Serbia eyes Schengen by 2027, raising visa prospect for Russians

Serbia is preparing to complete the reforms required to join the Schengen Area by the end of 2027, a move that could lead to the introduction of visa requirements for Russian citizens.

Serbian Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starović said the government has established a working group led by the Interior Ministry and approved an action plan for the necessary reforms. He said Belgrade aims to be ready for Schengen accession by the end of 2027, although full EU membership is unlikely by the end of the decade.

Serbia has also begun discussions over its visa regime with Russia. Dragan Stanojević, head of the Serbian parliamentary committee on the diaspora and Serbs in the region, said the possible introduction of visas for Russian citizens is being considered in the context of meeting EU requirements.

Russian citizens currently enjoy visa-free entry to Serbia for stays of up to 30 days. Belgrade has been negotiating EU membership since 2014.

The prospect of changing the visa regime contrasts with previous statements by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. In June, he dismissed reports that Serbia was considering ending visa-free travel with Russia, saying the issue had not been discussed.

“Such a decision will not be adopted; even if someone adopts it, it will be immediately revoked,” Vučić said at the time.

However, Vučić has repeatedly reaffirmed Serbia’s commitment to European integration. In April 2026, he said Belgrade intended to fulfill key criteria for further progress toward EU integration, particularly in migration and visa policy.

The development comes as Montenegro prepares to introduce visas for Russian and Belarusian citizens from November 1, 2026, citing the need to align its visa policy with EU standards.

Serbia’s potential visa changes would make it one of the latest European countries to tighten entry rules for Russian citizens as it moves closer to European integration.

By Vafa Guliyeva