This European Country Is Visa Free For Indians

Located in the west-central Balkans,&nbspSerbia was once a part of Yugoslavia. A cosmopolitan country, it has much to offer travellers - from&nbspwine regions and thermal spas, to gorgeous trekking trails in national parks, amazing architectural heritage, quaint towns by the river Danube, and the buzzing nightlife of Belgrade.  

What most people do not know is that Indian nationals can visit Serbia&nbspwithout a visa. They can stay for a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of entry, within the span of a year.

Here's what the current government rules say 

• No visas are required for visits of up to 30 days, within period of one year.
• Citizens of India, who have not been granted temporary residence or permanent residence in the Republic of Serbia, and/or who have not previously been issued a D visa (long-term visa), when entering the Republic of Serbia, in addition to meeting the general entry requirements, are also required to provide the following documents a certified (notarized) letter of invitation from the person whom the foreigner is visiting in the Republic of Serbia, or proof of a paid reservation of a hotel or other accommodation facility in the Republic of Serbia proof of possession of sufficient funds to sustain themselves for the period of the planned stay in the Republic of Serbia.
• Sufficient funds are considered to be 50 euros per day of stay, proved by possession of the specified amount of cash or a bank statement proof of paid health insurance in the Republic of Serbia, - possession of a health insurance policy for the period of stay in the Republic of Serbia, covering possible medical costs to the amount of not less than 20,000 euros, and proof of a paid return flight ticket, with a fixed date of return to the country of origin or previous entry.

Here's our quick guide to places to visit in this beautiful country.

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is a truly great place to spend some time in. From &lsquo70s-style disco nightclubs and floating lounges known as splavovi (or splav) anchored along the riverfront, to a Frank Zappa theme club, or dinner at Beton Hala, there&rsquos a lot to do here if you decide to stay up late. 

Serbia is peppered with picturesque towns and cities that you can visit. There's the old town of Zemun where the houses have red-tiled roofs. Climb up to the old tower of Gardos for the panoramic view over Zemun and Belgrade. The pedestrian friendly streets are lined with caf&eacutes and bars. Then there's Novi Sad.&nbspThis pretty little town reminds you of Greece. Located in Vojvodina, an autonomous province of Serbia, the town is overlooked by the majestic Petro Varadin Fortress. It has quaint farm stays with excellent traditional fare.

If you are a wine fanatic, make sure you check out Sremski Karlovci.&nbspNot many know that this part of the world has a long history of winemaking. This lovely baroque-style town in Vojvodina is well-known for its vineyards and small, family-owned cellars. The vineyards are mostly scattered over the Fru&scaronka Gora hill with the Danube river to its north.

Topola is home to Karadorde, leader of the 1804 uprising against the Ottoman rulers of Serbia, the five-domed Church of Saint George with mosaics is worth a visit.

And do visit Nis which has a hoary history (it&rsquos the birthplace of Constantine the Great) and monuments such as a Roman-era fortress and Ottoman baths, Nis&rsquos more recent history is bloody. Some 10,000 citizens were shot here during WWII. Today, it&rsquos a hospitable, safe town, with street stalls offering hearty delicacies such as burek (pastry filled with meat or cheese $1 for two persons), friendly locals and great summer weather. 

If you want to stay in an atmospheric hotel, try the Metropol Palace in Belgrade. It has hosted the likes of Che Guevera, Anthony Quinn, Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, Bobby Fischer and Jawaharlal Nehru. A communist-era showpiece, it has now remodelled and relaunched as a luxury hotel in the heart of Belgrade.