Serbian Passport Set to Rank Among the World's Most Powerful
Travel without visas to 140 countries, with negotiations underway for additional agreements.
The Serbian passport currently grants visa-free access to 140 countries, positioning it among the 35 most powerful passports globally according to the Henley Passport Index.
Dušan Kozarev, Secretary General of Serbia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced ongoing discussions aimed at establishing a visa-free regime with an additional 30 countries, which could significantly enhance the passport's global standing.
Kozarev stated that achieving visa-free access to these additional nations would potentially elevate the Serbian passport to one of the world's most powerful travel documents.
He highlighted that the current ranking marks the highest level the Serbian passport has reached, enabling ordinary passport holders to enter 140 countries without a visa.
Among the countries under negotiation for visa-free travel are several traditional and significant destinations favored by Serbian citizens.
Discussions are being held with representatives from over thirty nations worldwide, including the United Kingdom.
According to the Henley Index, which ranks passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a visa, Singapore is currently at the top, allowing its citizens to travel to 193 countries.
The United States ranks tenth, while China is in sixty-fourth place, and both Russia and Turkey are ranked forty-ninth.
Kozarev recently announced that a visa-free regime with Venezuela has been established, leaving only Guyana and Paraguay in South America where visas are still required.
In Central America, discussions are ongoing with countries whose citizens do not need visas for the European Union, as they are on the Schengen list.
The upcoming Summit of the Organization of American States, where Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić will participate, is cited as a significant opportunity to forge further visa-free arrangements.
Over the next few weeks, Serbia aims to finalize agreements with countries from Central America and the Caribbean.
Further details regarding these negotiations are not disclosed to maintain an element of surprise for Serbian citizens.
Kozarev expressed optimism about the outcomes exceeding initial expectations.
He also referenced the former Yugoslav passport, which in the mid-1980s allowed visa-free travel to a wide range of countries, particularly in Africa.
He noted the importance of rekindling and solidifying these traditional relationships, especially in light of historical challenges from the 1990s that resulted in visa requirements for Serbians.
Currently, the e-visa system has been introduced, with the first travelers from Lesotho arriving at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport under this new system.
The e-visa program is expected to extend to citizens of 46 countries and aims to facilitate easier access to Serbia for tourism and business purposes, particularly in the context of the upcoming Expo 2027.
As of now, citizens from 83 countries can enter Serbia without visas, along with holders of Schengen visas, UK and US visas, and those with regulated residency in the Schengen zone, EU, and the US.
Dušan Kozarev, Secretary General of Serbia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced ongoing discussions aimed at establishing a visa-free regime with an additional 30 countries, which could significantly enhance the passport's global standing.
Kozarev stated that achieving visa-free access to these additional nations would potentially elevate the Serbian passport to one of the world's most powerful travel documents.
He highlighted that the current ranking marks the highest level the Serbian passport has reached, enabling ordinary passport holders to enter 140 countries without a visa.
Among the countries under negotiation for visa-free travel are several traditional and significant destinations favored by Serbian citizens.
Discussions are being held with representatives from over thirty nations worldwide, including the United Kingdom.
According to the Henley Index, which ranks passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a visa, Singapore is currently at the top, allowing its citizens to travel to 193 countries.
The United States ranks tenth, while China is in sixty-fourth place, and both Russia and Turkey are ranked forty-ninth.
Kozarev recently announced that a visa-free regime with Venezuela has been established, leaving only Guyana and Paraguay in South America where visas are still required.
In Central America, discussions are ongoing with countries whose citizens do not need visas for the European Union, as they are on the Schengen list.
The upcoming Summit of the Organization of American States, where Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić will participate, is cited as a significant opportunity to forge further visa-free arrangements.
Over the next few weeks, Serbia aims to finalize agreements with countries from Central America and the Caribbean.
Further details regarding these negotiations are not disclosed to maintain an element of surprise for Serbian citizens.
Kozarev expressed optimism about the outcomes exceeding initial expectations.
He also referenced the former Yugoslav passport, which in the mid-1980s allowed visa-free travel to a wide range of countries, particularly in Africa.
He noted the importance of rekindling and solidifying these traditional relationships, especially in light of historical challenges from the 1990s that resulted in visa requirements for Serbians.
Currently, the e-visa system has been introduced, with the first travelers from Lesotho arriving at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport under this new system.
The e-visa program is expected to extend to citizens of 46 countries and aims to facilitate easier access to Serbia for tourism and business purposes, particularly in the context of the upcoming Expo 2027.
As of now, citizens from 83 countries can enter Serbia without visas, along with holders of Schengen visas, UK and US visas, and those with regulated residency in the Schengen zone, EU, and the US.
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