started · updated
Serbia aims for Schengen entry by 2027 without Russian visa requirements
Serbia aims to join the Schengen Area by the end of 2027, according to Veljko Odalović, head of the newly formed Coordinating Body for Serbia's entry into Schengen. While joining the Schengen Area requires aligning visa policies with the European Union—which would necessitate ending visa-free travel for certain countries, including Russia—Odalović stated that such measures are not currently a priority.
Data from the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs indicates that approximately 62,000 Russian citizens held approved residence in Serbia by the end of 2025. This follows a significant migration of Russians to the country since the start of the invasion of Ukraine.
In contrast, Montenegro is actively aligning its visa policy with Brussels. Starting in November, Montenegro will introduce visas for citizens of Russia, Turkey, China, Belarus, and Saudi Arabia. European Commission Commissioner Marta Kos noted that Montenegro has closed more than half of its negotiation chapters and could potentially join the EU by 2028.
Entities
European Commission · Marta Kos · Montenegro · Serbia · Veljko Odalović
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Serbia aims to join the Schengen Area by the end of 2027. makpress.mk · fena.ba · www.vijesti.ba
- [● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 62,000 Russian citizens had approved residence in Serbia by the end of 2025. makpress.mk · fena.ba · www.vijesti.ba
- [● 3 SOURCES] Serbia is not currently prioritizing the introduction of visas for Russian citizens. makpress.mk · fena.ba · www.vijesti.ba
- [● 2 SOURCES] Montenegro has closed more than half of its EU negotiation chapters and could join the EU by 2028. fena.ba · www.vijesti.ba
- [● 3 SOURCES] Montenegro is introducing visas for citizens of Russia, Turkey, China, Belarus, and Saudi Arabia starting in November. makpress.mk · fena.ba · www.vijesti.ba