Guidance

Information for British nationals detained or imprisoned in Serbia

Updated 19 March 2025

Introduction

Who can help?

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO):

The FCDO is represented overseas by its Embassies and Consulates (High Commission in Commonwealth Countries). Both employ consular officers, and one of their duties is to provide help and advice to any British National who gets into difficulty in a foreign country.

About the British Embassy in Belgrade

We are impartial; we are not here to judge you. We aim to make sure that you are treated properly and fairly in accordance with local regulations, and that you are treated no less favourably than other prisoners.

We can answer questions about your welfare and about prison regulations, but you must ask your lawyer or the court about legal matters. A list of lawyers is provided by the British Embassy for your convenience, but neither His Majesty’s Government, nor any official of the Consulate, take any responsibility for the competence or probity of any firm/advocate on the list or for the consequence of any legal action initiated or advice given.

We cannot get you out of prison, pay fines or stand bail or interfere with local judicial procedures to get you out of prison nor secure you an earlier trial date; we cannot investigate a crime.

We have tried to make sure that the information in this booklet is accurate and up to date, but the British Embassy cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information. If in doubt, contact a lawyer.

Consular representatives

Vice Consul based in Belgrade. Consular services in Serbia are overseen by the Consular Regional Operations Manager based in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Contact Information

British Embassy in Belgrade
Resavska 46
11000 Belgrade
Serbia

Tel: +381 11 306 0900

www.gov.uk/world/serbia

The opening hours of the embassy are:

Monday – Thursday from 8.00 – 16.30 and Friday from 8.00 – 13.00

Consular meetings arranged by appointment only

First Steps

Who will know I have been detained?

When a British citizen is arrested and detained in Serbia, the Serbian authorities are obliged to inform the Embassy, however we may not be informed within 24 hours. The local police should ask whether you would like the Consulate, or someone else to be informed. If you say that you do, then they will inform the Consulate directly, normally only during working hours.  However, we often learn of an arrest informally from family or friends. It is in your interest to inform the Embassy/Consulate of your arrest.

What will my family be told?

For reasons of confidentiality under the Data Protection Act we are not permitted to tell anyone, even your family, that you have been detained or what the charges are without your permission. Whilst it is up to you what information we will pass to your family; it is sometimes best if we are able to give at least some information to them to ease their worrying; they can also help to send you money or pay for a lawyer.

What will the Consulate do?

We aim to make contact you within 24 hours after we learn of your arrest and visit you within 48 hours if permission has been granted from the judge and the timing of the arrest. If the arrest happened on a Friday or before a holiday, we will not be able to organise a visit within 24 hours. During our visits you will have the opportunity to discuss any health issues, security concerns, your treatment in prison and any other general issues that you wish to raise with our consular staff.  At each consular visit, our staff will complete a “Visit Report Form”.  If there is any information that you would prefer not to disclose to a Next of Kin, you should let us know during the visit.

With your permission we will approach the local authorities if you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards i.e., human rights breach etc.

Would I have a criminal record in the UK?

You should be aware that if you have been convicted for certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drugs trafficking, we are obliged to inform the UK police. It is therefore possible that information about this offence may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. 

Visits

How do my family and friends arrange a visit?

Prison visits are at the discretion of the investigating judge and are normally restricted to close family members. Permission must be obtained in writing from the judge. We, or your local lawyer, can help your family members to obtain this permission. For prisoners who have been sentenced visits are authorised by the prison governor. 

In order to receive visitors, you will need to provide the prison with the names of the people visiting you for them to be added to the prison visiting list. Visiting times vary from prison to prison, but most prisons are flexible, especially for visitors who come from overseas. Friends are not allowed in some prisons.

How many visits am I allowed?

This information can vary from prison to prison. In the majority of the prisons, you are allowed to receive visitors once a week e.g. your local lawyer. Some prisons only allow family visits on certain days of the week or only once a month. The prison authorities or your lawyer will be able to inform you of visiting times/days.

Consular visits

We will aim to visit you again once a year after you have been sentenced if you have been sentenced for more than one year; during our visits you will have the opportunity to discuss any health issues, security concerns, your treatment in prison and any other general issues that you wish to raise with our Consular staff. Our staff will complete another “Visit Report Form”. If you have given us permission to speak to your family, but there is any information that you would prefer us not to disclose to them, then you should let us know during the visit. 

You may request an extra/exceptional consular visit if you have a particular issue, in writing or through your lawyer. We will also visit you if we think there are justifiable concerns for your welfare, for example, that you are suffering any form of mistreatment.

What can visitors bring?

Serbia has many prison facilities and regulations about permitted items can vary from one prison to another. Normally prisons allow one parcel once a month, containing clothes, food, books, or all three. The prison will have a list of prohibited items that cannot be sent to you and information on how large parcels should be. 

Prison conditions/services

Arrival at police station

When someone is arrested, they are taken to the Police Station in the first instance. They are transferred to a detention/prison centre afterwards.

Arrival at prison

When someone is arrested, they are taken to a police station in the first instance. After that they are taken before an investigative pre-trial judge and if the judge orders detention the person is taken to a prison. Any personal belongings that are not part of the investigation, process, or evidence will be sent to the prison if the prison has enough space to keep them. It is unfortunately not unusual for some belongings to go missing immediately after the arrest or during prison transfers.

The British Embassy/Consulate cannot store your personal belongings on your behalf. The only property we can keep for you are your passport and driver’s licence. However, these are usually kept by the court as evidence or your identity or as a condition for your bail/parole. This measure is taken by the courts also to prevent you from skipping bail. 

Medical checks will be carried out by the prison health department in order to assess if you need any treatment for ongoing medical conditions (e.g. blood pressure, diabetes, HIV).

General prison conditions

Overcrowding is a problem so you cannot expect a single cell as a matter of course. You should also be aware that the conditions of toilets and showers are basic in Serbian prisons.  Serbian prisons usually provide basic toiletries, standard clothing, and linen. Other items can be purchased with your own money directly from the prison shop/canteen or brought to you by your family, if so, permitted by the prison authorities. Normally, items that can be bought at the prison shop/canteen cannot be brought to you by your family.

The number of inmates to each cell entirely depends on the size of the cell and the number of prisoners in the particular prison. Prisoners are allowed out of their cells for 60 to 120 minutes a day, depending on the weather and the size of the courtyard.

Can I work or study in prison?

It is not possible for foreign nationals to work in prisons in Serbia.

Study opportunities are not available to foreign nationals.

Can I receive medical and dental treatment?

If you need medical or dental treatment you should make an appointment to see the prison doctor or dentist. Depending on the number of patients, you can either be assisted the same day or in 2-3 days. Basic medical attention is free of charge.

Complex problems may be referred to a specialist who will visit the prison. Very often medicine is not available in the prisons.  If you have a long-standing medical problem and have received treatment for it in the UK, it may be useful if you have your medical records, or at least a report of a list of medication you take, sent from your doctor in the UK to the prison doctor.

Food and diet

The prison authorities have assured us that the food they provide is a balanced diet supplying the necessary daily nutritional requirements. A special diet can only be provided on medical examination (for example, diabetes, high blood pressure).

Your prison should have a shop or a facility in the canteen where you can pay for items to supplement your diet. The prison can hold a fund for you to use for this purpose. 

Mail/parcels

You have the right to send letters. There is usually no limit to the number of letters you may send or receive. The prison authorities are obliged to deliver letters to you with the minimum of delay. Please be aware that letters are subject to censorship by the judge in the detention stage and the prison warden in the serving a sentence stage. This can be a slow process because both inward and outward letters will need to be translated. As a rule, paperback books and magazines are not censored. However, a particular book or magazine/publication may be withheld if its circulation is not allowed in this country. 

Stationery and stamps are usually available in the prison shop/canteen. If not, your lawyer/family may be able to help you obtain them. 

Our consular staff will reply to your written correspondence within our target of 20 working days (excluding postage time).

You can receive parcels from your family.  Please be aware that parcels should be sent directly to the prison; parcels sent to the Consulate will not be forwarded to you. 

Can I make telephone calls?

During the detention period and investigation, detainees are not allowed to make phone calls. Only in exceptional circumstances the pre-trial judge can allow phone calls to detainees, but please note that this is a very rare practice.

After conviction usually there is access to a pay phone, and you may buy a phone card in the prison shop or family/friends/lawyer can leave you some cards when they visit. The phone may be used on certain days at certain times. The prison will provide you with the exact information about how to make a call.

Mobile phones are not allowed. If you are caught trying to use a mobile phone inside the prison you will be punished according to the prison’s regulations. 

Leisure and entertainment

Prisons often have a library with a wide range of books in English and other foreign languages.  Some prisons allow TVs or radios in the cells.

Drugs

It is known that drug trafficking between inmates in prisons exists. If you are caught with any kind of illegal drugs (marijuana, cocaine, etc) you will be punished according to the prison’s regulations.

Cigarettes may not be brought inside Serbian prison buildings by your family or friends. If you are a smoker, you may buy cigarettes only in the prison shop/canteen. There will be designated smoking areas. You should make sure you know where they are.

How can I receive money?

There are 3 ways in which you can receive money while in prison.

• private funds: deposited to you by your family or friends
• family members or friends who are in Serbia can deposit money directly to the prison
• family or friends can transfer funds to British Nationals Overseas via the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Options to transfer funds to British Nationals Overseas via the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Money received from the UK will be converted into local currency. Our Consular staff will then transfer your funds to you.

Money sent to you will be deposited in your prison account. Please note that our Consular staff cannot be responsible for the loss of funds by the Prison Authorities.

Please note that the Consulate does not provide financial support to British Nationals in prison abroad.

Please note that we can only advance funds to the person overseas once your payment has cleared in our account.

1. Electronic bank transfers

Payment by electronic/internet bank transfer can be made either using online or telephone banking, or at your local bank or building society.

For all bank transfers, you will need to include the following details:

Bank:                                      National Westminster Bank

Account Name:                 FCDO Multi Vote

Sort Code:                           60-70-80

Account Number:            10012362

Reference:                             FCDO case reference number (which can be found at the top of this letter), surname and first name of the person you are sending the founds, plus country name if possible

e.g. 11-THB-123456-SMITH JOE-THAILAND or CON-1234 SMITH JOE-THILAND

IBAN:                                      GB56NWBK60708010012362

SWIFT/BIC:                            NWBKGB2L

You may also need our bank address which is:

Government Banking Cst
Po Box 2027
Parklands
De Havilland Way
Horwich
Bolton
BL6 4YU

2. By Post

Payments by Postal Order, Bankers Draft, Building Society Cheque or personal cheque should be crossed and made payable to “The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office”.  They should be sent to:

Accounts Receivable
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Corporate Service Centre
PO Box 6108
Milton Keynes
MK10 1PX

We recommend that you use Special Delivery.

Please ensure that you include a note briefly explaining who the money is for, why you are sending these funds and quoting the case reference number. You may wish to use the payment slip on the next page.

If you would like a receipt, please include a stamped addressed envelope.

Please note that it can take approximately 15 days for personal cheques to clear and for payment to be received. Please write the cheque guarantee number and expiry date, and the ORBIT reference number, on the back of the cheque.

We are unable to receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash. 

To: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

ORBIT reference number:

Date:

Please find enclosed funds for:

Full Name:

Country/place the above is in:

Amount enclosed:

Fee to be deducted:

Payment method:

My name is:

My address is:

How can I make a complaint about mistreatment?

The official complaint procedure is currently being reviewed by the Serbian Ministry of Justice and State Administration. If you wish to file a complaint, please consult your local lawyer, or write to us so that we take your concerns forward.

The Serbian judicial system

The Consulate cannot interfere with the Serbian judicial system.  We cannot ask for your case to be judged quickly or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.  Below you will find more information about the Serbian judicial system. 

Please note that the following is general information provided by the local authorities. The Embassy is not responsible for any inaccuracies. You may wish to check the accuracy of it with your local lawyer:

“The criminal procedure in Serbia is regulated by the Code on Criminal Procedure (Official Gazette of RS, No, 72/22, 101/11, 121/12, 32/13, 45/13, 55/2014, 35/19, 27/21 and Constitutional Court Decision no. 21/21 (hereinafter: “the Criminal Procedure Code”).

Under the provisions of the Criminal Code, the criminal procedure comprises of:

(i) preliminary criminal procedure in which parties, who are aware that a felony is committed, are obliged to report the felony to the public prosecutor, or to the police who report the felony to the public prosecutor

(ii) initial criminal procedure which comprises of:

(a) investigation against the suspect for the felony committed

(b) raising of the indictment by the public prosecutor

(iii) the main trial  and the court verdict

(iv) legal procedures due to legal remedies (appeal, renewal of the criminal procedure, request for protection of legality)

In the civil law system, the following authorities are involved in the criminal procedure:

(i) a public prosecutor who directs trial proceedings

(ii) investigative judge who oversees the investigation, in the preliminary and initial phase of the criminal procedure

(iii) the trial judge, namely the trial committee of judges

The investigation is conducted upon a request of the public prosecutor, who files a request to the investigative judge. The investigative judge passes a decision on conducting of the investigation if he/she agrees with the request of the public prosecutor. The investigative judge conducts interrogations of suspects, issues rulings at detention hearings and decides if there is enough evidence to charge a suspect with a crime. If so, the case then goes to the trial judge, who conducts the trial and, often in collaboration with other committee judges who participate in the trial, determines guilt or innocence.

Initial arrest, interrogation, and the right to counsel – the Police

In addition to executing an arrest based on a warrant, law enforcement officials (the police) in Serbia may temporarily detain individuals at the scene where a criminal offense either is occurring or recently occurred, or where the police have a “well-founded belief” that a serious crime has been committed. Under these circumstances, the police may hold a person to ask questions that will lead to the identity of a perpetrator. The police may also hold a person to prevent the flight of suspects, or to secure evidence. Police may hold persons at the scene for up to six hours so that they may be questioned by an investigative judge.

At the point when the police initiate a formal interrogation, they must inform the person they are interrogating that he/she is entitled to have a lawyer present during the interrogation, that the person may refuse to answer questions and that any statement made during the interrogation may be used against the person at trial. If the person being interrogated is not informed of these rights, the trial judge may later refuse to admit into evidence any statements made by the person interrogated.

If the person who is detained cannot retain a lawyer by himself, the state must provide one. These lawyers are selected from a list submitted by the bar association. The police are required to refrain from interrogating the suspect until the arrival of a defence counsel. If a defence counsel has not been secured after eight hours when the detained person was allowed to provide for the counsel, the police must release the suspect or bring him before the investigating judge without delay. In exceptional circumstances, the police may detain a person for up to 48 hours.

Initial arrest, interrogation, and the right to counsel – the investigative judge

After taking a suspect into custody, the police are required to bring a suspect before an investigative (pre-trail) judge without delay. This is defined as within eight hours, or more if sufficient reasons are given. As noted above, in exceptional circumstances, the police, without referring the matter to an investigative judge, may issue a decision to detain a suspect for up to 48 hours in order to collect additional evidence before bringing the suspect before the investigative judge. However, the investigative judge must be immediately informed of this and can ask for the detainee to be brought before him immediately. In such circumstances, the police must also ensure that the suspect is provided with a lawyer immediately. The suspect and defence counsel may appeal the decision for additional detention and this appeal shall immediately be submitted to the investigating judge. The investigating judge is bound to render a decision on the appeal within four hours of receipt of the appeal.

Once the suspect is brought before the investigative judge, the judge must inform the suspect of his or her right to a lawyer. The investigative judge must also assist the suspect to obtain a lawyer before interrogating the suspect if the suspect is mute, deaf, or otherwise unable successfully to defend himself, or if the proceedings are carried out for a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment for a term of more than ten years. Interrogation by the investigative judge may be delayed up to 24 hours to allow the suspect to obtain counsel. Otherwise, the presence of a defence lawyer is not mandatory and if the detainee has not engaged a lawyer or has explicitly waived this right, the investigative judge shall immediately interrogate the detainee. Immediately after interrogating the suspect, the investigative judge must render a decision about whether the suspect is to be released or detained further.

Whether the interrogation is conducted by the police or by an investigative judge, the interrogation of a foreign citizen in Serbia must be carried out through an interpreter. Additionally, foreign citizens in detention have the right to submit briefs to the court in their native language. Translations of court proceedings must also be provided by the court. Failure to provide a foreign citizen with these translations may be grounds for appealing a subsequent conviction.

Detention after arrest

Within 24 hours of the suspect being brought before the investigative judge, the judge must issue a decision to either detain or release the accused.  The grounds for detention after arrest relate to the seriousness of the offense and the risk of flight posed by the suspect. Obviously, foreign citizens who are suspects in crimes represent a significant flight risk.  However, under the Serbian Criminal Procedure Code, the courts are obligated to limit the duration of detention to the shortest time necessary and to employ the least restrictive means to ensure the presence of the accused in the proceedings. Often, this includes granting provisional release on bail. Bail may be granted in exchange for sureties such as cash or liens on real property. The Criminal Procedure Code provides that an individual illegally detained may sue the state for compensation.

Search

Searches of persons and dwellings must be ordered by a written warrant issued by the court stating the reasons for the search. The person against whom a warrant was issued may request that legal counsel be present during the search. The search may be delayed up to three hours to allow for the presence of a council. Two adult citizens are required to be present during the search. Regarding the search of persons, females may only be searched by female officers and the witnesses present must also be female. Searches may be conducted without a warrant under exceptional circumstances such as a high risk of armed resistance to the search or if it appears evidence is being destroyed.

Right to a lawyer

As described above, the Criminal Procedure Code provides for the right to have a lawyer present throughout the criminal procedure. Serbia does not have vigorous public defender offices. As noted above, under the Criminal Procedure Code, the state is under an absolute duty to provide a lawyer to persons who are about to be interrogated by the police. This duty extends to proceedings before an investigative judge for persons who are mute, deaf, or otherwise unable to defend themselves, or who are charged with a crime punishable by more than 10 years in prison. It also applies when additional detention is ordered by the police or by an investigative judge. Under these circumstances the court is mandated to appoint a council regardless of whether the accused person has the means to hire a lawyer. The accused has the right to retain his or her own council and if s/he does so the court will release the lawyer provided by the state.

Regarding persons against whom detention is ordered, the state’s duty to provide a lawyer is limited to the detention hearing itself. For crimes carrying a sentence of 3 to 10 years, the court may appoint a council if the accused is unable to afford one. For crimes carrying a sentence less than 3 years, the court may only appoint a council if the accused lacks the financial means and if it is in the interest of justice. At the present time there is no standard method to determine whether the accused has the financial means to hire a lawyer, and the system of appointing lawyers in all circumstances other than the “mandatory defence” cases described above is ad hoc at best. Any person who is arrested for anything other than a minor violation is urged to obtain competent legal counsel promptly.

Travel restrictions during criminal procedures

Article 199 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Serbia allows authorities to seize a foreign national’s passport if circumstances indicate that the subject of a criminal investigation might flee the jurisdiction.

Drugs

The Basic Criminal Code of the Republic of Serbia describes all controlled substances, including the materials needed to produce them, as narcotics. Punishment for drug offenses is not linked to the type of drug that was possessed or distributed. The minimum sentence for unauthorized production, refining, selling, purchasing for the purpose of selling and any other form of unauthorized distribution is 3 years imprisonment. If the court finds that a group of individuals organized themselves to conduct these activities, the minimum sentence is 5 years imprisonment.  Unauthorized possession of narcotics is punishable by either a fine or imprisonment for up to 3 years. It is also a crime to induce others to ingest narcotics. The sanction for this is imprisonment for up to 10 years. However, if the person so induced was a minor, there is a minimum sentence of 3 years imprisonment.

Traffic Laws

Foreign nationals may travel through Serbia in a vehicle duly registered outside of Serbia.  Foreign nationals charged with a serious traffic violation in Serbia may be prohibited from using his or her foreign driving license in Serbia.  Detainees can remain in detention, without having been sentenced, for 12 months or more.

Is the system the same as the UK?

No, but there are many similarities.  For example, prisoners have a right to legal representation, interpreter, fair trail, and appeal.  However, there are fundamental differences. The Serbian judicial system is very bureaucratic. 

What should happen when I am arrested?

You will be taken to a prison facility; it is possible that you will spend one night in a police station. In some cases, you might be taken to a detention centre. This will depend on where you were arrested i.e. small village, town or city, border crossing.

At the moment of your arrest, you should be made aware of your rights; one of them is to have a phone call to speak to a family member/friend. You should inform the authorities if you wish the British Consulate to be informed of your arrest.

The officer that arrested you might want to take a statement from you. This has to be done with a translator or someone who can speak English.

You will be accused by the prosecutor’s office and if you can’t afford a private lawyer the Serbian government will appoint a public defender for you.

What happens when I am charged?

The courts will inform you, your lawyer/public defender, and the prison authorities of your charge. If you don’t have a private lawyer, you will be assisted by a public defender who will put forward requests for bail, appeal on your behalf etc.

For how long can I be remanded in custody?

It is likely that you will remain in custody until your trial. The maximum period for which you can be held on remand before being tried or released is 6 months.  While on remand you may be visited by family/friends at the discretion of the investigating authorities or judge, but permission is normally only granted to close family members. On remand you are entitled to a regular daily two hour walk if circumstances permit.  Time served on remand will be counted as part of your sentence.

Hearings usually take place 3 to 6 months from the date of arrest although in some cases this may be longer. Normally the judge will hear the accused and the witnesses.

What provision is there for bail?

Serious crimes like drug trafficking don’t have provision for bail. There are bail provisions for other offences which can be requested at the initial hearing and at a later stage on application from a lawyer or at a trial if you are given a sentence but then make an appeal.

What kind of legal assistance is there?

Consular staff cannot give you legal advice, but they can give you a list of lawyers. You can hire a lawyer for yourself at any time after your arrest; a list of English-speaking lawyers will be given to you by the Consulate. Normally, if you hire a private lawyer, they may ask for a cash advance for their estimated legal fees before they will take your case on. The British Consulate cannot pay legal fees or guarantee to a lawyer that you will pay them.

Alternatively, your case will be taken by a public defender if you cannot afford a private lawyer, but if later you manage to hire a lawyer the case will be transferred to the new lawyer.

If you are charged with an offence that carries a prison sentence of ten years or more you are entitled to ‘mandatory defence’ at the expense of the State, but you should bear in mind that such a lawyer may not speak adequate English to represent you effectively.

What happens at the trial?

On your trial day you will be taken to the court office where your case is being handled. There will be a judge in charge of your case along with the public prosecutor and your lawyer or public defender. If you don’t speak Serbian, the court will be responsible for hiring an interpreter to assist you during the trial.

Sentences

Sentences vary greatly in Serbia and will depend on the seriousness of the crime. Your lawyer/public defender will be best placed to advise on length of sentences and on appeals’ processes.

How can appeals be made?

You have the right to appeal against your sentence in the Higher Courts through your lawyer or public defenders. It is usual for the public defenders to appeal against your first sentence anyway. However, the appeal process is usually very slow and can sometimes lead to the appellant’s release being delayed until the appeal is decided.  In such cases a lawyer’s opinion of the case is strongly recommended before proceeding.

What provision is there for reduction of sentence (remission) e.g. for good behaviour?

You may be able to apply to be released before having served the entire sentence only after serving two thirds of the sentence. The application is made to the prison authorities who, if they deem early release justifiable due to good behaviour etc, in turn put up their own proposal for the early release to the court for approval.

What provision is there for early release e.g. on parole?

The requirements to apply for parole are defined by law and you can find out more information from your lawyer or the prison staff.

You should be aware that when you are on parole, the Prisoners Abroad services will cease, and the consulate/embassy cannot support you financially. On top of that you should bear in mind that you cannot leave Serbia while your sentence is not finished.

Parole is not granted automatically; it is your right to apply if you have served the necessary time in the closed prison; it is the judge’s choice to give you this benefit or not. Benefits’ requests in their vast majority are dealt by State judges since prisons in Serbia are State run.

What provision is there for clemency or pardon?

In Serbia, pardon/clemency can only be given by the President or his/her delegates such as Ministers, the General Prosecutor or General Federal Lawyer. A pardon/clemency means that although the prison sentence will end the person will still have a criminal record.            

What about any financial penalties?

Normally the Serbian authorities waive any financial penalties attached to prison sentences imposed on foreigners but there are exceptions.

Prison transfers

Is transfer to another prison within Serbia possible?

If you have been tried and convicted, you will be sent to a prison where you can expect to serve your sentence. Transfers are only permitted when there are exceptional and compassionate reasons for doing so.

In Serbia there are specific prisons for foreigners, where you are expected to serve your sentence but as most of them are overcrowded you might not be transferred.

Is transfer to the UK a possibility?

There is a Prisoner Transfer Agreement between the UK and Serbia.

Prisoner Transfer Agreements (PTAs) allow prisoners to transfer to serve the remainder of their sentence in their own country. This enables them to be closer to family and friends in an English-speaking environment and permits them to benefit from pre-release courses available in British prisons.

The prisoner should inform the Consulate of their interest in applying and the Consulate will take the application forward. Please note that the transfer process can be very slow and bureaucratic.

A prisoner does not have an automatic right to transfer. Each request is considered on its individual merits. The UK and the country in which the British prisoner is held have the right to refuse a request.

The basic criteria for eligibility to apply for transfer are:

• criminal proceedings in the foreign country must be complete. The prisoner cannot be transferred if they are awaiting trial or the outcome of an appeal

• the prisoner must normally have at least 6 months of the sentence left to serve at time of application, but Agreements with some countries require the prisoner to have 1 year of the sentence left to serve

• the offence for which the prisoner was convicted must constitute a criminal offence in the UK

• the prisoner must have no outstanding fines (prisoners can start the application process while the fine is outstanding but the fine must be paid before the transfer can take place) or other non-custodial penalties

• other conditions may apply, depending on the specific transfer arrangements with each country

What are the procedures for release and deportation?

The expulsion process is not a compulsory administrative process that is carried out against all foreigners that commit a crime in Serbia.

Any prisoners released that have an expulsion order issued against them will be transferred from the prison to the detention of the police, where they might be held under arrest until expelled from Serbia.  If the person has the expulsion decree issued and signed, the Serbian Government will pay for the flight back to the person’s country of nationality. This process can take up to 6 months. If the person wishes to leave Serbia quickly and/or go to another place rather than their country of nationality, the person can pay for the flight him/herself. He or she should discuss this with the prison authorities/with a consular officer. Once a flight has been arranged, the prisoner will then be escorted to the airport by the police until they are on a plane leaving Serbia.

If the prisoner is released and they don’t have an expulsion order issued against them, they can leave the country at any time at their own expense. The only requirement is for the prisoner to go to the police to inform them that s/he is leaving the country.

Additional Information

Prisoners Abroad                                                                                                      

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned overseas. It is the only UK charity providing this service and it is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or on remand. Prisoners Abroad is concerned with your health and welfare, both during your imprisonment and on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family during your imprisonment. To access any services, prisoners must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer will vary from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:

• your rights as a prisoner and issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK.

• obtaining magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter

• writing to a pen pal

• learning the language of your country of imprisonment

• translation of documents

• grants for food if you are in a developing country and don’t have funds from other sources.

• grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you don’t have funds from other sources.

• preparing for release

• help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and assistance with the cost of visiting.

Prisoners Abroad 
89 – 93 Fonthill Road 
London N4 3JH 
UK

Telephone: 00 44 (0)20 7561 6820 or, for your relatives in the UK, Freephone 0808 172 0098 

(Mondays to Fridays 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, UK time) 

Email: info@prisonersabroad.org.ukWebsite: www.prisonersabroad.org.uk

Translation of useful terms 

Administration	Administracija
Appeal or complaint	Žalba
Application	Aplikacija
Army	Vojska
Blood test	Vadjenje krvi
Border Police	Granična policija
Charge	Optužba
Police Officer	Policajac
Chief Prosecutor	Glavni tužilac
Chief Public Prosecutor	Glavni javni tužilac
Complaints system	Žalbeni sistem
Court file reference	Sudski broj
Crime	Kriminalno delo
Criminal code	Kriminalni pravilnik
Crisis	Kriza
Custody hearing	Saslušanje
Deportation	Deportacija
Embassy	Ambasada
Evidence	Dokaz
Expert Witness	Svedok ekspert
Extradition	Ekstradicija
Freedom	Sloboda
Government	Vlada
Greater Criminal Court	Viši kriminalistički sud
Guilty	Kriv
High Court	Viši sud
Higher Regional Court	Viši okružni sud
Human rights	Ljudska prava
Interpreter	Prevodilac
Investigating Judge	Istražni sudija
Judge	Sudija
Justice	Pravda
Juvenile prison rules	Zatvorska pravila za maloletnike
Law	Zakon
Lawyer	Advokat
Local Bar Association	Lokalna advokatska komora
Local prison rules	Lokalna zatvorska pravila
Major offence	Tešak prekršaj
Minister of Justice	Ministar pravde
Offence	Prekršaj
Officer of the Court	Službenik suda
Opposition	Opozicija
Permit, entitlement	Dozvola, prava
Physical examination	Fižicki pregled
Plaintiff	Tužilac
Police Chief Inspector	Glavni policijski inspektor
Police Inspector	Inspektor
Prison rule book	Zatvorski pravnilnik
Prison Warden	Zatvorski cuvar
Prisoners	Zatvorenici
Private prosecution	Privatna tužba
Prosecutor	Tužilac
Public Prosecutor	Javni tužilac
Punishment	Kazna
Rehabilitation	Rehabilitacija
Release	Pustiti, osloboditi
Security	Bezbednost
Social Worker	Socijalni radnik
Temporary detention	Privremeno zadržavanje
The accused	Optuženi
To buy	Kupiti
To change money	Zameniti novac
Visit	Poseta
Visiting permit	Dozvola za posetu
Warden	Strazar, cuvar

Alphabet  Serbian example          Sounds Like 

a	avion ‘airplane’	apple
b	banka ‘bank’	box
c	centar ‘centre’	hits
č	čaj ‘tea’	church
ć	ćao ‘ hi’	like ty/chy
d	da ‘yes’	dog
dž	pomorandza ‘orange’	jet
đ	gospođica ‘Miss’	like dy
e	evro ‘euro’	pet
f	fudbal ‘soccer’	fat
g	grad ‘ town’	got
h	hvala ‘thank you’	Scottish loch or Spanish jota
i	ime ‘name’	heat
j	jedan ‘one’	yes
k	kafić ‘coffee bar’	kick
l	leto ‘summer’	let
lj	ljubav ‘love’	like ly
m	more ‘sea’	mat
n	novine ‘newspaper’	net
nj	glasanje ‘ voting’	onion
o	oko ‘eye’	cot
p	policija ‘police’	pet
r	restoran ‘restaurant’	rat
s	sneg ‘snow’	sit
š	škola ‘school’	shut
t	telefon ‘telephone’	ten
u	ulica ‘street’	shoot
v	voda ‘water’	van
z	zemlja ‘country’	zebra
ž	žurka ‘party’	pleasure

Bureaucracy

Name	Ime
Surname	Prezime
Address	Adresa
Date of birth	Datum rodjenja
Place of birth	Mesto rodjenja
Citizenship	Državljanstvo
Age	Starost
Male	Muški
Female	Ženski
Religion	Veroispovest
Profession	Zanimanje
Marital status	Bračno stanje
Single	Neoženjen
Married	Oženjen m, Udata f
Divorced	Razveden m, Razvedena f

Extra words

Airplane	Avion
Ambulance	Ambulanta
Baggage	Prtljag
Boat	Brod
Bording pass	Bording karta
Border	Granica
Bus	Autobus
Car	Auto
Closed	Zatvoreno
Currency	Valuta
Customs	Carina
Date	Datum
Entrance	Ulaz
Exit	Izlaz
Lorry	Kamion
No entry	Zabranjen ulaz
No smoking	Zabranjeno pušenje
Open	Otvoreno
Passport	Pasoš
Railway	Železnička stanica
Reserved	Rezervisano
Road	Put
Sign	Znak
Station	Stanica
Telephone	Telefon
Timetable	Red vožnje
Town centre	Centar grada
Train	Voz
Visa	Viza
Food	Hrana
Apple	jabuka	Hungry	gladan
Banana	banana	Juice	sok
Beans	pasulj	Meat	meso
Biscuits	Keks	Milk	mleko
Bread	Hleb	Omelette	omlet
Cake	kolač	Pancake	palačinka
Chicken	piletina	Rice	pirinač
Coffee	Kafa	Sausage	kobasica
Drink	Piće	Sugar	sečer
Eat	Jesti	Sweet	sladak
Egg	Jaja	Vegetables	povrče
Fruit	Voće	Water	voda
Breakfast	dorucak	Cup	šolja
Lunch	ručak	Fork	viljuška
Dinner/supper	večera	Knife	nož
Too  much	previše	Plate	tanjir
Too little	premalo	Spoon	kašika

Quick reference

Good Morning	Dobro jutro	Sunday	Nedelja
Good Afternoon	Dobar dan	Monday	Ponedeljak
Good Night	Laku noć	Tuesday	Utorak
Day	Dan	Wednesday	Sreda
Week	Nedelja	Thursday	Četvrtak
Month	Mesec	Friday	Petak
Monthy	Mesečno	Saturday	Subota
Year	Godina	Spring	Proleće
Today	Danas	Summer	Leto
Tomorrow	Sutra	Autumn	Jesen
Tonight	Večeras	Winter	Zima
Baby	Beba	Man	Čovek
Boy	Dečak	Money	Novac
Child	Dete	Mother	Majka
Father	Otac	My	Moje
Girl	Majka	Their	Njihovo
He	On	Them	Oni
Her	Ona	We	Mi
His	Njegovo	Wife	Supruga
Husband	Suprug	Woman	Žena
I	Ja	You	Ti
Numbers
One	Jedan	Six	Šest
Two	Dva	Seven	Sedam
Three	Tri	Eight	Osam
Four	Četiri	Nine	Devet
Five	Pet	Ten	Deset
Healthcare
Aids	Sida	Heel	Peta
Alcoholism	Alkoholizam	Hip	Kuk
Anemia	Anemija	Hygiene	Higijena
Anesthetic	Anestezija	Infected	Inficiran
Antibiotic	Antibiotik	Intestines	Creva
Antiseptic	Antiseptik	Joint	Zglob
Appetite	Apetit	Kidney	Bubreg
Bladder	Bešika	Lice	Vaške
Blood	Krv	Limbs	Udovi
Blood group	Krvna grupa	Mouth	Usta
Blood pressure	Krvni pritisak	Muscle	Mišić
Blood transfusion	Transfuzija	Nerve	Nerv
Bone	Kost	Nose	Nos
Brain	Mozak	Organ	Organ
Cancer	Rak	Oxygen	Kiseonik
Clinic	Klinika	Painkiller	Anelgetik
Constipated	Zatvor	Pancreas	Pankreas
Cough	Kašalj	Rabies	Besnilo
Dentist	Zubar	Rib	Rebro
Diarrhea	Proliv	Shoulders	Ramena
Diet	Dijeta	Side of body	Strane tela
Doctor	Doktor/lekar	Skin	Koža
Drug medical	Lek	Skull	Lobanja
Drug narcotic	Droga	Sleeping pill	Tableta za spavanje
Ear	Uvo	Spine	Kičma
Epidemic	Epidemija	Surgeon	Hirurg
Eye	Oko	Syringe	Špric
Fever	Groznica	Thigh	Butina
Flu	Grip	Throat	Grlo
Gall bladder	Žuč	Tooth	Zub
Germs	Bakterije	Urine	Urin
Hand left	Leva ruka	Vein	Vena
Hand right	Desna ruka	Vitamins	Vitamini
Health	Zdravlje	Waist	Struk
Heart attack	Srčani napad	Windpipe	Dušnik
Accommodation
Bathroom	Kupatilo	Quiet	Tiho
Bed	Krevet	Roof	Krov
Blanket	Ćebe	Room	Soba
Chair	Stolica	Sheet	Čaršav
Cold water	Hladna voda	Shelf	Polica
Door	Vrata	Shower	Tuš
Electricity	Struja	Table	Sto
Mattress	Dušek	Towel	Peškir
Noisy	Bučno	Wall	Zid
Pillow	Jastuk	Window	Prozor

Annexes

Annex 1: List of English-speaking lawyers

Annex 2: List of private translators/interpreters

Annex 3: FCDO guidance: In prison abroad

Annex 4: Prisoners Abroad authorisation form

Annex 5: Prisoners Abroad family contact form

Annex 6: Prisoner abroad CFF form

Annex 7: Fair Trials International questionnaire and leaflets 

Disclaimer

This guidance was compiled by the Consular Section, Serbia. It is revised on a regular basis.

If any of the information contained in this booklet is incorrect, please draw inaccuracies to our attention so that we can make amendments.

The British Embassy in Serbia is not accountable for the information provided in this booklet. Local proceedings are subject to change at any time.