Serbia May Impose Visa Regime for Russian Citizens on EU Path

Serbia may establish a visa regime for Russian citizens, following the example of Montenegro, as part of its preparatory process for joining the Schengen Area. Serbia's Minister of European Integration, Nemanja Starović, announced that Belgrade aims to meet the necessary conditions by the end of 2027.

While he did not directly state that visas would be imposed on Russian citizens, joining the Schengen Area implies that Serbia must align its visa policies with the requirements of the union.

According to Starović, the Serbian government has created a special working group and approved a reform program. However, the minister considered full membership in the European Union unlikely before the end of the decade. Before accession, Belgrade intends to gradually achieve the free movement of people, goods, capital, and services.

At the end of July, Montenegro officially imposed a visa regime for citizens of Russia, Belarus, and several other countries that are not EU members. The restrictions are set to take effect on November 1.