Bosnia Visa Requirements

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful country located in southeastern Europe. It is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. If you plan to visit this country for an extended period, you will need to obtain a long stay visa. Bosnia long stay visas are issued to individuals who plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days.

To apply for a Bosnia long stay visa, you must meet certain requirements. The application process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is important to be well-prepared before starting the process. The required documents and eligibility criteria may vary depending on the purpose of your visit, such as work, study, family reunion, or tourism.

Generally, the basic requirements for a Bosnia long stay visa include a fully completed application form, a valid passport, a recent photograph, proof of financial means, a medical insurance policy, and supporting documents that show your reason for the trip. You may also need to provide additional documents such as an invitation letter, hotel reservations, or proof of enrollment at an educational institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It is important to note that the processing time for a Bosnia long stay visa can take up to several months, so it is recommended that you start the application process well in advance of your intended travel dates. The visa application fee varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for, and it is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.

Once you are granted a Bosnia long stay visa, there are certain rights and limitations that apply. As a visa holder, you are entitled to stay in the country for the duration of the visa, work or study according to the terms of the visa, and travel freely within Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, there may be restrictions on certain activities, such as employment or travel outside the country, so it is important to be aware of the specific conditions of your visa.

Obtaining a Bosnia long stay visa can be a challenging process, but it is essential if you plan to stay in the country for an extended period. With proper preparation and attention to detail, you can increase your chances of a successful application and enjoy your stay in this beautiful country.

General requirements for all types of visas

Regardless of the type of visa you are applying for, there are some general requirements that you must fulfill to be eligible for a visa to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here are the general requirements:

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It must have at least one blank visa page.

Application form: You must complete the visa application form accurately and truthfully. It must be signed and dated by you.

Photograph: You must provide a recent passport-sized photograph. The photograph must be in color and have a white background.

Proof of financial means: You must provide proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This can be in the form of bank statements, employment contract, or letter from your sponsor.

Travel itinerary: You must provide a detailed travel itinerary that includes your flight details, accommodation, and activities you will be doing in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Medical insurance: You must have medical insurance that covers the entire period of your stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Criminal record certificate: You may be required to provide a criminal record certificate from your home country or the country where you have lived for the past six months.

Invitation letter: If you are visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina for business, you may need to provide an invitation letter from the company you will be working with.

Purpose of travel: You must provide a clear and detailed explanation of the purpose of your visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It is important to note that additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Make sure to check the specific requirements for your visa category before submitting your application.

For business travel:

• Original invitation letter by the inviting company in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Confirmation of accommodation, such as hotel reservation or apartment rental contract.

For private visits:

• Original invitation letter by the inviting person in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Original document that confirms the ownership of the property where you will be staying, if applicable.
• Copies of the passport and ID card/residence permit of the inviting person.

For long-term studying:

• Original invitation letter by the educational establishment in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Acceptance letter from the educational establishment in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Confirmation of accommodation, such as apartment rental contract or dormitory contract.

For long-term employment:

• Original invitation letter by the employing company in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Confirmation of accommodation, such as hotel reservation or apartment rental contract.

For family reunion:

• Original invitation letter by your family member in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Original document that confirms the ownership of the property where you will be staying, if applicable.
• Copies of the passport and ID card/residence permit of your family member in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Documents proving your ties with your family member in Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.

For tourism:

• Valid passport with a minimum validity of three months beyond the intended period of stay
• Proof of accommodation, such as hotel confirmation or apartment rental contract
• Sufficient funds to cover the cost of stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina

For business/congress/sports travel:

• Valid passport with a minimum validity of three months beyond the intended period of stay
• Invitation letter from the company or organization in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Proof of accommodation, such as hotel confirmation or apartment rental contract
• Evidence of purpose of the visit

For private visit:

• Valid passport with a minimum validity of three months beyond the intended period of stay
• Invitation letter from the inviting person in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Original document that confirms the ownership of the estate (home) of the inviting person, if you are going to stay there
• Copies of passport, ID card/residence permit of the inviting person

For studying (short-term):

• Valid passport with a minimum validity of three months beyond the intended period of stay
• Invitation letter from the educational establishment in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Acceptance letter to the educational establishment in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Confirmation of the accommodation, such as apartment rental contract, dormitory contract, etc.

For employment (short-term):

• Valid passport with a minimum validity of three months beyond the intended period of stay
• Invitation letter from the employing company in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Confirmation of the accommodation, such as apartment rental contract or hotel confirmation

For minors:

• Valid passport with a minimum validity of three months beyond the intended period of stay
• Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
• Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

Note: These are general requirements and additional documents may be required depending on the specific type of visa applied for.

How to apply for a visa to Bosnia and Herzegovina

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

Determine the type of visa you need: Visit the website of the Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina in your country to find out the type of visa you need based on your purpose of travel.

Complete the visa application form: Download and complete the visa application form from the website of the Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina in your country.

Gather the required documents: Collect all the required documents according to the type of visa you are applying for. This typically includes a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, travel itinerary, accommodation details, and proof of sufficient funds.

Schedule an appointment: Contact the Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina in your country to schedule an appointment to submit your application and documents. Some Embassies and Consulates allow walk-in applicants, while others require an appointment.

Submit your application: Attend your appointment and submit your visa application and supporting documents. You will be required to pay the visa fee at this stage.

Wait for processing: Your visa application will be processed by the Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina in your country. The processing time varies depending on the type of visa and can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Collect your visa: Once your visa has been processed, you will be notified by the Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina in your country. You can then collect your visa in person or through a courier service, depending on the Embassy or Consulate's procedures.

Note: It is important to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel date to allow sufficient time for processing.

Common reasons for visa application rejection

There are several reasons why a visa application may be rejected by the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities. Some of the most common reasons include:

Incomplete or incorrect application: If the visa application is not filled out completely or if any required documents are missing or incomplete, the application may be rejected.

Inadequate funds: Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. If the applicant cannot provide adequate proof of funds, their application may be rejected.

Criminal history: If an applicant has a criminal history or is suspected of being involved in criminal activities, their visa application may be rejected.

Travel history: If an applicant has previously overstayed a visa or has been deported from any country, their visa application may be rejected.

Health concerns: If an applicant has a serious health condition that may require expensive medical treatment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, their visa application may be rejected.

Purpose of visit: If the purpose of the visit is unclear or does not fit within the parameters of the visa category being applied for, the visa application may be rejected.

National security concerns: If there are any national security concerns regarding the applicant or their background, their visa application may be rejected.

It is important to carefully review all visa application requirements and provide all necessary documentation to avoid visa rejection. If the application is rejected, applicants may have the opportunity to reapply or appeal the decision, depending on the circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions