Access to archival materials

Access to the archival materials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia for scientific research purposes

In line with the Law and internal regulations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, the archive materials of the Ministry (from 1945 until today) become available for use for scientific research purposes after 30 years from being created.

Approval for the use of archival materials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia for scientific research purposes in case of foreign citizens is issued by the Minister and for citizens of the Republic of Serbia by the Secretary General, based on a previously submitted written request (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Administrative and Archives Department, 24-26 Kneza Milosa St., pp1, SRB 11.168 Belgrade, pak 112804) or via e-mail. The request should include the research topic, the goal of the research (e.g., doctoral theses/dissertation, writing a book) and the period being researched, with an attached copy of the passport for foreign citizens, or a copy of the ID card for citizens of the Republic of Serbia. If there is a need to hire an interpreter, it is required to state his/her name and surname in the request, as well as to enclose a copy of his/her ID card or passport. In case the research is conducted for the needs of an organization or institution, their recommendation is also required.

The approval for scientific research shall be valid for the entire calendar year, and the research is conducted in the Reading Room of the Diplomatic Archive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, whose working hours are from 9:30 to 13:30 on weekdays. The reading room is closed twice a year, from 1 to 31 August and from 15 December to 15 January the following year.

The use of a personal computer is allowed in the Reading Room of the Diplomatic Archive, while the use of a personal camera to record archival materials is not allowed.

At the request of the researcher, the Diplomatic Archive will make photocopies of selected original documents related to the topic being researched at the following price: for an A4 format copy - 15.00 RSD, or for an A3 format copy - 30.00 RSD, which will be handed to the researcher upon the completion of scientific research. Materials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the period until 1918 were transferred to the Archives of Serbia for permanent keeping and use, and for the 1918-1945 period to the Archives of Yugoslavia. Those interested in using the above materials should contact these archives directly.