The Serbian passport currently permits visa-free entry to 140 countries, placing it at 35th on the global passport power index, as stated by Dušan Kozarev, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia.

Kozarev noted ongoing discussions aimed at establishing visa-free regimes with an additional 30 countries, which could potentially elevate Serbia's passport to among the most powerful in the world.

Kozarev elaborated that reaching a total of 140 countries with visa-free access would signify a significant milestone for Serbia’s travel document.

According to him, the current ranking is the highest the Serbian passport has ever achieved.

The Henley Passport Index highlights Singapore at the top of the rankings, allowing its citizens visa-free access to 193 countries; the United States ranks 10th, while China, Russia, and Turkey occupy the 64th, 49th, and 49th positions, respectively.

Recent developments include the establishment of a visa-free regime with Venezuela, marking progress in South America where only Guyana and Paraguay remain requiring visas for Serbian citizens.

Kozarev mentioned that several Central American nations, which are on the list of Schengen Area visa-free countries, are being engaged to develop bilateral relations under the Schengen agreement.

The upcoming Summit of the Organization of American States, attended by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić, presents further opportunities to advance visa negotiations with various countries.

In the coming weeks, Serbia is expected to finalize specific agreements with nations in Central America and the Caribbean region.

Kozarev also indicated a cautious approach in disclosing details of these discussions to maintain an element of surprise for the public, expressing optimism that the outcomes would exceed expectations.

Historically, the erstwhile red passport of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) reached its peak strength in the mid-1980s, allowing travel to numerous countries without visas, a situation with which Serbia seeks to re-establish connections due to its traditional relationships, particularly highlighted by the Non-Aligned Movement.

This diplomatic history was underlined during last year’s major conference attended by representatives from nearly all African nations, hosted by Serbia's president.

Kozarev acknowledged the enduring connections that exist, emphasizing the importance of maintaining friendships and interests while navigating the complexities stemming from the 1990s, marked by wars and sanctions that led to visa requirements.

He stressed the necessity of balancing the restoration of previously established relationships with ongoing commitments towards achieving full EU membership, particularly regarding visa policies.

While the past advantages of the SFRY passport allowed for widespread unhindered travel across Africa, current circumstances differ as not all African nations are included in the Schengen visa waiver list.

In instances where opportunities arise, Serbia aims to establish or renew visa-free arrangements where feasible.

Additionally, Kozarev highlighted the significant advancement made with the introduction of e-visas.

The first travelers, citizens from Lesotho, arrived at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport utilizing this new system.

This e-visa system currently applies to nationals from 46 countries, with an expectation of expanding the list to accommodate more nationalities in the future.

The new e-visa system, which facilitates online applications for entry into Serbia, is anticipated to impact tourism positively and support individuals wishing to visit, stay, and work in Serbia, particularly in relation to the Expo 2027. As it stands, citizens from 83 countries can enter Serbia without a visa, along with holders of Schengen, UK, and US visas and those with regulated residence in the Schengen zone, EU, and the US.