Bosnia Short Stay Visas

A short-stay visa, also known as a Schengen visa, is designed for foreign citizens who want to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa is valid for one, two, or multiple entries, depending on the applicant's needs and the discretion of the authorities.

To apply for a short-stay visa, applicants must submit a completed visa application form, a valid passport or other travel document, proof of travel arrangements (such as a flight ticket), proof of accommodation (such as a hotel booking), and proof of financial means to cover the expenses during the stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The financial means should be sufficient to cover the cost of accommodation, meals, and any other expenses that may arise during the stay.

The processing time for a short-stay visa application is from 5 working days to one month, starting from the date that the embassy or consulate receives the visa application form. It is advisable to apply well in advance to avoid any last-minute delays or complications.

It is important to note that a short-stay visa does not permit the holder to work in Bosnia and Herzegovina. If the applicant intends to work in the country, they will need to apply for a work visa. Additionally, if the applicant intends to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for longer than 90 days, they will need to apply for a long-stay visa or temporary residence permit.

A short-stay visa is a convenient and popular option for foreign citizens who want to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina for tourism, business, or other purposes. With proper planning and preparation, applicants can increase their chances of a successful application and enjoy a smooth and enjoyable stay in this beautiful and vibrant country.

Who needs a Bosnia short-stay visa?

Citizens of certain countries are required to obtain a short-stay visa (type C) in order to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina for a period of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

The specific list of countries whose citizens require a short-stay visa can vary, so it is important to check with the relevant authorities or the nearest embassy or consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the most up-to-date information.

Generally speaking, citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries do not need a visa for short stays in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, citizens of certain non-EU countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, may also be exempt from visa requirements for short stays, but this can vary depending on the purpose of the visit and other factors.

Types of short-stay visa

Bosnia and Herzegovina issues several types of short-stay visas (type C) depending on the purpose of the visit:-

• Tourism.
• Business meetings.
• Medical treatment.
• Family visits.
• Political events.
• Sports events.
• Educational training, etc.

 A short-stay visa (type C) is issued for a maximum period of 90 days within a 180-day period and is intended for temporary stays in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Holders of a short-stay visa cannot apply for a temporary residence permit, which is required for those who wish to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for longer periods of time.

If you wish to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit. The application process for a temporary residence permit is separate from the short-stay visa application process and has its own requirements and procedures. You should contact the relevant authorities or the nearest embassy or consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina for more information on how to apply for a temporary residence permit.

Tourism

 Bosnia and Herzegovina is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and historic landmarks. Tourists can enjoy exploring ancient cities like Sarajevo, Mostar, and Jajce, or visiting picturesque destinations like Plitvice Lakes and Una National Park.

Business meetings

Bosnia and Herzegovina offers various business opportunities in different sectors, such as energy, manufacturing, and agriculture. Business travelers can attend conferences, meetings, and exhibitions in the country or explore potential business partnerships with local companies.

Medical treatment

Bosnia and Herzegovina offers high-quality medical services at affordable prices. The country has modern hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers that cater to a wide range of medical needs.

Family visits

Many people travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina to visit friends and family. The country has a strong tradition of hospitality and welcomes visitors from all over the world.

Political events

Bosnia and Herzegovina is an important player in the Balkan region, and its capital, Sarajevo, has hosted many international political events and conferences.

Sports events

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a strong sports culture, and visitors can enjoy attending or participating in various sports events, such as football matches, ski races, and outdoor adventure sports.

Educational training, etc

Bosnia and Herzegovina offers various educational opportunities, such as language courses, summer schools, and workshops. The country has several reputable universities and educational institutions that provide high-quality training and education programs.

How to apply for a Bosnia short-stay visa?

To apply for a Bosnia and Herzegovina short-stay visa, you will need to follow these general steps:

Determine the type of visa you need: You should determine the type of visa that corresponds to the purpose of your visit (e.g., tourist, business, etc.). You can find this information on the website of the nearest embassy or consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Gather the required documents: You will need to gather the necessary documents, such as a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photo, and proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets or a travel itinerary. You may also need additional documents depending on the purpose of your visit.

Schedule an appointment: You will need to schedule an appointment to submit your visa application and supporting documents at the nearest embassy or consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can do this through the embassy's website or by contacting them directly.

Pay the visa fee: You will need to pay a non-refundable visa fee when you submit your application. The fee amount can vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

Attend the visa interview: Depending on the embassy's requirements, you may need to attend an interview to discuss your visa application.

Wait for a decision: After you submit your application, you will need to wait for a decision. Processing times can vary, but it generally takes between a few days to a few weeks. If your application is approved, your visa will be affixed to your passport.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for applying for a Bosnia and Herzegovina short-stay visa can vary depending on your nationality and the embassy or consulate you are applying at. 

What documents are required for a Bosnia short-stay visa application?

The exact documents required for a short-stay visa application to Bosnia may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant and the type of visa being applied for. However, some of the common documents that are typically required for a short-stay visa application to Bosnia include:

• A valid passport that will not expire for at least three months after the planned departure from Bosnia.
• A completed visa application form.
• A recent passport-size photo.
• Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets or a travel itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation in Bosnia, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host.
• Travel medical insurance that is valid in Bosnia and covers the entire duration of the stay.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of the trip, such as bank statements or a letter from an employer.
• Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required, such as a letter of invitation from a business partner, a student enrollment certificate, or a confirmation of participation in an event.

It is recommended to check with the Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia in your home country for the most up-to-date and detailed information on the requirements for a short-stay visa application.

How long does it take to process a Bosnia short-stay visa?

The processing time for a Bosnia short-stay visa application varies depending on various factors such as the type of visa applied for, the embassy or consulate where the application is submitted, and the workload of the immigration authorities at the time of application.

As a general guideline, the processing time for a Bosnia short-stay visa application can take up to 15 days. However, in some cases, it may take longer, especially during peak travel seasons or when there is a high volume of visa applications.

It is recommended that you apply for a Bosnia short-stay visa well in advance of your intended travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing. You may also want to check with the embassy or consulate where you plan to submit your application to confirm the processing time and any additional requirements specific to your situation.

How much does a Bosnia short-stay visa cost?

If you are planning to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina for a short-term stay, you may need to apply for a short-term visa. The visa fee for a single-entry visa is 31 EUR, and for a multiple-entry visa, it is 57 EUR. It is important to note that the visa fee may vary depending on your country of origin and nationality. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina in your home country for the exact fee applicable to you.

Apart from the visa fee, you may also need to pay other administrative fees, such as the Visa Application center fee, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission. It is also important to note that some countries may have different requirements for visa application and submission procedures.

Therefore, it is advisable to gather all the necessary information beforehand and plan your application accordingly. Applying for a visa well in advance of your intended travel date and ensuring that all the required documents are submitted can help ensure a smooth and timely visa processing experience.

What are the common reasons for a Bosnia short-stay visa application to be denied?

There are several reasons why a Bosnia short-stay visa application may be denied. Some of the most common reasons include:

Lack of required documentation: If the applicant fails to provide all the necessary documents, such as proof of sufficient funds, travel insurance, or accommodation, their visa application may be denied.

Incomplete application: If the visa application form is incomplete or contains errors, the authorities may deny the application.

Previous visa violation: If the applicant has violated visa regulations in the past or has been deported from Bosnia or any other Schengen country, their visa application may be denied.

Criminal record: If the applicant has a criminal record, especially for serious crimes such as terrorism or human trafficking, their visa application may be denied.

Immigration risks: If the authorities have reason to believe that the applicant may pose a risk of immigration violations or security threats, their visa application may be denied.

Insufficient ties to home country: If the authorities are not satisfied that the applicant has sufficient ties to their home country, such as a job, family, or property, they may deny the visa application.

It is important to note that the decision to grant or deny a visa is at the discretion of the immigration authorities, and there may be other reasons for denial that are not listed here.

Can I extend my stay in Bosnia with a short-stay visa?

No, it is not possible to extend your stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a short-stay visa. A short-stay visa is issued for a maximum duration of 90 days within a six-month period and is intended for temporary stays for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes.

If you wish to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a longer period, you will need to apply for a long-term visa or a residency permit. The requirements and procedures for obtaining a long-term visa or a residency permit may vary depending on your specific situation and the purpose of your stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It is recommended that you check with the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina in your home country, for more information on the requirements and procedures for obtaining a long-term visa or a residency permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Can I work with a Bosnia short-stay visa?

No, you cannot work with a Bosnia short-stay visa. A short-stay visa is intended for temporary stays in Bosnia and Herzegovina for purposes such as tourism, business, or other short-term activities. Engaging in any form of employment or work is not allowed with a short-stay visa.

If you wish to work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you will need to obtain a work permit or a long-term visa. The requirements and procedures for obtaining a work permit or a long-term visa may vary depending on your specific situation and the type of work you intend to engage in.

It is recommended that you check with the relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina in your home country, for more information on the requirements and procedures for obtaining a work permit or a long-term visa in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

What should I do if my Bosnia short-stay visa is lost or stolen?

If your Bosnia short-stay visa is lost or stolen while you are in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you should immediately report it to the local police and obtain a police report or a document that confirms the loss or theft.

Next, you should contact your embassy or consulate in Bosnia and Herzegovina to inform them about the situation and request assistance in obtaining a new visa. You will need to provide them with the police report or confirmation of the loss or theft of your visa.

To obtain a new visa, you will need to submit a new visa application and provide all the required documents, including the police report or confirmation of the loss or theft of your visa. The visa processing time may take longer than usual, so it is important to apply as soon as possible.

It is important to note that traveling without a valid visa or with a lost or stolen visa can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines, deportation, or even a ban on future travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Therefore, it is essential to report the loss or theft of your visa and obtain a new one before continuing your travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions