Bosnia and Herzegovina Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina continues normally in most areas, with international flights, airports and land borders operating. Travellers should nevertheless be aware of landmine risks, crime, occasional political unrest and possible delays when crossing into neighboring Schengen countries.

Visa requirements

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Citizens of many countries can visit Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa for short stays, while other travellers must obtain a visa before travelling.

Passport requirements

Travellers should check the requirements applying to their nationality. Current guidance for many visitors requires passports to remain valid for at least three months beyond the planned date of departure.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is not in Schengen

Bosnia and Herzegovina is not part of the Schengen Area. Travellers crossing into neighboring Croatia therefore cross an external Schengen border and should allow time for immigration controls.

Entry/Exit System delays

The EU Entry/Exit System is operating at external Schengen borders. Eligible non-EU travellers may need biometric checks when crossing between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, which can increase waiting times.

Registering your stay

Foreign visitors must register their stay with the authorities. Hotels and many registered accommodation providers normally handle this automatically. Travellers staying in private accommodation should make sure the required registration is completed.

Landmines

Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a danger in parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Travellers should stay on paved roads and established paths, avoid abandoned buildings and never enter areas marked with mine-warning signs.

Crime

Pickpocketing, theft and other property crime can occur, particularly in Sarajevo and popular tourist locations. Travellers should take normal precautions with passports, phones, wallets and other valuables.

Gradiška border crossing relocated

The border crossing at Gradiška has been relocated to a new facility. Travellers using this route by car should check local information and allow additional time for their journey.

Longer waits at Schengen borders

The EU Entry/Exit System can increase processing times when travelling between Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighboring Schengen countries. Travellers should allow additional time for border procedures.

Check your airline, airport information, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s immigration requirements, the status of your intended land-border crossing and the travel advice issued by your own government before departure.

When hiking or travelling in rural areas, remain on established roads and marked paths because landmines and unexploded ordnance remain present in some areas.

If travelling by road into Croatia or another Schengen country, allow additional time for border processing.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.