Is wild camping allowed in Serbia?

No Tolerated! Yes

No, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is unfortunately not officially allowed in Serbia. If you do not set up your camp near government buildings, most authorities and residents will tolerate it.

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Last researched: 2023

Even though wild camping is unfortunately not officially allowed, most inhabitants and authorities usually turn a blind eye. However, you should avoid some areas and consider a few points to avoid getting in trouble with the police:

  • You should not spend the night on the beaches.
  • Stay away from tourist areas.
  • Stay away from major cities.
  • Do not stay near government buildings.

With the permission of the owners, it is also possible to stay overnight on private property.

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View of the mountains
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Pitch by the river

Tips and tricks for wild camping in Serbia

As for many other Balkan countries, Serbia is also subject to the fact that wild camping and being free is unfortunately not officially permitted, but is in most cases permitted by the authorities and residents. We have put together a few tips for you so that you know what to look out for when driving through Serbia.

Speed control
In Serbia, speed controls are often carried out with lasers and the fine has to be paid immediately afterward. On motorways, line speed controls are carried out. The average speed is calculated and if the maximum speed is exceeded, the fine must be paid at the toll station.

Customs regulations
Everyday objects may be imported without reservations. If you are traveling with your camper, you should make sure that the import of petrol or diesel fuel is not permitted. However, a small canister for emergencies is rarely a problem. If you want to take a drone with you for your photos, you will need a permit from the relevant authorities.

Reporting obligation
After entering Serbia, you must report your whereabouts to the police within 24 hours. If you spend the first night in a hotel or on a public campsite, they will usually take care of the registration for you and you will receive a certificate. You sometimes need this certificate when you leave the country.

Entry via Kosovo
As Serbia does not regard Kosovo as a foreign country, but as part of its territory, no official Serbian border crossing is crossed when entering through Kosovo. Since one has not officially entered the country, this can lead to problems when you leave the country. The Serbian Foreign Ministry, therefore, advises you to enter the country by other means and only visit Kosovo afterward.

10 interesting, bizarre and funny facts about Serbia

Serbia is becoming more and more popular with tourists, but most people know very little about this beautiful country. The many names on "-ić" end perhaps still know most, but then it often stops again. For this reason, we have put together 10 interesting facts for you here.

Fact #1 - Raspberries and Plums
Approximately 30 % of all raspberries sold worldwide come from Serbia. This makes Serbia the largest exporter of raspberries. They are also in first place for plums.

Fact #2 - Watches
When you think of watches, you usually think of Switzerland. But the Serbs had their first watches much earlier, 200 years before the Swiss.

Fact #3 - Hospitality
Hospitality is rooted in Serbia's culture. According to a saying, they get the affection of the gods only if they treat their guests well.

Fact #4 - Cheese
Serbia produces one of the most expensive cheeses in the world. Pule is made from donkey's milk and costs around 1.000 € per kilo due to the complex production process.

Fact #5 - Vampires
The word vampire is one of the few Serbian words used worldwide. The first official vampire was the Serbian Petar Blagojević.

Fact #6 - Roman Emperors
Serbia is the land of the Roman emperors. 18 of them were born in the third and fourth centuries in present-day Serbia. That is about 20 % of all Roman emperors.

Fact #7 - Belgrade
Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe and has existed for more than 7.000 years. It is also one of the largest cities in the Balkans.

Fact #8 - The White Angel
The White Angel (in Serbian Beli Anđeo) is one of the most important frescoes in Serbia and was the first image to be transmitted by satellite from Europe to America.

Fact #9 - Vrelo
The river Vrelo is one of the smallest rivers in the world and only 365 meters long. Due to its length, which corresponds to the number of days in a year, it is also called Godina, Serbian for a year.

Fact #10 - Cathedral of St. Sava
The Cathedral of St. Sava in Belgrade is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and one of the ten largest churches in the world.

Everything you need to know for your trip

Equipment

  • Warning triangle Yes, two pieces
  • Safety vest Yes, one per occupant
  • First aid kit Yes
  • Replacement lamp set Yes, except Xenon / LED
  • Spare tyre / repair set Yes
  • Fire extinguisher No
  • Tow rope Yes
  • Tear rope for all trailers No

Driving

  • Do I need a vignette, or are there tolls? Yes
  • Right hand trafficTo avoid dazzling other road users, you need to readjust or mask your headlights if they have asymmetrical light and are right-hand drive
  • Is it compulsory to drive with lights on during the day? Yes

Information

  • Is the tap water potable? Yes
  • Socket type: C+F
  • Energency numbers: 112
  • Currency: Serbischer Dinar (RSD)
  • Official Languages: Serbian
  • Country licence plate code: SRB

Average prices, in €

  • Price coffee rounded: 1.25
  • Price beer rounded: 1.75

Entry conditions for animals

  • You need a valid EU pet passport in which your animal is clearly identified (microchip or tattoo), as well as a rabies vaccination valid on entry. The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old, but not older than 6 months. Yes
  • If your entry is from a non-EU country with a reduced rabies status, you must have a rabies antibody test carried out approximately four weeks before you enter the country and have it entered on your EU pet passport. No
  • Your dog must be treated for tapeworms 24 to 120 hours before entry. No
  • In addition to a valid EU pet passport with all the required entries, you also need an official veterinary health certificate (max. 10 days old). No
  • The import of fighting dogs or breeds classified as dangerous is not permitted. No
We try our best to keep the information up to date. Even so, we can always make mistakes. Have you found an error? Send us an email to moc.aynavarac@ofnullni!

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