Bosnia and Herzegovina Visa and Passport Requirements
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| British | Yes | Yes | No |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | No |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | No |
| USA | Yes | Yes | No |
| EU | See below | Yes | No |
Passports
Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area, but it has visa-free arrangements with many countries and maintains close border cooperation with its neighbours.
EU nationals: Citizens of EU and EEA countries can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina with a valid passport or national ID card for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Non-EU nationals: Travellers must hold a valid passport issued within the past ten years and valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay. You may also be asked to show proof of accommodation, return travel, and sufficient funds.
All foreign nationals must register with the police within 72 hours of arrival. Hotels and some hostels will usually register their guests. If your accommodation is not arranging this, you need to contact the nearest field centre (terenski centar) for the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
Visas
EU nationals: Citizens of EU and EEA countries do not need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Non-EU nationals: Citizens of the following countries can visit Bosnia and Herzegovina visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period:
Africa: Seychelles.
Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America, Uruguay.
Asia: Brunei, Georgia, Hong Kong (SAR passport holders), Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Macao (SAR passport holders), Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.
Europe: Albania, Andorra, Holy See (Vatican City), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.
Nationals from countries not listed above are advised to contact the nearest Bosnian embassy or consulate to verify visa requirements.
Types and Cost
Visa fees vary depending on the applicant's nationality, visa type, and any bilateral agreements between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the applicant's country. Travellers should check with the nearest Bosnian embassy or consulate for the applicable fee. Certain categories, such as students, researchers, and official delegations, may be exempt from fees.
Validity
Short-stay visas allow stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Long-stay (D) visas allow entry for residence, study, or work purposes and are typically valid for up to one year.
Transit
Travellers transiting through Bosnia and Herzegovina by air may require a transit visa depending on their nationality. Check with a Bosnian embassy or consulate before travelling.
Application to
Contact the nearest Bosnian embassy, consulate, or authorised visa application centre. Applications are made in person and must include a valid passport, proof of travel, accommodation, and sufficient funds.
Working days
Visa processing usually takes between 7 and 15 working days but may take longer depending on the applicant's nationality and documentation.
Sufficient Funds
Travellers may be required to show proof of sufficient funds for accommodation, living expenses, and return travel.
Compulsary Registration
All foreign nationals must register with the police within 72 hours of arrival. Hotels and some hostels will usually register their guests. If your accommodation is not arranging this, you need to contact the nearest field centre (terenski centar) for the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
Entry with pets
Pets entering Bosnia and Herzegovina must have a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a veterinary health certificate issued by an authorised veterinarian. Pets from non-EU countries may also require a rabies antibody test.
This page reflects our understanding of current rules for the most common types of travel to the said country. However, please note that each authority sets and forces entry rules, hence we strongly recommend that you verify critical information with the relevant embassy before travel.
