EU lifts visa restrictions for Serbia

Olf

They are not low enough since Albania was not let in.

Standards are lowered to much. This a disgrace.
(Olf, 30 November 2009 11:03)

Don't get ballistic, if you behave maybe you'll have a chance in a decade...
Welcome to the new shenghen countries!

It is not true that everybody who wants to enter EU goes for work, my husband is doing very well working here thank God, now we will be able to travel to visit my family without the need to even think about getting visa, besides when you don't need visa you feel more free to go anywhere any time you want, so, this is good news, no need for anybody to get upset with it :))

Standards are lowered to much. This a disgrace.
(Olf, 30 November 2009 11:03)

A few weekes back he congratulated Serbs for being allowed to travel yet worried that they would not have enough money to spend in the expensive countries they could now visit. Now, his true colors show themselves...

"Standards are lowered to much. This a disgrace." (Olf)

-- Not really. Kosovo was left out. Congratulations to the rest of Serbia, as well as Montenegro and Macedonia!

GREAT NEWS GREAT NEWS GREAT NEWS GREAT NEWS

WELCOME

Sounds to me like Olf is jealous he cannot travel without a visa :)))

Sour grapes, anyone?

Fact is that Olf has nothing else to do than posting comments!

It's done. So much for "Michael R's" prediction... Hahaha. Congrats, Serbia!

The decision was made today in Brussels by the EU Council of Ministers for Interior and Justice, and it will come into effect on December 19.
--
It is now official and congratulations to all in Serbia. Having free access to most of the EU and freedom of travel is good news.

I wonder how many will be visiting Croatia next summer when we have so many more options.

Olf

Fact is Serbia got it and Albania did not!

Europe, here we come!

To our albanian friends:
Jealousy will get you nowhere. :)
Cheers!!

congratulations srbja!
finally, the great news!

Fact is that you can't digest it!!

Although BiH is not included, Serbian's from BiH are permitted to enter the EU visa free.

Also, any citizen from Kosovo will have the same privilege so long as they make a trip to Belgrade to obtain their passport.

Fact is, Olf should take example from Ramiz. Thanks, Ramiz for your comment - hope the day all from Balkan will travel visa-free to EU/RU/USA will be soon.

It looks, like the value of Serbian passport increased a lot. Congratulations.

It's done. So much for "Michael R's" prediction... Hahaha. Congrats, Serbia!
(Jason, 30 November 2009 13:27)

And what else do they have now to predict than still criticizing and getting ballistic... :)

The irony of this turn of events cannot be lost on the Albanians. Here we have the European Union, most of whom have chosen to recognise Kosmet, rewarding the much maligned Serbia by abolishing visa requirements. No matter how hard the Albanians try to ingratiate themselves with all and sundry, they are still percieved as being too risky. And until they realise that their corrupt and criminalised society can only reform itself from within, they will never be accepted.

Grande Serbia finalmente in Europa senza più visti !!! Great achievement!!NO MORE OBSTACLES BETWEEN US!! best wishes from Italy

i think olf is hitting himself on the head right now along with all other kalbs that got rid of their 'useless' serbian passports... awww... you can still go to switzerland and build a mosque..... no, wait, you can't do that either...

This is good for the EU and these countries that have been accepted. Those other countries must catch up Albania (kosovo albanians)and BH. The people of these countries should vote out there leaders and put democratic leaders like Serbia.Serbia and the Eu should help them get on the right track GOD WILLING.

And guys, behave yourself, you are about to be allowed to visit land of many Olf that have horrible view about Serbia.
(Olf, 30 November 2009 15:36)

One more time you proved to be wrong and don't worry they are a lot of "swiss" that are very happy that this injustice was finally corrected!!

Serbian citizens will be allowed to travel as tourists.

Serbian citizens will not have the right to settle and work in EU member States.

Also, Serbian citizens will need visas to enter the UK and Ireland.
(Mircea, 30 November 2009 15:04)

Mircea is nothing more than a troll who prostrates himself before his EU masters.

Also, Serbian citizens will need visas to enter the UK and Ireland.
(Mircea, 30 November 2009 15:04)

No really, are you sure, you should check one more time your records, I guess you said it at least 20 times already including that there will be no visa at all until this happen, that happen...(which just proved to be wrong)

"We" know how difficult it is for you to come over it, but just concentrate on the next positive news to come for the Serbian people and get ready!!

Now they just need to follow by getting rid of visas to travel to North America as well!

Congratulations Serbia, This is great news for you.

Sad Serbs from kosovo are being Left out does not Make Sence to me.

If a Serb is living in Tanzania its ok but in Kosovo then they need to get visa!! Strange either you are Serbian Citizen or you not.

Again Congrats

Interesting that this is announced 1 day before ICJ starts. EU offers and Serbia accepts the visa abolishment that does not include Kosovo.
Coincidence, believe it if you want.
(pss, 30 November 2009 18:36)

It does not include Kosovo because several million Albanians can claim that they had Serbian citizenship but documents were destroyed during the war. Clearly the EU does not want too many Albanians flooding the rest of Europe.

Serbia is given visa-free travel, Albania was not. Serbian half of Bosnia was given the same, the other half was not. The problem was not the Serbian population of Kosovo... Let's not kid ourselves here.

Will they give me money to travel too because there is none in Serbia .
(Borota, 1 December 2009 00:42)

Borota, its all about priorities, some people prefer to smoke and buy the latest mobile phone, other wants to spend their money on travels.
And I am quite sure that MOST people in Serbia can afford the 27 euro round ticket to be able to go to Budapest by train. Going by car to Austria or Greece is also something that most ordinary working serbs can afford.

No way to understand some deplorative comments here. Seems it is the most favourite sport in this forum to comment any news in a competitive point of view, degenerating most of the time in pure and stupid racist sentences.
Congratulations to Serbia, Montengro and Macedonia for the effort done by their governments to accomplish all the reforms required in order to give the possibility to its citizens to travel freely around Europe.
Fact is that the governments of Albania and Bosnia have failed to do so, damaging extremely their own citizens and demonstrating their incapacity to take the right path on the EU integration.
These are the issues to discuss about; governments, reforms; respect to the citizens. All the rest that i read here is just the garbage of the worst dark years inherited from the Nineties.
Greetings from Albania.

Good news indeed. Confused on the 3 month thing though. Does that mean a Serb can go to Hungary but when they come back to Serbia they have to wait 3 months before going to Austria for example?

lol @ everyone who's trying to put a negative spin on this excellent piece of news.

Congratulations Serbia!!!!!!


This will benefit everyone.

All of the albanians fleeing 'Kosova' will no longer get into any danger, like the ones who drowned in the Tisa, may the rest in peace.

Macedonia will have a majority Maco population as most of the albanians will flee the place and become illegal immigrants.

This is even better for the economy too. Transport firms will be free to travel further and further. They will be able to show the rest of Europe the fine quality products being produced in Serbia and the region.

Olf, I hate to say it, but your comment was nothing more than expected. Stop trying to save face, what ever credibility and respect you had on this site, if any, has now gone out the window.

SRBIJA!!!!!!

Thank you DS and Boris Tadic for the incredible work!! If that nationalist would've been elected a little over a year ago, this wouldn't have happened!! THERE IS A GOD!! THANK YOU!!!!!

EU here we come to party!!!!! :D

Congratulations and best wishes for continued progress on the path to the EU.

Good news, I can understand Kosmet was not included...not so much because of the serbs (which are mostly senior citizens) but the albanians pose too much of a security risk to the EU. They already have a very bad reputation in Italy, Greece, the UK, France.

Heartfelt congratulations from Ireland, after meeting so many amazing Serbs last summer it makes me happy that you will be able to travel more freely.

Serbian citizens will be allowed to travel as tourists.

Serbian citizens will not have the right to settle and work in EU member States.

Also, Serbian citizens will need visas to enter the UK and Ireland.

CONGRATULATIONS !!!

This is the biggest ahievement of President Tadic and the Government ! No doubt I was taken by surprise. I had not expected it to happen so soon. Anyway I am as happy as all the Serbs are. I guess Russia also has tribute to this great success.

Cheers all !!!

im pleased for you guys, we will join you soon in eu. good luck all the best

passports... awww... you can still go to switzerland and build a mosque..... no, wait, you can't do that either...

No no no, you can but without minarets :)

greeting from Italy!this is a great news!of course,as its expected,many Serbs will flood EU,as it was with other countries who went through this step as well.nothing to worry about.those who want to travel,see the world and change the picture of Serbia that is present in Europe-great.the rest of those,who are hoping to travel and stay illegally - nothing new.this is a very important step,closer to eu and i think that everyone should be happy.of course, there are always negative voices coming from the crowd,talking about conspiracy that EU is planning,how this is just their play and successful performance,but behind it it's a big destroying plan....people,be happy that after 17 years you are free again to travel,to communicate with other nations,to change their opinions that are so poor and offensive,to prove that Serbia is a beautiful country,with beautiful people and that it belongs in EU!

I'm very happy of the visa abolishment. Although it wasn't impossible for Serbian citizens to travel abroad before abolishment, it certainly is simpler now. Just to spend a weekend in Budapest, for example.

There is at least two generations of Serbia´s young citizens who hasn't by majority been abroad a single time (except in Montenegro, Macedonia, RS, Croatia).

I'm also 100% sure there's money for visits abroad. One can always skip buying a pair of new shoes or the latest model of mobile phone. Knowing how much my sister-in-law spends daily on snacks and other crap – at the same time complaining of her money shortage - I can say that it's in most cases a matter of choice. As long as it isn't possible to do both. This matter is no strange thing for any normal citizen of the EU. My friend's family decided to skip whole Xmas present shopping and to travel to Belgrade for New Year instead. Well, kids weren't so happy, but you can't let them to run the house.

Who ever tries to give a negative spin to visa abolishment should go to check her/his head, or join the Serbian Radical Party.

Congratulations, this is wonderful news! Where's everybody going first?

There's a rumor that the U.S. is planning to extend its visas from 3 to 5 years and then lift the requirement entirely, but this is a long process. Has anyone talked to the Embassy in Belgrade recently?

Standards are lowered to much. This a disgrace.

“...I believe that the EU is very carefully monitoring how the visa liberalization will be implemented in practice. That is why it is important for the citizens of these three countries to leave a good impression on the EU and citizens of the Union, and it is important for the governments to continue fulfilling the conditions of the road map towards EU integration,” she said.

“Otherwise, the EU will say that it was a mistake and that will have negative consequences, especially in the future enlargement of the Union and relations with these countries,” Stiegelmeier warned..."

>>> Well this is indicational of Germanic attitude toward Serbians.

So we are "allowed", but if they are not happy with our "behaviour" they may decide to recall visa liberalisation?
That would be smart move only if "Stiegelmeier's" want Serbia to join the union with Russia and become Balkan nuclear power.

So, where we are then,Stiegelmeier ?
Do we go for it? Please let us know.

"There's a rumor that the U.S. is planning to extend its visas from 3 to 5 years and then lift the requirement entirely, but this is a long process. Has anyone talked to the Embassy in Belgrade recently?" (Amer)

-- I certainly hope this is the case, but having spoken to a few of my friends in BG, the bigger issue is just money to purchase a ticket, let alone pay for the visa. But one thing at a time, I guess.

Fact is that majority of Serbs have no money to spend in EU capitals.

Fact is that those that managed to get visas are the same ones that will benefit most.

Fact is that I am happy for people of Serbia being able to travel visa free.

And fact is that Visa free given away to Serbia.

Fact is that standards are lowerd that much so that in coming years all Balklan countries will be included.

Good news indeed. Confused on the 3 month thing though. Does that mean a Serb can go to Hungary but when they come back to Serbia they have to wait 3 months before going to Austria for example?
(kujon, 30 November 2009 14:42)

Basically - officially - you can be no more than 90 days within 180 day period on the entire Schengen territory. This is for every non-EU "White Schengen" country, excluding Australia: Australians negotiated the deal and they can apply the 90-day rule to each Schengen country individually. But, for instance, Americans cannot. With, say, Canadian passport the traveler not just can't stay more than 90 days in Slovakia - but after 70 days staying in Slovakia he can go only for 20 days to Czech Republic within a 180-day period.

On the praxis rarely anyone is exited in, say, Czech Republic about anyone from US/Canada/ex-Socialist countries overstaying but Germans are known to be strict(er).

In particular, German mentality is funny. On one occasion I noticed at the Bonn station that the local police got very exited. It turned out, as they said "there is a Mongolian lady" and she can't speak other languages, just Russian. OK, I helped her out. While doing so, a beggar from Africa was annoying everyone and was pretty agressive. The lady got into her train and was fine. Police thanked me - and I told them about the annoyance. Nothing about the origin of the guy, but that they should take care about the situation.

"Ah, that ever-drunk shi**y Nigg**r?"

(notice the "Mongolian lady" versus "sh***y Nigg**r" wording, pretty typical). The woman was a relative of a consulate worker - so it was a "bicycle" behavior, too - not just racial:

"pedal and bow to above and kick with your feet who is under you"

Standards are lowered to much. This a disgrace.
(Olf, 30 November 2009 11:03)

I wonder how many Albanians are about disgrace themselves now and get a real passport.

BTW, Is Thaci going to get one too since the "Kosovar" one only allows him to go to 63 counties?

After the carrot comes the ..., who knows in what form

And guys, behave yourself, you are about to be allowed to visit land of many Olf that have horrible view about Serbia.

Good stuff. Not surprised about the bitter albo comments. You see, your greatest fans can say all nice things about you, but that does not equal letting you in for free without cleaning up your act.

The EC has learned from its mistake to let Bg & Ro in in 2007 - the consequence now being that the EU are applying the acquis communautaire even more rigorously than they did pre-2007. This has caught up the Croatian accession which has been delayed because of lack of sufficient action over organized crime and minority protection/returns.

The UK and Ireland have long since opted out of the Schengen Agreement so that is no biggie. Now we will finally get to see what Tadić is made of though I'm sure he will be careful considering what happened to the traitor Djindjic. Before anyone gets too excited about my last comment, see this on official propaganda mouthpiece Balkan Insight on political assassinations in Kosovo (yummy): http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/24060/

Congratulations to everybody in Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.

Congratulations Serbia,

@Amer:

I am pretty sure about the theory and it got very strict now on the paper.
I, too can confirm the praxis what you speaking about (i.e. not much changed except there is no border between CZ and DE anymore, so people take other ways).

In particular, CZ and SK praxis is known to be pretty discriminatory - with US or, say, Kazakh passport the only chance is to be arrested is if you go to a soccer game with baseball equipment + pyrotechnic stuff ;-)

For holders of Nigerian passport - they are harassed even if everything is fine.

This is exactly what most of the population of these countries have been waitng for, so they can enter the EU to look for work that pays. Let's face it, the average wage in these countries is anything between 50 and 300 Euros a month. Europe will be faced with having to deal with that, probably when it is too late to do anything about it.

Interesting that this is announced 1 day before ICJ starts. EU offers and Serbia accepts the visa abolishment that does not include Kosovo.
Coincidence, believe it if you want.

I think that this is a great news!finally, Serbia gets a green light from EU, after so many red lights, conditions etc. Good aspects are that people will travel more, plus low cost companies are finally coming to Serbia, however as with all the other countries that went through this step there is gonna be a flood of Serbs traveling to EU and staying illegally. Hopefully not a bad image will appear in EU member states as was the case with for example Bulgaria and Romania. All in all, great news and one step closer to EU where Serbia does belong! Greeting from Italy and good luck
:)

And guys, behave yourself, you are about to be allowed to visit land of many Olf that have horrible view about Serbia.
(Olf, 30 November 2009 15:36)

And, many Olf's and his compatriots were allowed for years to enter Serbia.
I, of course, have horrible view of those countries.
But, in the end, I don't mind travelling abroad, or Olf's comming here.
Still, it's a very bad decision, given that he is abandoning our citizens in Kosovo. Bilbao has a great comment about it.
Shame on you, Tadic!

EU here we come to party!!!!! :D
(Jonevovic, 30 November 2009 17:18)

Jonevovic, go ahead and party!
There is a lots of friends there, right?
Just look at Italians...
Carlo and go go go...
Did you forget base Aviano, and how these "friends" bombed our schools and hospitals?
Do friends do this to friends?
But, now they are friends and are letting us into their countries, just as we always let them into ours.
Not really always, we didn't want their troops, but they came anyway, no visas needed.

Party, Jonevovic, party with your friends...
Why would you care that your own kin are left out, and left in Kosovo living in constant fear?

And you are probably right, if nationalists won, solidarity for our own and not self-centeredness would be tune of the day.

Party now, but remember that Europe owe us more then we owe them.
I can travel, but there is a long way before I can call them my friends.
To some people standards are not lowered to much.

Great news. Congratulations Serbia!

a hard blow for the k-albanians and the socalled bosnjak-s.

a rather symbolic move for most Serbs.

there is nothing to forget about Solana´s criminal actions against a sovereign european country.

it won´t help him to show up in public with Tadic by the hand - he stays what he is: a servant to US-american imperialism.

let´s just see what future brings...

Will they give me money to travel too because there is none in Serbia .

This is another sign that Kosovo is not part of Serbia.
thats why Kosovo was out of a deal for now.

First--visa liberalization then--EU admission.

These three nations have indicated their desire to change.

This very man Solana was the one who ordered atack and sent serbia back 50 years.
What will be next, I know is Vojvodina turn.

The poor suckers...the young Kosovar minority will now go abroad and get educated and even move there...this is excellent news for us Kosovars of non-Serb decent.

Carrot & Stick!!

Congrats to Serbs, MN and Macedonians!!!

Don't want to spoil your party but the fat that the ONLY presidnet attending this news was the Serbia says volumes: Serbs wan't desperately to get rid of the black sheep immage.

'The problem was not the Serbian population of Kosovo... Let's not kid ourselves here.
(Jason, 30 November 2009 20:33) '

Then why is the EU talking about BiH and Albania receiving the same arrangement by July? and a special arrangement for Kosovo?

first of all, who says that serbs from kosovo are left out? of course they are not, but albanians are, which is ok, as they mainly as ilegal aliens never had yugoslav citizenship.

secondly, this won´t of course change my or the majorities view of the occupators of parts of kosmet. why should it? if i ever wanted to visit eusa, i would have bribed the fella in the embassy like it is common use. just open a newspaper, where the western guys even pay adds for bribing them ...

thirdly, i´m absolutely against visa liberations, especially from serbias side. we all see to what that lead, with belgrade having a foreigner problem or some 400 people who died from swine-flu.

so, for god´s sake, close the borders ....

Do you have to have a biometric passport?

It seems that Serbian, Montenegrin and Macedonians dont have really Visa free.

They will be asked questions in the Border, need to have international health insurance insurance, as well they can be denied entry but the office needs to explain why you are not allowed.

This is not understandable what is the amount of mony considered to be Ok in the bank if its 10K or 20k how many students will have that this is Horrible.

@ Ataman -

"Basically - officially - you can be no more than 90 days within 180 day period on the entire Schengen territory. ... But, for instance, Americans cannot. With, say, Canadian passport the traveler not just can't stay more than 90 days in Slovakia - but after 70 days staying in Slovakia he can go only for 20 days to Czech Republic within a 180-day period."

Are you sure about this? Americans in Prague just take a day-trip to Dresden (say - or Bratislava) and return the same day with a new date stamp allowing them to stay 90 more days as a tourist. People have lived for years there without bothering about a residence permit.

"On the praxis rarely anyone is exited in, say, Czech Republic about anyone from US/Canada/ex-Socialist countries overstaying ... "

This I can confirm. The trip to Dresden is mainly made by people whose Czech employers are nervous about complying with regulations. Especially if you work for a company located in the U.S. (and are thus simply bringing dollars into the country), the police couldn't care less.

@ Ataman:

'In particular, CZ and SK praxis is known to be pretty discriminatory - with US or, say, Kazakh passport the only chance is to be arrested is if you go to a soccer game with baseball equipment + pyrotechnic stuff ;-) '

This just goes to demonstrate the broad-mindedness of Americans - it's perfectly safe to appear at any sporting event with a soccer ball. People will even ask you politely what it is. (For some reason the pyrotechnics don't seem like a good idea, though.)

Standards are lowered to much. This a disgrace.

Fact is that majority of Serbs have no money to spend in EU capitals.

Fact is that those that managed to get visas are the same ones that will benefit most.

Fact is that I am happy for people of Serbia being able to travel visa free.

And fact is that Visa free given away to Serbia.

Fact is that standards are lowerd that much so that in coming years all Balklan countries will be included.

After the carrot comes the ..., who knows in what form

And guys, behave yourself, you are about to be allowed to visit land of many Olf that have horrible view about Serbia.

Serbian citizens will be allowed to travel as tourists.

Serbian citizens will not have the right to settle and work in EU member States.

Also, Serbian citizens will need visas to enter the UK and Ireland.

This is exactly what most of the population of these countries have been waitng for, so they can enter the EU to look for work that pays. Let's face it, the average wage in these countries is anything between 50 and 300 Euros a month. Europe will be faced with having to deal with that, probably when it is too late to do anything about it.

The poor suckers...the young Kosovar minority will now go abroad and get educated and even move there...this is excellent news for us Kosovars of non-Serb decent.

Carrot & Stick!!

Congrats to Serbs, MN and Macedonians!!!

Don't want to spoil your party but the fat that the ONLY presidnet attending this news was the Serbia says volumes: Serbs wan't desperately to get rid of the black sheep immage.

Interesting that this is announced 1 day before ICJ starts. EU offers and Serbia accepts the visa abolishment that does not include Kosovo.
Coincidence, believe it if you want.

It seems that Serbian, Montenegrin and Macedonians dont have really Visa free.

They will be asked questions in the Border, need to have international health insurance insurance, as well they can be denied entry but the office needs to explain why you are not allowed.

This is not understandable what is the amount of mony considered to be Ok in the bank if its 10K or 20k how many students will have that this is Horrible.

first of all, who says that serbs from kosovo are left out? of course they are not, but albanians are, which is ok, as they mainly as ilegal aliens never had yugoslav citizenship.

secondly, this won´t of course change my or the majorities view of the occupators of parts of kosmet. why should it? if i ever wanted to visit eusa, i would have bribed the fella in the embassy like it is common use. just open a newspaper, where the western guys even pay adds for bribing them ...

thirdly, i´m absolutely against visa liberations, especially from serbias side. we all see to what that lead, with belgrade having a foreigner problem or some 400 people who died from swine-flu.

so, for god´s sake, close the borders ....

Olf

They are not low enough since Albania was not let in.

This very man Solana was the one who ordered atack and sent serbia back 50 years.
What will be next, I know is Vojvodina turn.

Will they give me money to travel too because there is none in Serbia .

This is another sign that Kosovo is not part of Serbia.
thats why Kosovo was out of a deal for now.

Although BiH is not included, Serbian's from BiH are permitted to enter the EU visa free.

Also, any citizen from Kosovo will have the same privilege so long as they make a trip to Belgrade to obtain their passport.

And guys, behave yourself, you are about to be allowed to visit land of many Olf that have horrible view about Serbia.
(Olf, 30 November 2009 15:36)

And, many Olf's and his compatriots were allowed for years to enter Serbia.
I, of course, have horrible view of those countries.
But, in the end, I don't mind travelling abroad, or Olf's comming here.
Still, it's a very bad decision, given that he is abandoning our citizens in Kosovo. Bilbao has a great comment about it.
Shame on you, Tadic!

EU here we come to party!!!!! :D
(Jonevovic, 30 November 2009 17:18)

Jonevovic, go ahead and party!
There is a lots of friends there, right?
Just look at Italians...
Carlo and go go go...
Did you forget base Aviano, and how these "friends" bombed our schools and hospitals?
Do friends do this to friends?
But, now they are friends and are letting us into their countries, just as we always let them into ours.
Not really always, we didn't want their troops, but they came anyway, no visas needed.

Party, Jonevovic, party with your friends...
Why would you care that your own kin are left out, and left in Kosovo living in constant fear?

And you are probably right, if nationalists won, solidarity for our own and not self-centeredness would be tune of the day.

Party now, but remember that Europe owe us more then we owe them.
I can travel, but there is a long way before I can call them my friends.
To some people standards are not lowered to much.

To our albanian friends:
Jealousy will get you nowhere. :)
Cheers!!

Olf

Fact is Serbia got it and Albania did not!

Europe, here we come!

Standards are lowered to much. This a disgrace.
(Olf, 30 November 2009 11:03)

A few weekes back he congratulated Serbs for being allowed to travel yet worried that they would not have enough money to spend in the expensive countries they could now visit. Now, his true colors show themselves...

Thank you DS and Boris Tadic for the incredible work!! If that nationalist would've been elected a little over a year ago, this wouldn't have happened!! THERE IS A GOD!! THANK YOU!!!!!

EU here we come to party!!!!! :D

It's done. So much for "Michael R's" prediction... Hahaha. Congrats, Serbia!

Serbian citizens will be allowed to travel as tourists.

Serbian citizens will not have the right to settle and work in EU member States.

Also, Serbian citizens will need visas to enter the UK and Ireland.
(Mircea, 30 November 2009 15:04)

Mircea is nothing more than a troll who prostrates himself before his EU masters.

This is good for the EU and these countries that have been accepted. Those other countries must catch up Albania (kosovo albanians)and BH. The people of these countries should vote out there leaders and put democratic leaders like Serbia.Serbia and the Eu should help them get on the right track GOD WILLING.

The irony of this turn of events cannot be lost on the Albanians. Here we have the European Union, most of whom have chosen to recognise Kosmet, rewarding the much maligned Serbia by abolishing visa requirements. No matter how hard the Albanians try to ingratiate themselves with all and sundry, they are still percieved as being too risky. And until they realise that their corrupt and criminalised society can only reform itself from within, they will never be accepted.

Interesting that this is announced 1 day before ICJ starts. EU offers and Serbia accepts the visa abolishment that does not include Kosovo.
Coincidence, believe it if you want.
(pss, 30 November 2009 18:36)

It does not include Kosovo because several million Albanians can claim that they had Serbian citizenship but documents were destroyed during the war. Clearly the EU does not want too many Albanians flooding the rest of Europe.

Serbia is given visa-free travel, Albania was not. Serbian half of Bosnia was given the same, the other half was not. The problem was not the Serbian population of Kosovo... Let's not kid ourselves here.

Standards are lowered to much. This a disgrace.
(Olf, 30 November 2009 11:03)

Don't get ballistic, if you behave maybe you'll have a chance in a decade...
Welcome to the new shenghen countries!

"Standards are lowered to much. This a disgrace." (Olf)

-- Not really. Kosovo was left out. Congratulations to the rest of Serbia, as well as Montenegro and Macedonia!

Sounds to me like Olf is jealous he cannot travel without a visa :)))

Sour grapes, anyone?

Good news, I can understand Kosmet was not included...not so much because of the serbs (which are mostly senior citizens) but the albanians pose too much of a security risk to the EU. They already have a very bad reputation in Italy, Greece, the UK, France.

GREAT NEWS GREAT NEWS GREAT NEWS GREAT NEWS

WELCOME

'The problem was not the Serbian population of Kosovo... Let's not kid ourselves here.
(Jason, 30 November 2009 20:33) '

Then why is the EU talking about BiH and Albania receiving the same arrangement by July? and a special arrangement for Kosovo?

The decision was made today in Brussels by the EU Council of Ministers for Interior and Justice, and it will come into effect on December 19.
--
It is now official and congratulations to all in Serbia. Having free access to most of the EU and freedom of travel is good news.

I wonder how many will be visiting Croatia next summer when we have so many more options.

Fact is that you can't digest it!!

Also, Serbian citizens will need visas to enter the UK and Ireland.
(Mircea, 30 November 2009 15:04)

No really, are you sure, you should check one more time your records, I guess you said it at least 20 times already including that there will be no visa at all until this happen, that happen...(which just proved to be wrong)

"We" know how difficult it is for you to come over it, but just concentrate on the next positive news to come for the Serbian people and get ready!!

Congratulations Serbia, This is great news for you.

Sad Serbs from kosovo are being Left out does not Make Sence to me.

If a Serb is living in Tanzania its ok but in Kosovo then they need to get visa!! Strange either you are Serbian Citizen or you not.

Again Congrats

i think olf is hitting himself on the head right now along with all other kalbs that got rid of their 'useless' serbian passports... awww... you can still go to switzerland and build a mosque..... no, wait, you can't do that either...

Good news indeed. Confused on the 3 month thing though. Does that mean a Serb can go to Hungary but when they come back to Serbia they have to wait 3 months before going to Austria for example?

Now they just need to follow by getting rid of visas to travel to North America as well!

And guys, behave yourself, you are about to be allowed to visit land of many Olf that have horrible view about Serbia.
(Olf, 30 November 2009 15:36)

One more time you proved to be wrong and don't worry they are a lot of "swiss" that are very happy that this injustice was finally corrected!!

Grande Serbia finalmente in Europa senza più visti !!! Great achievement!!NO MORE OBSTACLES BETWEEN US!! best wishes from Italy

Fact is that Olf has nothing else to do than posting comments!

It's done. So much for "Michael R's" prediction... Hahaha. Congrats, Serbia!
(Jason, 30 November 2009 13:27)

And what else do they have now to predict than still criticizing and getting ballistic... :)

“...I believe that the EU is very carefully monitoring how the visa liberalization will be implemented in practice. That is why it is important for the citizens of these three countries to leave a good impression on the EU and citizens of the Union, and it is important for the governments to continue fulfilling the conditions of the road map towards EU integration,” she said.

“Otherwise, the EU will say that it was a mistake and that will have negative consequences, especially in the future enlargement of the Union and relations with these countries,” Stiegelmeier warned..."

>>> Well this is indicational of Germanic attitude toward Serbians.

So we are "allowed", but if they are not happy with our "behaviour" they may decide to recall visa liberalisation?
That would be smart move only if "Stiegelmeier's" want Serbia to join the union with Russia and become Balkan nuclear power.

So, where we are then,Stiegelmeier ?
Do we go for it? Please let us know.

im pleased for you guys, we will join you soon in eu. good luck all the best

Standards are lowered to much. This a disgrace.
(Olf, 30 November 2009 11:03)

I wonder how many Albanians are about disgrace themselves now and get a real passport.

BTW, Is Thaci going to get one too since the "Kosovar" one only allows him to go to 63 counties?

a hard blow for the k-albanians and the socalled bosnjak-s.

a rather symbolic move for most Serbs.

there is nothing to forget about Solana´s criminal actions against a sovereign european country.

it won´t help him to show up in public with Tadic by the hand - he stays what he is: a servant to US-american imperialism.

let´s just see what future brings...

congratulations srbja!
finally, the great news!

Fact is, Olf should take example from Ramiz. Thanks, Ramiz for your comment - hope the day all from Balkan will travel visa-free to EU/RU/USA will be soon.

It looks, like the value of Serbian passport increased a lot. Congratulations.

lol @ everyone who's trying to put a negative spin on this excellent piece of news.

Congratulations Serbia!!!!!!


This will benefit everyone.

All of the albanians fleeing 'Kosova' will no longer get into any danger, like the ones who drowned in the Tisa, may the rest in peace.

Macedonia will have a majority Maco population as most of the albanians will flee the place and become illegal immigrants.

This is even better for the economy too. Transport firms will be free to travel further and further. They will be able to show the rest of Europe the fine quality products being produced in Serbia and the region.

Olf, I hate to say it, but your comment was nothing more than expected. Stop trying to save face, what ever credibility and respect you had on this site, if any, has now gone out the window.

SRBIJA!!!!!!

It is not true that everybody who wants to enter EU goes for work, my husband is doing very well working here thank God, now we will be able to travel to visit my family without the need to even think about getting visa, besides when you don't need visa you feel more free to go anywhere any time you want, so, this is good news, no need for anybody to get upset with it :))

Do you have to have a biometric passport?

Congratulations, this is wonderful news! Where's everybody going first?

There's a rumor that the U.S. is planning to extend its visas from 3 to 5 years and then lift the requirement entirely, but this is a long process. Has anyone talked to the Embassy in Belgrade recently?

Heartfelt congratulations from Ireland, after meeting so many amazing Serbs last summer it makes me happy that you will be able to travel more freely.

CONGRATULATIONS !!!

This is the biggest ahievement of President Tadic and the Government ! No doubt I was taken by surprise. I had not expected it to happen so soon. Anyway I am as happy as all the Serbs are. I guess Russia also has tribute to this great success.

Cheers all !!!

passports... awww... you can still go to switzerland and build a mosque..... no, wait, you can't do that either...

No no no, you can but without minarets :)

First--visa liberalization then--EU admission.

These three nations have indicated their desire to change.

@ Ataman -

"Basically - officially - you can be no more than 90 days within 180 day period on the entire Schengen territory. ... But, for instance, Americans cannot. With, say, Canadian passport the traveler not just can't stay more than 90 days in Slovakia - but after 70 days staying in Slovakia he can go only for 20 days to Czech Republic within a 180-day period."

Are you sure about this? Americans in Prague just take a day-trip to Dresden (say - or Bratislava) and return the same day with a new date stamp allowing them to stay 90 more days as a tourist. People have lived for years there without bothering about a residence permit.

"On the praxis rarely anyone is exited in, say, Czech Republic about anyone from US/Canada/ex-Socialist countries overstaying ... "

This I can confirm. The trip to Dresden is mainly made by people whose Czech employers are nervous about complying with regulations. Especially if you work for a company located in the U.S. (and are thus simply bringing dollars into the country), the police couldn't care less.

"There's a rumor that the U.S. is planning to extend its visas from 3 to 5 years and then lift the requirement entirely, but this is a long process. Has anyone talked to the Embassy in Belgrade recently?" (Amer)

-- I certainly hope this is the case, but having spoken to a few of my friends in BG, the bigger issue is just money to purchase a ticket, let alone pay for the visa. But one thing at a time, I guess.

Congratulations and best wishes for continued progress on the path to the EU.

I'm very happy of the visa abolishment. Although it wasn't impossible for Serbian citizens to travel abroad before abolishment, it certainly is simpler now. Just to spend a weekend in Budapest, for example.

There is at least two generations of Serbia´s young citizens who hasn't by majority been abroad a single time (except in Montenegro, Macedonia, RS, Croatia).

I'm also 100% sure there's money for visits abroad. One can always skip buying a pair of new shoes or the latest model of mobile phone. Knowing how much my sister-in-law spends daily on snacks and other crap – at the same time complaining of her money shortage - I can say that it's in most cases a matter of choice. As long as it isn't possible to do both. This matter is no strange thing for any normal citizen of the EU. My friend's family decided to skip whole Xmas present shopping and to travel to Belgrade for New Year instead. Well, kids weren't so happy, but you can't let them to run the house.

Who ever tries to give a negative spin to visa abolishment should go to check her/his head, or join the Serbian Radical Party.

No way to understand some deplorative comments here. Seems it is the most favourite sport in this forum to comment any news in a competitive point of view, degenerating most of the time in pure and stupid racist sentences.
Congratulations to Serbia, Montengro and Macedonia for the effort done by their governments to accomplish all the reforms required in order to give the possibility to its citizens to travel freely around Europe.
Fact is that the governments of Albania and Bosnia have failed to do so, damaging extremely their own citizens and demonstrating their incapacity to take the right path on the EU integration.
These are the issues to discuss about; governments, reforms; respect to the citizens. All the rest that i read here is just the garbage of the worst dark years inherited from the Nineties.
Greetings from Albania.

Good news indeed. Confused on the 3 month thing though. Does that mean a Serb can go to Hungary but when they come back to Serbia they have to wait 3 months before going to Austria for example?
(kujon, 30 November 2009 14:42)

Basically - officially - you can be no more than 90 days within 180 day period on the entire Schengen territory. This is for every non-EU "White Schengen" country, excluding Australia: Australians negotiated the deal and they can apply the 90-day rule to each Schengen country individually. But, for instance, Americans cannot. With, say, Canadian passport the traveler not just can't stay more than 90 days in Slovakia - but after 70 days staying in Slovakia he can go only for 20 days to Czech Republic within a 180-day period.

On the praxis rarely anyone is exited in, say, Czech Republic about anyone from US/Canada/ex-Socialist countries overstaying but Germans are known to be strict(er).

In particular, German mentality is funny. On one occasion I noticed at the Bonn station that the local police got very exited. It turned out, as they said "there is a Mongolian lady" and she can't speak other languages, just Russian. OK, I helped her out. While doing so, a beggar from Africa was annoying everyone and was pretty agressive. The lady got into her train and was fine. Police thanked me - and I told them about the annoyance. Nothing about the origin of the guy, but that they should take care about the situation.

"Ah, that ever-drunk shi**y Nigg**r?"

(notice the "Mongolian lady" versus "sh***y Nigg**r" wording, pretty typical). The woman was a relative of a consulate worker - so it was a "bicycle" behavior, too - not just racial:

"pedal and bow to above and kick with your feet who is under you"

Good stuff. Not surprised about the bitter albo comments. You see, your greatest fans can say all nice things about you, but that does not equal letting you in for free without cleaning up your act.

The EC has learned from its mistake to let Bg & Ro in in 2007 - the consequence now being that the EU are applying the acquis communautaire even more rigorously than they did pre-2007. This has caught up the Croatian accession which has been delayed because of lack of sufficient action over organized crime and minority protection/returns.

The UK and Ireland have long since opted out of the Schengen Agreement so that is no biggie. Now we will finally get to see what Tadić is made of though I'm sure he will be careful considering what happened to the traitor Djindjic. Before anyone gets too excited about my last comment, see this on official propaganda mouthpiece Balkan Insight on political assassinations in Kosovo (yummy): http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/24060/

I think that this is a great news!finally, Serbia gets a green light from EU, after so many red lights, conditions etc. Good aspects are that people will travel more, plus low cost companies are finally coming to Serbia, however as with all the other countries that went through this step there is gonna be a flood of Serbs traveling to EU and staying illegally. Hopefully not a bad image will appear in EU member states as was the case with for example Bulgaria and Romania. All in all, great news and one step closer to EU where Serbia does belong! Greeting from Italy and good luck
:)

Congratulations to everybody in Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.

Congratulations Serbia,

Will they give me money to travel too because there is none in Serbia .
(Borota, 1 December 2009 00:42)

Borota, its all about priorities, some people prefer to smoke and buy the latest mobile phone, other wants to spend their money on travels.
And I am quite sure that MOST people in Serbia can afford the 27 euro round ticket to be able to go to Budapest by train. Going by car to Austria or Greece is also something that most ordinary working serbs can afford.

greeting from Italy!this is a great news!of course,as its expected,many Serbs will flood EU,as it was with other countries who went through this step as well.nothing to worry about.those who want to travel,see the world and change the picture of Serbia that is present in Europe-great.the rest of those,who are hoping to travel and stay illegally - nothing new.this is a very important step,closer to eu and i think that everyone should be happy.of course, there are always negative voices coming from the crowd,talking about conspiracy that EU is planning,how this is just their play and successful performance,but behind it it's a big destroying plan....people,be happy that after 17 years you are free again to travel,to communicate with other nations,to change their opinions that are so poor and offensive,to prove that Serbia is a beautiful country,with beautiful people and that it belongs in EU!

@Amer:

I am pretty sure about the theory and it got very strict now on the paper.
I, too can confirm the praxis what you speaking about (i.e. not much changed except there is no border between CZ and DE anymore, so people take other ways).

In particular, CZ and SK praxis is known to be pretty discriminatory - with US or, say, Kazakh passport the only chance is to be arrested is if you go to a soccer game with baseball equipment + pyrotechnic stuff ;-)

For holders of Nigerian passport - they are harassed even if everything is fine.

Great news. Congratulations Serbia!

@ Ataman:

'In particular, CZ and SK praxis is known to be pretty discriminatory - with US or, say, Kazakh passport the only chance is to be arrested is if you go to a soccer game with baseball equipment + pyrotechnic stuff ;-) '

This just goes to demonstrate the broad-mindedness of Americans - it's perfectly safe to appear at any sporting event with a soccer ball. People will even ask you politely what it is. (For some reason the pyrotechnics don't seem like a good idea, though.)