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Negative PCR test required to board plane?

In May (May 7) we will be traveling on Air Serbia to Montenegro, transiting in Belgrade. Although we do have vaccination cards and boosters, Montenegro currently has no Covid requirements to enter the country. What I can't seem to find out, however, is whether or not a negative PCR or rapid test is required to show at the Air Serbia check in desk at JFK airport in order to board the plane. Would this requirement be airline or country specific? Air Serbia has not answered that exact question, only citing country entry requirements. Since neither Serbia nor Montenegro are in the EU, I don't know if they will be sending out the Passenger Locator Form before departure. I welcome other people's experiences, so please share any information you have. We are trying to decide if we should get the PCR/Rapid test or if it's not necessary at this point. Thank you all!

Posted by
1416 posts

According to the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro, the government there has dropped ALL Covid requirements ( vaccine documentation, any negative tests, Passenger Locator Forms). Air Serbia says the rules to follow are those of your final destination. The Serbian government requires a negative PCR Test as one of four options if you are entering Serbia, but since you are not leaving the airport, you will not be passing through Immigration which is the point where Covid requirements are enforced.

If you were to enter Serbia, The Serbian Government now requires only Proof of Vaccination OR a Negative PCR Test OR Proof of Recovery.
So, no worries, you are good to go with just your CDC Vaccination Cards in hand. I keep mine inside my Passport.
Remember, as the rules now stand, you will need to get a negative Antigen Test 24 hours prior to flying back home to the US.
Have a great Trip!

Posted by
9562 posts

Correction, you need a negative antigen test within the day prior (not 24 hours) of your departure for the United States.

(I.e. if your flight back to the States departs at 3 pm on Wednesday, you do not have to wait until after 3 pm on Tuesday to take your test. You can take it anytime on Tuesday (for example 9 am, 10 am...). You have a little more flexibility than 24 hours would limit you to.