There have been recent incidents of both cargo and passenger ships on the Danube transiting Serbia being delayed for several days by purported private organizations protesting U.N. sanctions. Persons traveling on the Danube through Serbia should be prepared for delays and alterations to their plans. The potential for violent incidents exists and will probably increase as a result of the political situation and worsening economic conditions. For example, a bomb was detonated in front of the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade in 1993, causing some damage. Many medicines and basic medical supplies as well as X-ray film often are unavailable.
Hospitals usually require payment in hard-currency for all services.
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. While travelers have found that supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful, they may be forced to pay first and then seek reimbursement. Murder has increased dramatically with many incidents in broad daylight and some at popular public places. Crime has increased markedly in the cities, particularly near railroad and bus stations and on trains. The possession of firearms has proliferated greatly and it is estimated that 20 percent of the citizens are now armed.