VISA REGIME
For holders of national passports and other travel documents: A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period
For holders of diplomatic and official passports: A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period
Note: Visa is required for holders of an emergency travel document in transit
ENTERING AND LEAVING THE COUNTRY
Greece is a member of the Schengen Agreement, meaning that holders of biometric passports of the Republic of Serbia do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days during a period of six months. The passport needs to be valid for at least three months after the date of planned exit from Greece. If travelling for other reasons (study, work, reuniting families, etc.) with intent of staying in Greece for longer than 90 days, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate national visa prior to travel, used to initiate the procedure for obtaining a residence permit upon arrival in Greece.
Travellers are advised to check, when entering and leaving Greece, whether the Greece border authorities have placed an entry/exit seal in their passport (during the tourist season, due to the large crowds, the border authorities sometimes just check the passport and do not place a seal in it), to avoid issues when travelling to Schengen countries.
IMPORTANT: We would like to draw attention that, during the tourist season, citizens should not leave personal documents, suitcases, bags, and other valuable items in their vehicles. Additionally, it is advised for citizens to have copies of their passports and vehicle-related documents with them, as in case of theft or loss, possessing copies greatly facilitates the reporting process to the Greek Police, as well as potential recovery. The loss of a passport should be reported to the nearest police station or tourist police, while theft of cars and valuables should be reported to the regular police. Extra caution is recommended when parking motor vehicles (preferably in secure, fenced, or video-monitored areas).
SOCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT
A Social Insurance Agreement has been in force since 1 March 2020, regulating pension and disability insurance, applying to all persons insured according to Serbian and Greek legislation in this area, and to persons exercising their rights to disbursements based on those persons (family members of deceased insurance holders, and/or beneficiaries).
The field of health insurance is not regulated by the Agreement.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
HEALTH SITUATION – Healthcare services in Greece are sufficiently good, however the private sector is slightly better developed. Private clinics are well equipped, but services are also more expensive. State hospitals on duty do not charge for their services in emergencies. However, there were reported cases of refusal to admit Serbian citizens to hospitals during emergencies without insurance guarantees, and attempts to detain patients due to unpaid medical treatment expenses.
Note that Serbian citizens should pay for private health insurance prior to travelling to Greece, even if the amount is the lowest possible.
It is also advised, for the same reason, that prior to travelling to Greece citizens obtain certificates on the health status of the insured person from the main branches of the Republic Fund of Health Insurance to make use of healthcare services in emergencies, so that any potential expenses are recognised (it is necessary to keep the full set of documents on the medical intervention for the process of expense refunds).
SECURITY SITUATION – The overall security situation in Greece is good. Due to the austerity measures of the Government of Greece, protests are frequent in large cities, especially Athens and Thessaloniki. They regularly occur in certain, and mainly the same parts of the cities, thus if these are avoided, there is no danger for citizen safety.
Serbian citizens are advised to exercise caution due to the potential risk of theft, particularly during tourist season. It is recommended not to leave personal documents, suitcases, bags or other valuables in vehicles. Serbian citizens are advised to carry photocopies of passports and personal ID.
Certain tourist destinations, such as the town of Laganas on the island of Zakynthos, Kavos on the island of Corfu, or Malia on the island of Crete have a bad reputation, due to frequent incidents, thefts, excessive consumption of alcohol and narcotics abuse. This should be kept in mind when choosing a destination for a vacation in Greece.
Emergency telephone numbers: emergency medical assistance 112, fire-fighters 199, police 100, tourist police 1571, coast guard 108.
TRANSPORT – Citizens of the Republic of Serbia may drive motor vehicles in Greece during short stays using their national driver’s license (except probationary licenses), without the obligation to possess an international driving permit.
Citizens who stay in Greece for longer than six months are required to have a Greek driver’s license. Based on the Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Driver’s Licenses, which entered into force in December 2019, Serbian driver’s licenses can be exchanged for Greek ones without taking a driving test, for individuals with regulated residence in Greece.
For vehicles registered in Serbia, national insurance policies are valid, so it is not necessary to have a Green Card.
Road infrastructure in Greece is well developed, with a large number of highways. The most important are “Egnatia Odos” (Igoumenitsa – Turkish border), “Ethniki Odos” (Thessaloniki – Athens – Peloponnese), and “Attiki Odos” (Attica). Tolls are charged on these roads, and information on prices is available on the website diodia.com.gr.
Since September 13, 2025, a new traffic law has been in effect, which, in addition to fines, provides for measures such as confiscation of the driver’s or vehicle registration license, seizure of license plates, and in certain cases, imprisonment.
The fine for using a mobile phone while driving is €350, as is the fine for not wearing a seat belt. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by a fine of up to €4,000, while illegal parking is fined between €150 and €2,000 (for example, parking in a space reserved for persons with disabilities). High fines are also prescribed for failing to stop at a stop sign, speeding, and failing to yield to public transport vehicles. In addition to fines, most violations also result in temporary suspension of the driver’s license, lasting from 30 to 60 days, or 180 days, and in more serious cases up to 8 years. For certain violations, such as prolonged driving of heavy trucks and buses in the overtaking lane on highways, the driver’s license is revoked for 60 days.
Persons operating boats and other vessels must have an appropriate license, which must be officially translated, as well as confirmation from the embassy or consulate that the license was issued by the competent authority of the Republic of Serbia.
From June 18, 2026, all drivers are required to carry a first aid kit type DIN 13164. The kit can be purchased in larger supermarkets, pharmacies, and gas stations. This requirement applies to all motor vehicles (except two-wheelers) on the territory of Greece. In addition, drivers must maintain and replenish the contents of the first aid kit, and sterile equipment must not be older than five years.
The fine for non-compliance with this regulation is €30.
OTHER – The official currency is the euro. Payment in other currencies is not possible. Card payment is possible in most shops, hospitality or accommodation facilities. However, some smaller retail or hospitality facilities sometimes do not have the necessary equipment and do not accept cards, thus it is desirable to always have a certain amount of cash on hand.
Contact information:
During your stay in Greece, for consular assistance and protection you may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Athens (address: Vasilissis Sofias Ave. 106, 11527 Athens), at the following telephone numbers: +30 210 777 4344, +30 210 777 4355 and +30 210 747 2360, or by e-mail: embassy.athens@mfa.rs and embassy.athens.consular@mfa.rs.
If you are staying in Northern Greece or the island of Thasos, for consular assistance and protection you may contact the General Consulate of the Republic of Serbia in Thessaloniki (address: Komninon 4, 54624 Thessaloniki), at the following telephone numbers +30 2310 244 265, +30 2310 244 266 and +30 2310 244 267, or e-mail: srbcons@otenet.gr.