Serbia began issuing newly redesigned passports on July 1, marking the first major change to the country’s travel document since biometric passports were introduced in 2008.
The new passport features a modernized design, updated security elements and several technical improvements aimed at making the document more resistant to forgery and misuse. Serbian authorities say the redesign brings the passport in line with high international security standards while preserving its function as a valid biometric travel document.
For Serbian citizens, the most important question is whether existing passports must be replaced immediately. According to Serbia’s Interior Ministry, the answer is no. Previously issued biometric passports remain valid until the expiration date printed on the document. Citizens do not need to apply for a new passport unless their current one expires, is damaged, or they need a replacement due to a legal reason such as a change in personal information.
There will also be no difference in treatment at border crossings between the old and new passport formats, as both remain legally valid as long as they have not expired.
The new passport keeps the recognizable burgundy-red appearance but introduces a more refined visual identity. The state coat of arms on the cover has been adjusted to match Serbia’s official small coat of arms, while the text on the cover is now written in Serbian Cyrillic and English. French, which previously appeared on the cover, has been removed.
Inside, the passport includes 32 pages with new illustrations inspired by Serbia’s cultural and historical heritage, including medieval monasteries, ornamental details and heraldic symbols. These design elements are not only decorative but also serve as additional security features.
The passport includes a range of advanced protective measures, such as watermarks, security threads, UV and infrared protection, microtext, holographic elements, laser perforation and laser personalization of personal data. These features are designed to make alteration or counterfeiting significantly more difficult.
The procedure for applying for a passport remains unchanged. Serbian citizens can submit applications in person at police departments and stations or schedule an appointment through the country’s eGovernment portal. No additional documentation is required because of the new design.
The standard passport issuance fee is 4,500 Serbian dinars, while certain passports with a longer validity period cost 5,100 dinars. The fee changes were introduced earlier this year and are not a direct result of the July 1 redesign.
Serbia’s passport currently allows visa free travel to 133 destinations and ranks 30th on the Henley Passport Index.
The redesign was led by Serbian heraldry expert Ljubodrag Grujić, known for his work on Serbia’s official state symbols. The new passport is intended to combine modern document security, graphic design and national identity in one of the country’s most important official documents.
