Visa requirement for Indian living in the UK for travel to Serbia and Bulgaria
I am an Indian citizen living and working in the UK for 5 years now. I hold a Tier-2 resident permit in the UK with an Indian passport.
I am keen on visiting Sofia, Bulgaria en-route to Belgrade, Serbia in August 2015. As I hold a visa issued by the UK (which is part of the EU), and I am a resident here, do I still need a Schengen Visa to visit Sofia, Bulgaria and then to Belgrade, Serbia?
It's mentioned on their embassy websites, that if a member EU nation visa is there, I don't need a Schengen for these countries?
It would be really helpful, if someone can provide the answer to my questions soon please.
Best Answer
As @Relaxed indicated, Bulgaria and Serbia aren't part of the Schengen area (yet). They will both let you in if you have a Schengen visa, but it's not required.
You do need a local visa for Bulgaria, it seems it doesn't care about your status in the UK, but Serbia will let you in.
Bulgaria (reference)
Last update: 03.06.2015
Country Visa is required India YesOn 25 January 2012 the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria adopted a decision according to which by the date of Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen area, our country will unilaterally apply a visa-free system for holders of valid Schengen visas. They will have the right to enter and reside in the Republic of Bulgaria for a period of no more than three months in any six-month period from the date of the first entry, without needing to have a Bulgarian short-stay visa. The decision entered into force on 31.01.2012.
Serbia
At its meeting of 30 October 2014, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the Decision on visa free entry to the Republic of Serbia for holders of foreign passports having a valid Schengen, UK and other Member States' visa, or visa of the United States of America, and for holders of foreign passports having residence permit in the countries of the Schengen area, EU or the United States of America, which was published in the "Official Gazette of RS", No. 119 of 31 October 2014 and which will enter into force on 8 November 2014
Pictures about "Visa requirement for Indian living in the UK for travel to Serbia and Bulgaria"
Do I need visa for Serbia if I have UK visa?
Visas. British passport holders don't need a visa to visit Serbia for up to 90 days. For further information on entry and exit requirements, contact the Serbian Embassy in London.Does Indian passport holders need visa for Serbia?
Serbia tourist visa is not required for citizens of India for a stay up to 30 dayswithin a 365 day period.Do I need a visa to go to Bulgaria from UK?
You can travel to Bulgaria for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit for family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.Can Indians travel to Serbia with Schengen visa?
As of November 2014 valid visa holders and residents of the European Union and Schengen Area member states and the United States can enter Serbia without a visa for a maximum stay of 90 days within 180 days, provided the visa remains valid for the entire length of stay.Trip to Serbia Belgrade - visa free country for Indians in Europe. Immigration tips \u0026 information.
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