How to Enter Bosnia and Herzegovina
Do I need a passport or visa to enter?
You need a passport to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina does not issue visas to U.S. travelers prior to travel for any length of stay and purpose of travel, including diplomatic assignments. If you are not staying at a hotel but in a private residence, you must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival.U.S. citizens who wish to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for more than 90 days must apply for a temporary residence permit from the local field office of the Foreigners’ Affairs Department of the Ministry of Security. Eligibility requirements are limited to certain specific circumstances and the necessary documentation is extensive. You must submit your application for a temporary residence permit at least 15 days prior to the expiration of the initial 90-day visa-free period of stay. However, due to the complexity of the process, those planning to apply should begin gathering the required documentation well in advance and should submit the application as soon after arriving in-country as possible. After the application is made, there are often months of delays before a residence permit is finally issued, but the U.S. applicant can remain in the country while awaiting the decision as long as the Ministry of Security has accepted the application as complete. An application will not be accepted until all documentation requirements are met. The maximum duration of a temporary residence permit is 12 months, with the possibility of renewal. The fee is 100 convertible marks (KM), or approximately 70 USD.
The documents required for a temporary residence permit vary in accordance with the purpose of stay, but you will always be asked to present evidence that you have accommodation, funds/income, and health insurance in Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of the mandatory documents is a police certificate from your U.S. state of residence indicating that you have no criminal record. Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least three more months after the end of the period for which a temporary residence permit is requested. More information on the process of applying for a temporary residence permit can be obtained on the web page of the Foreigners’ Affairs Department of the Ministry of Security Of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For additional information on entry requirements, please contact the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina at 2109 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037, telephone 202-337-1500. Visit the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina website for the most current visa information.
Bosnia and Herzegovina immigration authorities strictly enforce a law requiring any unaccompanied minor (under 18) to have written permission from both parents in order to enter and leave the country. If traveling with only one parent, the minor is required to have written permission for the trip from the non-traveling parent.
Special Travel Circumstances in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is still predominantly a cash economy. Although the use of credit cards has become widespread in recent years, travelers still should not expect to use them to cover all expenses. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are available in sufficient numbers at international banks in Sarajevo and other major cities and towns. Traveler’s checks can be cashed in every bank immediately, without delays; bank fees for these transactions are usually 2%. Cash transfers from abroad may involve delays, but Western Union transfers are available in many banks and post offices throughout the country. The convertible mark (KM), the national currency, is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate under a currency-board regime, which guarantees its stability. All official payments must be made in convertible marks. Any bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina should be able to exchange U.S. dollars into convertible marks with the usual bank commission (between one and two percent).
During the winter months, flights into and out of Sarajevo are frequently delayed or canceled due to heavy fog. Travelers should be prepared for last-minute schedule changes, lengthy delays, alternate routings, or time-consuming overland transportation.
Disclaimer
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, and health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.