minor fender-benders block roads. If an accident takes place in a rural location, emergency medical response may take a significantly longer time to respond and may not meet Western standards. 

Seatbelts must be worn while driving or riding in a car, and mobile phone use is not permitted while driving except with a hands-free system. Travelers can use a U.S. driver’s license with an international driving permit for up to six months, after which time they must obtain a Serbian driver’s license.  

Drivers with a blood alcohol level higher than 0.02% are considered intoxicated and face arrest, prosecution, and fines. 

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.  

Public Transportation Safety

Belgrade has extensive public transportation networks with intercity bus and tram service. As of January 2025, public transportation in Belgrade is free. Buses are often crowded, and some routes and vehicles are poorly maintained. 

Taxis are readily available from most street corners within Belgrade. Riders can contact reputable taxi services in advance to request transportation and avoid unscrupulous and/or unregistered drivers. Looking to take advantage of unwitting travelers, unregistered taxis often have either no meters or tampered ones set to calculate exorbitant rates. Ridesharing mobile apps are available in Belgrade, but they are currently unregulated and widely used.

Travelers from Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) should disregard private taxi drivers soliciting service when exiting the terminal. Instead, proceed to the taxi desk by the exit to receive a flat-rate invoice determined by the rider’s destination. There are at least three bus lines that can take travelers downtown or to the main railway station. 

Aviation Concerns

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Serbian government’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Serbia’s air carrier operations. 

Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Maritime Security

Serbia has implemented river information services in the Danube and Sava Rivers, and has completed a number of projects for vessel tracking and tracing, display of electronic navigational charts, and safety notices. Developed as an open system, this is available to all users of Serbian waterways. Despite the progress, the river infrastructure still requires more investment. Severe winter weather conditions lead to the disruption of navigation due to river surface icing or thick fog.  

Travelers with Special Considerations

For specific traveler concerns in Serbia, review the local laws and circumstances on the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information Page.

 

Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Serbia.  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.

There is a widespread public perception in Serbia that the law is not being implemented consistently and systematically, and that some high-level officials engage in corrupt practices with impunity. There have been numerous reports of government corruption. The government has reported an increase in prosecution of low- to mid-level corruption cases, money laundering, and economic crimes cases, largely through the use of authorities permitted under the law and based on technical assistance and training provided by international donors. Even so, corruption is prevalent in many areas and remains a problem of concern.

While the legal framework for fighting corruption is broadly in place, anticorruption entities typically lack adequate personnel and are not integrated with other judicial entities, which inhibits information and evidence sharing with the prosecution service. The Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO) 2024 Annual Report assessed that Serbia has made progress and adopted a national anti-corruption strategy (2024-2028) in July of 2024.  GRECO’s 2024 report stated that Serbia still needed to begin implementing the accompanying action plan, and stated that out of 24 recommendations, one recommendation had been fully met, and 10 had been partially met.

Despite the government’s publicly stated commitment to fighting corruption, both the country’s Anticorruption Council and the NGO Transparency Serbia continue to point to a lack of governmental transparency.

U.S. firms interested in doing business or investing in Serbia are advised to perform due diligence before concluding business deals. Legal audits generally are consistent with international standards, using information gathered from public books, the register of fixed assets, the court register, the statistical register, as well as from the firm itself, chambers, and other sources. Corruption may be reported to officers at any police station. If dedicated anti-corruption law-enforcement personnel are not available, the officer in charge is required to contact Anti-Corruption Police personnel to report the location so that a complaint may be filed.

Health Concerns

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Serbia. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters. 

The medical emergency line is 194, but this may not be available in large parts of rural Serbia. Although many doctors and health care providers are highly trained, equipment and hygiene in hospitals, clinics, and ambulances are limited, and are not up to Western standards. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.  

Ambulance services are not widely available, and training, ambulance equipment, and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. 

Consider supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation (medevac). Hospitals usually require payment in cash for all services and may not accept U.S. health insurance. Some private hospitals may require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.  

U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died while seeking medical care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Serbia. Homeopathy, herbal remedies, and other non-traditional treatments are practiced in Serbia and promoted as natural alternatives to traditional medicine. Ensure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.

See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.

Vaccinations

In addition to routine childhood and adult immunizations, the following vaccines are recommended:  

  • Hepatitis A—Recommended for: all travelers.  
  • Hepatitis B—Recommended for: prolonged stays; frequent short stays in this or other high-risk countries; adventure travelers; the possibility of acupuncture, dental work, or tattooing; all health care workers; the possibility of a new sexual partner during stay; and travelers with high potential to seek medical care in local facilities. Consider for short stays in travelers desiring maximum pre-travel preparation. Increased awareness is recommended regarding safe sex and body fluid/blood precautions.  
  • Rabies—Risk from wildlife and domestic animals exist throughout the country. Recommended for: occupational exposure; children with prolonged stays; adventure travelers, hikers, cave explorers, and backpackers, especially individuals who will be more than 24 hours travel from a reliable source of human rabies immune globulin and rabies vaccine for post-exposure treatment. Take fox and dog bites or scratches seriously while in this country and seek post-exposure prophylaxis even if already immunized.  
  • Influenza—Flu (including 2009 H1N1) is transmitted from November to April (although off-season transmission can occur), and all travelers are at increased risk. Recommended for: all travelers during flu season. Consider a standby treatment course of oseltamivir for unvaccinated travelers, especially those who are at high risk for complications from influenza.  
  • Tick-borne Encephalitis—Risk exists in some rural areas. Sporadic areas of risk are reported mostly in the Danube Valley west of Belgrade, but specific current epidemiologic data are unavailable. Transmission occurs from April through December. Consider for: long-term expatriates and short- or long-stay travel that is anticipated to include extensive hiking, camping, or other outdoor activities in rural areas with potential risk. Vaccine is only available in Europe (and by special release in Australia). Tick precautions are recommended.  
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella—Due to diminishing vaccine coverage in Serbia and/or recurring regional outbreaks, immunity is particularly important for travel to this destination. 2 doses of MMR provide protection. Children between 6-11 months should get an extra dose of MMR. Children between 12 months and age 4 should receive 2 doses of MMR, at least 4 weeks apart, because of the increased risk of measles in Serbia.  

Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

Issues Traveling with Medications

Those on therapy for chronic illness should have enough medicine for their entire stay, as the medicine might not be available locally. It is also recommended to bring the most recent physician report to justify the therapy.  

U.S. name-brand medicines are often unavailable in Serbia. However, many medicines and basic medical supplies are available at private pharmacies. 

Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.  

Water Quality

​The water in Belgrade is potable. Please note that this potability determination pertains only to Belgrade proper and does not extend to all of Serbia. There is wide variability among water treatment facilities throughout Serbia. Use either bottled water or other purified water when traveling outside of Belgrade. 

Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

Natural Disasters

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Serbia.

 

The State Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations rates Belgrade as a Level 3 (high) seismically active area. Flooding along the Danube and Sava Rivers is also a seasonal hazard. 

Cybersecurity

Internet-based crime and cybercrime in Serbia is an issue, with the most common types including online fraud and forgery, abuse of payment cards, and unauthorized access to computers and networks. Serbia has identified cybercrime as a growing threat in connection with money laundering, especially through a type of online fraud which consists of email account “hijackings” and fraudulent account changes, typically initiated by email. Companies in various industries have been targets, resulting in substantial fraudulent money transfers to foreign accounts. In these cases, criminal money flows are difficult to trace as they convert into virtual currencies. The skill level of cybercriminals varies widely; a subset of these criminals can pose a threat to travelers and organizations with inadequate security postures.

Serbia adopted a new Law on Information Security (Zakon o informacionoj bezbednosti) in late 2025, aligning its national framework with the EU’s strict NIS2 Directive and replacing the previous 2016 law to cover a wider range of industries. This legislation broadens the scope of regulated entities to include both "essential" and "important" sectors, enhancing cybersecurity requirements for critical infrastructure, risk management, and incident reporting. While adopted in late 2025, secondary legislation is necessary to fully implement the framework. 

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.

Counter-intelligence Issues

Be mindful of having sensitive conversations in public, especially online, as the expectation of privacy is always diminished. Do not leave personal electronic items unattended in hotel rooms.  

Serbia has a significant amount of advanced manufacturing and IT industry and invests substantially to attract foreign direct investments, especially in the automotive, mining, and IT sectors. Industrial and commercial espionage can be a concern, for example, during tendering procedures. Serbia’s Law on the Protection of Business Secrets prescribes maximum penalties of around $30,000 for revealing business secrets for companies, plus additional $2,000 for the employee responsible for the leakage in the company. 

Intellectual property rights (IPR) protection is less of a concern than in the previous two decades. Serbia’s IPR legislation is modern but more consistent adherence to EU foreign policy, including sanctions is needed. According to the EU’s 2025 Progress Report, Serbia has a good level of preparation on intellectual property rights to align with the EU acquis, but there is growing skepticism from Brussels, noting limited progress in key areas and calling for a renewed commitment to democratic reforms, particularly in the electoral framework. The report noted that Serbia should, in the coming years, harmonize copyright and related legislation with the EU directives on collective rights management. It also noted that Serbia should strengthen enforcement, by improving capacities and further increasing coordination with different stakeholders.  

Import/Export Restrictions

Exports of goods from Serbia to Kosovo are subject to special conditions and periodic friction stemming from the ongoing dispute over Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia, which Serbia has never recognized. From November 2018 through March 2020, Kosovo imposed 100% tariffs on all Serbian-origin goods entering Kosovo, which caused a virtual halt of shipments of goods. While trade has since resumed, significant non-tariff trade barriers remain between the two countries. For example, Kosovo has in the past, including briefly in 2020, enforced a requirement to identify the “Republic of Kosovo” as the destination on officially-issued export documents – a requirement with which Serbian authorities refuse to comply, insisting instead on the formulation “Kosovo and Metohija” or simply “Kosovo”.

Drones under 250 grams and with maximum speeds below 20/m per second (~72kph) and a maximum range of 100m are generally exempt from registration, provided they aren’t for commercial use or flown in sensitive areas.  MOD and MOI consent may be needed by Customs if the drone exceeds these requirements. Apart from Customs procedures, to operate a drone that exceeds the above limitations, Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD) registration is required.

A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.

Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.

 

 

 

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