Serbia
Packing list for Serbia, travel insurance for Serbia and taking your belongings
What to take to Serbia: brief
To pack and check:
- Documents: a valid passport. Check the current entry requirements before departure and make sure your travel document is valid for long enough. When you stay in a hotel, your stay is generally registered for you. When you stay in private accommodation, check that your registration has been arranged within the required time limit.
- Money: Serbia uses the Serbian dinar (RSD), not the euro. Debit and credit cards are accepted in many places, especially in larger cities, and cash is useful in smaller towns, at markets and while travelling.
- Clothing: lightweight clothing for warm summer days and layers for cooler mornings and evenings. In spring, autumn and winter, the weather can be changeable, so layering works best. Bring warm clothes for winter and the mountains, as well as a lightweight rain jacket during these seasons.
- Footwear: comfortable shoes (or sandals in summer) for cities such as Belgrade and Novi Sad, and sturdy hiking boots if you plan to explore national parks, hills or mountain areas.
- Personal care and hygiene: sunscreen, sunglasses and your usual toiletries.
- Packing and protection: a rain cover for your backpack and, if needed, a dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone, documents and other items that must stay dry.
- Insects and animals: insect repellent and a tick remover, especially if you plan to hike, camp or spend time in forests, grasslands and near rivers.
- Outdoor gear and useful items: a reusable water bottle, a cap or hat for summer, a hat, gloves and scarf for winter, and a daypack for walks and day trips.
- Medication and travel first-aid kit: personal medication, plasters, antiseptic, painkillers and a small first-aid kit.
- Safety: a secure bag that closes properly and can be carried close to your body. Keep a copy of your travel documents separate from the originals.
- Technology and equipment: a travel adapter for type C and F sockets.
To consider:
- Lightweight waterproof trousers and trekking poles for walks in hills and mountains.
- Binoculars for spotting birds and other wildlife in natural areas.
- A smart outfit for restaurants and a night out in Belgrade or Novi Sad.
- Warm socks (or buy some there).
- A lightweight scarf and clothing that covers your knees when visiting religious sites.
Are there dangerous insects and animals in Serbia?
Are there mosquitoes in Serbia?
- Yes, mosquitoes occur in Serbia, especially during the warmer months and near rivers, lakes and other wet areas. They can also be quite bothersome in cities, particularly on pleasant summer evenings.
- West Nile virus occurs in the region, with cases sometimes reported during mosquito season, particularly in and around summer.
- Insect repellent and lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs are useful additions to your packing list, especially for evenings outdoors, camping trips and hikes.
- Read more about mosquitoes.
- Read more about the use of DEET, as well as other ways to protect yourself against mosquitoes and insects.
Are there sand flies in Serbia?
- Annoying sand flies occur in Serbia and can potentially transmit leishmaniasis, although the disease is rarely officially reported.
- If you are camping or spending a lot of time outdoors, especially during the warmer months, covering your skin and using a suitable insect repellent may be helpful, although these measures are not always necessary.
- Read more about sand flies.
- Read more about protection against sand flies and sand fleas.
Are there ticks in Serbia?
- Yes, ticks are common in Serbia, including in forests, grasslands and other natural areas. They can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and, in certain areas, tick-borne encephalitis.
- Wearing clothing that covers your skin and checking yourself for ticks afterward can help reduce the risk of tick bites and related illnesses. A suitable insect repellent and a tick remover are also useful.
- Read more about ticks.
- Read more about protection against ticks and leeches.
Can you buy DEET or other mosquito repellents in Serbia?
- Insect repellents are available at pharmacies and drugstores, especially in cities and tourist areas.
- Check which insects the product repels and which active ingredient it contains. Not every product protects against both mosquitoes and ticks.
- Autan and Xibizz are among the brands reported to be available in Serbia.
- If you want a wider choice, it may be convenient to bring a small amount from home for an ordinary holiday.
Can you buy a joint or weed in Serbia, or bring it with you to Serbia?
- Recreational and medical cannabis are prohibited in Serbia. Possession, use, sale and importation can all have serious legal consequences, even when only a small amount is involved.
- Bringing cannabis into the country can expose you to severe penalties, potentially including years in prison. Definitely not ideal unless you happen to be interested in experiencing life in a Serbian prison!
