Serbia

Landlocked by turbulent eastern European countries and containing the notorious United Nations-administered hotspot of Kosovo, the newly independent Republic of Serbia (formerly part of Yugoslavia) has seemingly little to draw tourists. In fact, anyone planning to travel to Serbia will find it difficult to locate an up-to-date guide to the country or any information on what to expect beyond the confines of the capital city, Belgrade. The city itself, still scarred with the devastation of a long civil war, is lauded in travel literature mainly for its vibrant nightlife, although, being one of Europe's most ancient capitals, it has plenty of interest to offer sight-seers.

Those who are looking for a 'off-the-beaten track' explorative holiday will find Serbia extremely welcoming. The country boasts beautiful national parks, spa resorts and some of the best skiing in Europe during the winter months. Contained in the landscape of this verdant country are alpine meadows, impenetrable forests, glittering limestone caves, remote monasteries, mountain lakes, hot springs and fields of wild herbs.

Definitely not to be missed in Serbia is the magnificent Djerdap National Park, stretching along the right bank of the Danube River between Golubackigrad and the Sip Dam. The Djerdap Gorge is one of Europe's most spectacular geographic features.

During the winter months those in the know head for the mountains along the Ibar Highway, to the snow-blanketed peaks around the village of Kopaonik which is fast developing a reputation as being one of Europe's best, cheapest and cosiest ski resorts, ideal for beginners and intermediates, also featuring the Josanicka Banja spa.

Serbia may have been a 'no-go' area because of civil and ethnic warring for several generations, and parts of it remain unsafe for travellers, but there is plenty that is now open to be re-discovered in this Slavic enclave.

Climate

Northern Serbia experiences a continental climate with cold winters and hot, humid summers with well distributed rainfall. The central part of the country has continental and Mediterranean climates. The south experiences an Adriatic climate and along the coast, hot, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall inland.

Money

The currency of Serbia is the Serbian Dinar (RSD), which is divided into 100 para. Dinars are not accepted in Kosovo, where the Euro is the official currency and there are no money exchange facilities. Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted by most of the larger hotels and shops in Serbia. There are money exchange machines in Belgrade that accept Sterling, US Dollars and Euros. ATMs in the cities usually accept international bank cards.

Passport Visa

All visitors require a valid passport. Visitors may be requested to show a return or onward ticket, documents for the next destination and sufficient funds in hard currency to finance their stay. Visitors entering with tourist visas must also have hotel vouchers. Anyone staying longer than three days must register via a hotel or sponsor. Note: Entry to Serbia via Pristina Airport, Kosovo, has a different set of requirements, which visitors to Kosovo must check before travelling. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in Serbia.
• British visitors with passports endorsed 'British Citizen' or 'British National (Overseas)' do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in Serbia. All other British passport holders need a visa.
• Canadians do not require a visa to stay in Serbia for up to 90 days.
• Australians do not require a visa to stay in Serbia for up to 90 days.
• South Africans require a valid passport and visa to travel to Serbia.
• Irish nationals do not require a visa to visit Serbia for a stay of up to 90 days.
• New Zealand nationals do not require a visa to visit Serbia for a stay of up to 90 days.

Health

Serbia, in particular Kosovo, suffers from a shortage of medicines and essentials, and there are several health risks for travellers. Recommended vaccinations for visitors to Serbia are Hepatitis A and typhoid (except for very short-term visitors who restrict their meals to major restaurants and hotels). A reciprocal health care agreement entitles British nationals to free emergency treatment in Serbia, but comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors because of the insufficient and under-funded medical facilities. Cases of rabid foxes and dogs have been reported in parks and the outskirts of major cities, and bird flu has been identified in the Sombor area of north-eastern Serbia. Tap water and unbottled beverages should not be consumed, and food should be well prepared and well cooked. In the countryside precautions should be taken against tick infestation.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 332 0333.
• Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7235 9049.
• Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 6280.
• Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6290 2630.
• Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 5626.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Belgrade: +381 (0)11 361 9344.
• British Embassy, Belgrade: +381 (0)11 2645 055.
• Embassy of Canada, Belgrade: +381 (0)11 306 3000.
• Australian Embassy, Belgrade: +381 (0)11 330 3400.
• South African Embassy, Athens, Greece (also responsible for Serbia): +30 210 610 6645.
• Honorary Consul of Ireland, Belgrade: +381 (0)11 303 6096.