Serbia Becomes A Popular Stopover Destination As Indians Flock For Quarantine Tourism

by Tania Tarafdar
Serbia Becomes A Popular Stopover Destination As Indians Flock For Quarantine Tourism

Many Indian students travelling to Canada and US are choosing Serbia as their transit point. Since Serbia is Europe’s only visa-free country, Indians are finding it easy to reach other destinations via Serbia. However, the seven-day quarantine requirement by the Serbian government has put Indian students in a fix. While the new quarantine rules came into effect on July 9, the Indian travellers were in the dark till they landed in Belgrade.

Passengers Travelling Via Serbia Must Undergo A 7-Day Mandatory Quarantine

The Indian Embassy in Serbia intervened and helped those stuck for their onward travel. Since Canada has suspended direct flights from India, many students are taking the Serbia spending up to ₹1.8 lakh on air tickets and two to three days of stay in Belgrade. On the other hand, US needs Indian passengers to spend 14 days outside India to be allowed into US. US-Bound Indian Students Do Not Require Vaccine Proof For Entry; All Other Details Here.

Also read: I Visited The Only Visa-Free European Country Serbia & Its Beauty Left Me Wonderstruck!

Indian Embassy In Serbia Is Helping Indians Travel Onward

Many students did not have the money to spend seven days in Serbia and wish to reach Canada at the earliest. Many families with children were stuck at the airport too. In a tweet, the Indian embassy said ” Embassy officials are in touch with the airport authorities and airlines to ensure the departure of all Indians.” Lufthansa said in a statement “We are working closely with Serbian authorities and the Indian embassy to support our passengers.”

Also read: Explained: The Entry Rules For Indian Students In US, Germany & Other Countries

Since Serbia allows visa-free entry to Indians for 30 days, it has quickly turned into a tourist and transit destination. However, the quarantine rules are forcing students and families to change itineraries and reschedule travel plans. Indians are also opting for Egypt and Mexico to travel to Canada and the US. Education consultants are advising students against travelling to Canada and the US via a third country.