Where to Apply
US Embassy in Belgrade
- Address: Bulevar kneza Aleksandra Karađorđevića 92, Belgrade - map card, you can build a route
- Working days: Monday-Friday
- Appointment hours: by appointment only
- Parking: no spaces near the embassy, you can park at the Maksi store a little lower (5 minutes walk)
Appointment Booking
Current Slot Situation (2026)
- "On-the-fly" slots have almost disappeared - for a family you often have to wait 3 months or more.
- Single slots appear more often, but they are taken within minutes.
- Check several times a day; sometimes dates for January-February of the next year open up.
Required Documents
Mandatory
- Valid Russian Federation passport.
- Completed DS-160 form (submitted online at https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/default.aspx).
- Confirmation of the interview appointment.
- Photo 5×5 cm - see requirements on the US Department of State website.
Additional (optional)
- Work certificate, bank statements, property documents.
- Marriage/birth certificates (can be in Russian).
- Residence permit (boravak) - show if you have it.
Important: Consular officers usually decide the case based on the form and the oral interview; additional papers are requested rarely.
Financial Documents
- Bank statements: accepted from any bank; there is no fixed minimum, the key is a stable income.
- Sponsorship letter: rarely required, drafted freely in English; the sponsor must provide his/her own financial documents.
Fees and Processing Times
- Visa fee for B1/B2 - increased (check the exact amount on the website).
- Additional fee $250 - not introduced yet.
- Payment can be made by card online or in cash through the visa center.
- Processing times
- If approved: passport with visa ready in 3-5 working days.
- If administrative processing (AP): from 1 month up to 2 years, average in 2026 ≈ 2 years.
Visa Types
- Tourist/Business (B1/B2) - the most common option, multivisa for 3 years for Russian citizens.
- Multivisa - issued for 3 years; chances depend on your case, a travel history to the US improves them.
- National visa (D) - for long-term stay (work, study); requires a separate document package.
Hacks and Tips
What Increases Your Chances
- Having a residence permit (boravak) in Serbia - mandatory condition.
- Official employment in Serbia (on-site work preferred over remote).
- Living in Serbia ≥ 3 years.
- History of trips to the US and timely return.
- Visas to Schengen, the UK and other developed countries.
- Close relatives who are US citizens.
Interview Preparation
- Honesty - don't lie about work, income, purpose.
- Prepare short answers to typical questions; you can run them through ChatGPT, but don't copy verbatim.
- Don't push documents unless asked.
Application Strategy
- It's better to apply as a single applicant - single slots appear more often.
- For family applications open separate accounts to catch slots for the same day.
- After a denial you can reapply immediately; there are no "waiting periods".
Common Reasons for Denial
- Weak ties to the country of residence (especially if living less than 3 years).
- Remote work for a Russian employer while residing in Serbia.
- Working in IT - higher scrutiny.
- Unconvincing purpose of travel.
- Young age without family or stable income.
Denial Codes
- 214(b) - failed to prove lack of immigrant intent.
- "Live/work a bit longer" - standard phrase from consuls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply without a Serbian residence permit?
No. Since 2024 non-residents of Serbia are prohibited from applying.
How soon after a denial can I reapply?
Immediately - there are no restrictions.
What if there are not enough slots?
You can try applying in Kazakhstan (Astana) or Poland (Warsaw) - both cities accept Russian citizens.
Does participation in the Green Card lottery affect the outcome?
Consuls may ask, but participation itself is not a ground for denial.
Can I extend the visa without an interview?
Yes, if the previous visa was obtained at the same consulate and expired less than 12 months ago - the system will automatically offer an interview waiver.
Do children have to attend the interview?
Children under 14 may not be present; from 14 years old attendance is mandatory.
Is translation of documents required?
For core documents (birth, marriage certificates) translation is not required - you can bring them in Russian.
What to bring to the embassy?
Only passport, appointment confirmation and photo (if requested). Electronic devices are prohibited, but there is a locker for small items.
Alternative Application Countries
Kazakhstan (Astana)
- High approval rate.
- Application available for Russian citizens.
- Paid bots help with booking.
Poland (Warsaw)
- Denials ≈ 11 % (compared with 44 % in the UAE).
- A Schengen visa is required for entry.
- Slots are more accessible than in Belgrade.
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The article is compiled from the experience of the Serbia community: visas for other countries. Information may become outdated - always check official sources.