Updated October 22, 2021
Please read our Frequently Asked Questions for the latest information about COVID-19 related travel restrictions and visa services in Serbia.
The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade is now processing all categories of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas.
Please be aware that the U.S. Embassy Belgrade remains unable to resume routine visa operations at pre-COVID-19 levels. We are currently offering as many immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments as local conditions, resources, and safety considerations allow. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a significant backlog of visa applicants awaiting a visa interview. We encourage all applicants to be mindful of the constraints and apply early.
We are accepting nonimmigrant visa applications ONLY from citizens or permanent residents of Serbia. Nonimmigrant visa appointments made by non-residents will be cancelled. We are accepting immigrant visa applications ONLY from applicants resident in Serbia or Montenegro.
Routine Tourist and Business Travel
Availability for B visa appointments for routine tourist and business travel is EXTREMELY LIMITED. With respect to visa services, immigrant and fiancée visas, are our highest priority. Remaining capacity for nonimmigrant visa services will be prioritized for A, G, F, M, J, E, H, I, L, O, P, and C1/D categories. As capacity and local COVID-19 conditions allow, limited numbers of B visa appointments will be available through the online appointment system, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Appointments can be made ONLY through the online appointment system.
Geographical COVID-19 Presidential Proclamations remain in effect
Several geographical COVID-19 Proclamations remain in effect. Please find more information about these geographic proclamations in the appropriate visa services page, found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news.html
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus, you must reschedule your visa appointment through our Appointment Service Website. If you were physically present in one of the restricted areas subject to the Presidential Proclamation (e.g. Schengen Area), you must reschedule your appointment after the required 14-day quarantine period.
Nonimmigrant Visa Fee Payment Extension
The validity of nonimmigrant MRV payments has been extended until September 30, 2023. Visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you wish to apply for a visa at another Embassy or Consulate, you will be required to pay a new MRV fee and complete a new Form DS-160.
CDC Requirements for Entry into the United States
For the most up to date information regarding CDC entry requirements please visit the CDC website.
Emergency Travel
If you have an emergency for which you need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at our Appointment Service Website to request an expedited appointment. Requests for expedited appointments will only be considered if they are submitted through the Appointment Service Website. Please note that expedite requests are approved only when there is a humanitarian need for travel, such as for critical medical treatment. Expedite requests will not be approved for applicants not resident in Serbia.
Denied Boarding
Please note, all individuals are reminded that their admission into the United States remains subject to a determination by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at ports of entry, and that they may be subject to a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. Passengers are able to enter the United States at any port of entry. The Embassy is aware that valid visa holders have been denied boarding by airlines or denied entry into the United States by CBP. The Embassy cannot assist you in getting approval for boarding or entry into the United States. Questions regarding denial of boarding are handled via the DHS redress system – to access this system please go to https://www.dhs.gov/dhs-trip.
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
See our Directory of Visa Categories on usvisas.state.gov to determine which visa category might be appropriate for your purpose of travel to the United States.
Nonimmigrant Visas
Travel to the United States on a temporary basis, including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange.
Immigrant Visas
For foreign citizens who want to live permanently in the United States.
What is a Visa?
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States.
(Note: U.S. citizens don’t need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit.).
Contact Us
Consular services are available by appointment only.
For all information about U.S. visas please visit the Official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service (https://ais.usvisa-info.com) for nonimmigrant (https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-rs/niv) and immigrant (https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-rs/iv) visas.
For specific questions about nonimmigrant visa cases after the visa interview email us at consbelgrade@state.gov.
For questions about immigrant visa applications, immigrant visa petitions, diversity visa program (DV Lottery), fiancé(e) visas, returning resident visas, transportation letters, boarding foils for lawful permanent residents and immigrant visa waivers, please contact the immigrant visa unit by email belgradeiv@state.gov .
Customer Service Statement
The Department of State manages the visa process strictly but fairly in order to best protect the United States. We are committed to the essential openness for which the United States has always been known. Travel to the United States is welcomed and encouraged.
We promise to you, the visa applicant, that:
- We will treat you with dignity and respect, even if we are unable to grant you a visa.
- We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique.
- We will remember that, to you, a visa interview may be a new or intimidating experience and that you may be nervous.
- We will use the limited time available for the interview to get as full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions.
- We will use our available resources to fairly assist all applicants to get appointments to allow travel in time for business, study, and other important obligations.
- We will post detailed and accurate information on visa requirements and application procedures on every Embassy and Consulate website.
- We will provide information on non-immigrant appointment waiting times at every Embassy and Consulate posted on http://travel.state.gov.
- We will explain the reason for any visa denial to you.
Furthermore, if you are a:
- Student, we will make every effort to ensure that you get an appointment and, if qualified, a visa in time to start classes.
- Medical and humanitarian emergency traveler, we will expedite processing for those dealing with life threatening emergencies.
- Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business.
At the same time, we expect you, the visa applicant, to:
- Plan your travel and visa application as far in advance as possible.
- Complete your application fully and accurately.
- Be forthcoming about your purpose and plans.
- Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.
