Sarajevo Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA), welcomes millions of tourists annually. Entry requirements are generally straightforward for citizens of many countries, but it is important to check your specific nationality's rules well in advance. Upon arrival, travelers will pass through immigration control where passports are checked, and occasionally entry stamps are issued. It is recommended to have proof of sufficient funds for the stay, onward or return travel tickets, and accommodation details, as border officials may request them. The process is typically efficient, but lines can form during peak tourist seasons. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area, meaning its visa policy is independent. Travelers should be aware that stays are counted from the date of entry, and overstaying can result in fines, bans, or deportation. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Always check the latest information from official government sources before your trip, as policies can change.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a visa policy that allows visa-free entry for citizens of many countries for short-term tourism or business. The allowed stay is typically 90 days within any 180-day period. For other nationalities, a visa is required and must be obtained from a Bosnian embassy or consulate before travel.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days within any 180-day period.

Citizens of these countries can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina for tourism or business without obtaining a visa in advance.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand All European Union member states Schengen Area member states Turkey United Arab Emirates South Korea Japan

The 90-day limit is strictly enforced. This period is for the entire territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Time spent in neighboring countries does not reset the clock.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

N/A

Bosnia and Herzegovina does NOT currently offer an eVisa or ETA system for any nationality. All visas must be applied for in person at an embassy or consulate if required.

Includes

N/A

How to Apply: N/A
Cost: N/A

Ignore any third-party websites offering a 'Bosnia eVisa'. For visa-required nationalities, the process is traditional and embassy-based.

Visa Required

As determined by the visa type (typically up to 90 days).

Citizens of countries not listed in the visa-free category must obtain a visa prior to travel.

How to Apply: Apply at the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina. You will typically need a completed application form, passport photos, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient financial means, and travel health insurance.

Processing times vary; apply well in advance of your trip. Some nationalities may also require an invitation letter.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) or a land border crossing, you will proceed through passport control. The process is usually quick for visa-free nationals.

1. Passport Control

Present your passport to the border police officer. They may ask about the purpose of your visit, duration of stay, and accommodation. Your passport may be stamped with an entry date.

2. Baggage Claim and Customs

After passport control, collect your luggage and proceed through the green (nothing to declare) or red (goods to declare) customs channel.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Proof of Onward/Return Travel

A booked flight, bus, or train ticket exiting Bosnia and Herzegovina may be requested.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence you can support yourself financially during your stay (e.g., cash, bank statements, credit cards). The amount is not strictly defined but should be reasonable.

Proof of Accommodation

A hotel booking confirmation or a letter from a host may be requested.

Travel Health Insurance

While not always checked for short-term visa-free tourists, it is highly recommended and may be required for visa applicants.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all your documents (passport, itinerary, accommodation proof) easily accessible in your hand luggage.

Answer questions politely and directly. Keep your answers brief and to the point.

Ensure your passport is in good condition with no significant damage, as this can be grounds for denial of entry.

If asked about funds, showing a credit card and some cash is usually sufficient.

Customs & Duty-Free

Bosnia and Herzegovina has standard EU-style customs regulations. Travelers must declare certain items upon entry and are subject to duty-free allowances.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits (over 22% alcohol) OR 2 liters of fortified wine/sparkling wine. Also, 4 liters of still wine and 16 liters of beer.

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, OR 100 cigarillos, OR 50 cigars, OR 250g of tobacco.

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Currency

Amounts exceeding 10,000 EUR (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared.

Declaration is mandatory upon both entry and exit. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.

Gifts/Goods

Personal goods and gifts up to a total value of 300 EUR (150 EUR for travelers under 15).

Goods intended for commercial purposes are not covered by this allowance.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs - strictly prohibited
Counterfeit goods and pirated copies - prohibited
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives without special permit - prohibited
Protected species of flora and fauna (CITES) without permit - prohibited

Restricted Items

Medications - Only a reasonable quantity for personal use, accompanied by a doctor's prescription.
Pets - Require a valid EU pet passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination certificate. Check specific rules before travel.
Plants and plant products - May require phytosanitary certificates.

Health Requirements

There are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina for most travelers. However, certain recommendations are in place.

Required Vaccinations

None, unless arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission (then Yellow Fever vaccine required).

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, etc.)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B (for longer stays)
Tick-borne encephalitis (for those hiking/camping in forested areas)
Rabies (for adventure travelers or those working with animals)

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for visa-free tourists, complete travel health insurance is highly recommended. Medical care for foreigners is not free, and insurance covering medical evacuation is advised. It IS a mandatory requirement for those applying for a visa.

Current Health Requirements: As of October 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is subject to change; check official sources (WHO, local embassy) for updates.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., US State Department, UK FCDO) for details and registration.

Immigration Authority

Service for Foreigners' Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sluzba za poslove sa strancima).

For official visa and residency information: http://www.sps.gov.ba/

Emergency

Emergency services number

Police: 122, Ambulance: 124, Fire: 123. General European Emergency Number 112 is also operational.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children under 18 should ideally have their own passport. If traveling with only one parent, a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent is highly recommended to avoid delays. Border officials are vigilant about preventing child abduction.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs, cats, and ferrets require an EU Pet Passport or official veterinary health certificate, a microchip, and a valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before entry). A tapeworm treatment may be required for dogs. Check latest rules with the Veterinary Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Extended Stays

To stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a temporary residence permit (Boravak) at the local Service for Foreigners' Affairs office before your initial 90-day period expires. This requires a valid reason (work, study, family reunification), proof of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.

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