Serbia travel guide for UK visitors: how to plan your first trip step by step
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In this guide
Serbia is easy to reach, easy on the wallet and full of character, but it is not yet on many UK travellers' maps. This guide puts everything in the order you will actually do it.
- Flight time from London: under three hours
- Time difference: Serbia is one hour ahead of the UK
- Currency: the Serbian dinar (RSD)
- Capital and main gateway: Belgrade
- Language: Serbian, with English widely spoken in cities
1Choose when to go
Late spring and early autumn are the sweet spot: warm, not too hot, and good for cities and day trips. Summers can be very hot in Belgrade, and winter suits ski resorts and cosy city breaks. See the best time to visit Serbia.
2Book flights
Air Serbia, the national airline, flies into Belgrade and you will find other options from several UK airports. Check which airline serves your nearest UK airport and compare fares. See flights from the UK to Belgrade.
3Check entry rules
UK tourists can normally visit Serbia visa-free for a short stay, but you should check the latest GOV.UK advice, passport validity and registration rules before you travel. See the entry rules guide.
Serbia is one of Europe's easiest surprises: close, cheap and full of character.
4Decide where to stay
Belgrade is the best base for a first trip, with a wide range of hotels and apartments. Choose a neighbourhood that suits you. See where to stay in Belgrade.
5Sort money and your phone
Serbia uses the dinar, not the euro. Cards work widely in Belgrade, but carry some cash. See money in Serbia and SIM cards and roaming.
6Plan the route
For a first trip, start with Belgrade, add Novi Sad for a day, and if you have a week, see the Danube, a fortress and the mountains. See a 7-day Serbia itinerary.
A simple planning checklist
- Passport valid for your stay
- Flights booked and baggage checked
- First nights booked
- Travel insurance in place
- Dinars or a card that works abroad
- A SIM or eSIM plan
Rules, fares and schedules change. Check the official source or provider before you book or travel.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Serbia?
UK tourists can normally visit Serbia visa-free for a short stay, but check the latest GOV.UK and Serbian authorities' advice before you travel.
How long is the flight from London to Belgrade?
Roughly under three hours.
What currency do they use in Serbia?
The Serbian dinar (RSD). Euros are not generally accepted in shops.
Is Serbia cheaper than the UK?
Many visitors find food, drinks, taxis and hotels noticeably cheaper than in the UK.
Is Serbia safe for UK tourists?
Most visitors have trouble-free trips, but check the FCDO travel advice and take normal precautions.
