Serbia Guide for Israelis 2026 — Belgrade, Novi Sad and the Skull Tower

1Why Serbia

Serbia is not a member of the European Union and is not in the Schengen Area — an advantage for Israelis, since there is no need for ETIAS and no counting of Schengen days. What makes it special:

• Belgrade — one of the most energetic capitals in Europe. Nightlife, museums, a fortress, rivers.
• Comfortable prices — the Serbian dinar is relatively low against the shekel.
• Unique — a blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and socialist history.
• No travel advisory — a safe country for tourists.

2Flights from Israel

The Tel Aviv–Belgrade route (airport code: BEG) is operated on direct flights by Arkia and El Al only — about twice a week. Direct flight time: about 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Important: limited frequency — it's worth booking early, especially in peak season.

3Visa & entry for Israelis

Serbia is not part of the Schengen Area. Israelis with an ordinary passport enter without a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a period of 6 months from the first date of entry — according to the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

ETIAS does not apply to Serbia — because Serbia is not in the Schengen Area.

Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days after your planned departure date, with at least two blank pages, and issued within the last ten years. Border authorities may ask for proof of booking, a return ticket, health insurance and an address of stay.

4When to fly

• Spring (April–June) — suited to a city break, nature and rivers. Comfortable weather.
• Summer (July–August) — nightlife and events at their peak, but hotter and more crowded.
• Autumn (September–October) — comfortable for city tours, food and rivers, with low crowds.
• Winter (December–February) — suited to a city atmosphere, restaurants and nightlife. Cold.

The EXIT festival in Novi Sad: as of 2026 the official website shows the EXIT Global Tour and no clear date for the regular festival — check before you travel.

5How many days and a recommended itinerary

• 3–4 days — Belgrade: Kalemegdan, Knez Mihailova, Skadarlija, St. Sava.
• 5–6 days — Belgrade + Novi Sad + Petrovaradin Fortress.
• 6–8 days — Belgrade + Novi Sad + the Fruška Gora monasteries.
• 7–10 days — Belgrade + Novi Sad + Đerdap National Park along the Danube.
• Southern add-on — Belgrade + Niš with the Skull Tower.

6Attractions and things to do

• Kalemegdan Fortress — a historic complex above the Sava and Danube rivers, with a park, a military museum and a zoo. Entry to many parts is free.
• The Skadarlija neighbourhood — a bohemian quarter with cobbled streets, traditional restaurants and a unique atmosphere.
• St. Sava Church — one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, a symbol of Belgrade.
• Knez Mihailova street — Belgrade's main pedestrian artery, shopping and cafés.
• Petrovaradin Fortress — Novi Sad. One of the best-preserved fortifications in Europe, a spectacular vantage point over the Danube.
• Đerdap / Iron Gates National Park — about 100 km along the Danube in north-eastern Serbia, on the border with Romania. Picturesque cliffs, fortresses and a dramatic river.
• The Fruška Gora monasteries — historic monasteries in the hills of Vojvodina, well suited to a half-day trip from Novi Sad.
• The Skull Tower / Ćele Kula — Niš — a unique monument from 1809: 59 of the original 952 skulls still remain. One of the most unforgettable sites in the Balkans.

7Where to stay — areas overview

• Stari Grad / the Old Town — close to Kalemegdan, Knez Mihailova and Skadarlija. The most central.
• Dorćol — next to the Old Town, restaurants and cafés. A neighbourhood feel.
• Vračar — St. Sava Church, quieter than the centre.
• Savamala / Waterfront — along the river, nightlife and restaurants.
• Novi Beograd — modern, malls, convenient access to the airport.

8Transport & getting from the airport

• The airport: Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport — BEG.
• A1 Mini Bus line — from the airport to Slavija Square. ~30 minutes. ~400 RSD (cash payment to the driver only).
• Taxi — available from the airport. It's recommended to use official taxis or apps.
• Public transport in the city — buses, trams and trolleybuses.

9Internet & eSIM

• Local operators: Yettel Serbia, A1 Serbia, mts/Telekom Srbija.
• A1 Serbia eSIM — 1,000 RSD (about 28 shekels).
• Yettel Prepaid — a 5GB add-on for 400 RSD.
• For Israelis — an international eSIM before the flight is the most convenient solution.

10Money, costs & tips

• The currency: the Serbian dinar (RSD). As of 31.5.2026: 1 RSD ≈ 0.028 shekels (i.e. 100 shekels ≈ 3,600 RSD).
• Examples: the A1 line from the airport ~400 RSD; a local eSIM ~1,000 RSD.
• Credit cards are accepted in the city centre. Keep cash in RSD for public transport and markets.
• Serbia is budget-friendly relative to Israel — but don't assume "everything is cheap" without checking specific prices.

11Frequently asked questions