Bosnia and Herzegovina visas
Whether you need a visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay: many travellers can enter visa-free for short visits, while others must obtain a visa in advance, and anyone intending to work, study, join family or settle needs a temporary residence permit. Short-stay visas are issued by Bosnia and Herzegovina's diplomatic and consular missions under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while entry, residence and work matters inside the country are handled by the Service for Foreigners' Affairs, an administrative organisation within the Ministry of Security. Always confirm current rules for your nationality on the official government pages before you travel.
Bosnian and Herzegovinian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Bosnia and Herzegovina โ tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.3 visas
- Work visasComing to Bosnia and Herzegovina to work โ the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Bosnia and Herzegovina โ student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Bosnia and Herzegovina as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Bosnia and Herzegovina long term โ residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Bosnian and Herzegovinian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to visit Bosnia?
This destination does not need a visa. All visitors arriving in Bosnia and Herzegovina through an international airport must now fill out a landing card. Airlines hand out landing cards throughout the trip or when you arrive.
Entry into Bosnia
Ahead of upcoming elections, Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently seeing a heightened degree of political discourse. At this time, extreme caution is suggested in relation to locations that may be the focus of demonstrations or other public political activity. Avoid these areas and leave when instructed by the appropriate authorities.
There are presently no restrictions on travel from Ireland to Bosnia and Herzegovina due to COVID-19. There is no necessity to produce COVID-19 vaccination or testing certificates or to complete a passenger locator form.
Before departing for Bosnia and Herzegovina, passengers should investigate the regulations in effect along the route they wish to take. The COVID-19 epidemic continues to have an impact on Bosnia & Herzegovina. There may be public health restrictions in some public places, which may vary by location. If you are in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you should routinely watch developments and heed local officials' instructions.
Eligibility to apply for a Bosnia visa
- Valid passport. Your passport must have at least two blank pages and be in acceptable condition.
- Copies of all prior visas (if any).
- ID document. Your ID document must be valid.
- Form of application.
- Fee payment.
- One photograph.
- Travel medical insurance.
- Evidence of residence in Bosnia.
Who can visit Bosnia without a visa?
If you hold a passport or residence permit from the European Union, a member state of the Schengen Area, or the United States. You can enter Bosnia without a visa and remain for 30 days. If you are a citizen of any other country, you must get a visa prior to entrance.
What to do if your Bosnia visa is rejected?
Bosnian officials can deny your visa for many reasons, including:
If your Bosnian visa application is denied, you may reapply for the same visa or appeal the denial by sending a letter of appeal to the embassy/consulate that denied your visa.
- Falsely representing information.
- Submitting materials that are incomplete.
- Not submitting documents in acceptable condition.
- Not showing up on time for your visa appointment.
- Not having a valid passport, etc.
Bosnia and Herzegovina โ key facts
- Visa authority
- Service for Foreigners' Affairs (Sluลพba za poslove sa strancima), Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Convertible Mark (BAM)
- Time zone
- Central European Time (CET, UTC+1)
Bosnian and Herzegovinian visas โ people also ask
Visas are not required for entry into this country. All individuals entering Bosnia and Herzegovina via an international airport must now produce a landing card. Airlines distribute landing cards throughout the flight or upon arrival.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources ยท last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only โ not legal advice.