Do I Need an Invitation Letter to Visit Serbia? Your Complete Guide

Planning a trip to Serbia raises an important question for many travelers: do you need an invitation letter to enter the country? The answer depends on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the type of visa you are applying for. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the process and requirements.

Do You Need an Invitation Letter?

An invitation letter (also called a “Letter of Invitation” or “Visa Support Letter”) is often required for non-EU and non-Schengen travelers who need a short-term (tourist) or long-term visa for Serbia.

Tourists from visa-exempt countries: Citizens of countries that do not require a visa for Serbia do not need an invitation letter. They can enter Serbia with a valid passport for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Travelers from countries requiring a visa: Citizens of countries that require a visa must submit an invitation letter as part of their visa application. The letter confirms the purpose of the visit, accommodation arrangements, and guarantees that the host will assume responsibility for the guest during their stay.

Who Can Issue an Invitation Letter?

Invitation letters can be issued by:

1. Private individuals in Serbia – if you are visiting a friend or family member. The host must provide a signed invitation letter and supporting documents, including:

Copy of their Serbian ID or residence permit
Proof of accommodation (rental contract or property ownership)
Statement of financial responsibility

2. Companies or organizations – if your visit is for business, conferences, or professional purposes. The company must provide:

A formal letter on company letterhead
Details about your role and purpose of visit
Duration of stay
Guarantee of financial responsibility (if required)

3. Serbian travel agencies or authorized sponsors – these services often provide official invitation letters to foreign tourists applying for visas. This is especially useful for travelers without personal contacts in Serbia.

What Information Should the Invitation Letter Contain?

A proper invitation letter must include:

Full name, date of birth, and passport number of the visitor
Purpose of the visit (tourism, business, family visit, conference)
Duration of stay (exact dates of entry and exit)
Address of accommodation in Serbia
Name and contact details of the host or sponsoring company
Host’s signature and official identification (ID or company stamp)

How to Obtain an Invitation Letter

Through a Serbian citizen or resident: Contact your friend or family member in Serbia and provide them with your personal details. They will prepare the invitation letter and may need to submit it to the local police or municipal office for official registration.
Through a company or organization: If traveling for business, your company or the inviting organization will usually prepare and send the letter directly to you.
Through a travel agency: Many Serbian travel agencies offer assistance in issuing official invitation letters for visa purposes. This is a convenient option if you do not have personal contacts in Serbia.

Important Notes

The invitation letter is not a visa; it only supports your visa application. You still need to submit it along with the visa application form, passport, photos, travel insurance, and other required documents.
Processing time for invitation letters may vary. Private invitations may take a few days for registration, while company letters are usually faster.
Validity: An invitation letter is typically valid only for the specific visa application and travel dates indicated.

For travelers who require a visa, an invitation letter is an essential part of the process. Whether issued by a friend, a company, or a travel agency, it confirms your purpose of visit and accommodation arrangements. Always make sure the letter is complete, accurate, and officially recognized to avoid delays or visa refusal.

Travel Tip: Even if you are from a visa-exempt country, having a pre-arranged accommodation or contact in Serbia can make your entry smoother at border control.