Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Austrian passport holders can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This rule has been in place for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Austrian passport needs to be valid only for the time you plan to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required. Airlines may still ask for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina | Immigration officers at Sarajevo and Banja Luka airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. A bus or train ticket out of the country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. A printed copy is safest. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | You may be asked to show you have enough cash or credit for your trip. Around 100 EUR per day is a safe benchmark. ATM access is good in cities but carry some cash for rural areas. | Recommended |
6-month passport validity is strictly enforced
Border officers check your passport's expiry date against your entry date. If it's less than 6 months away, you'll be turned away. No exceptions.
No visa needed, but keep documents handy
You don't need a visa, but immigration can ask for a return ticket or accommodation proof. Have screenshots on your phone to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at border
At Sarajevo Airport or any land border crossing, join the queue for non-EU passports. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket or accommodation. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with the entry date.
3
Receive entry stamp
The stamp shows the date of entry. You're allowed to stay up to 90 days. Count from that stamp — overstaying can mean fines or a ban.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€60 (~$65 USD)
Apply at Bosnian embassy/consulate. Requires proof of accommodation, funds, and travel insurance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Work Permit (Boravak i rad)
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Bosnia. Employer must obtain a work permit. Allows residence and work. Requires employment contract and health insurance.
student visa
Student Visa (Studentska viza)
1 year, renewable annually
€60 (~$65 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized Bosnian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
family reunification
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
€60 (~$65 USD) application fee
For spouses, children, or parents of Bosnian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and sufficient housing. Allows residence and work.
investor visa
Temporary Residence for Investors
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For those investing at least €50,000 in a Bosnian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Allows residence and work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (not available)Visa-free stay is not extendable. Must leave after 90 days. | N/A |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer than 90 days. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay is penalized; avoid by leaving on time. | €50 per day, max €1,500 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds for stay30%
No return or onward ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Bosnia and Herzegovina
No transit visa needed
Austrian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They can stay airside for up to 24 hours without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsSarajevo International Airport (SJJ) · Banja Luka International Airport (BNX) · Mostar International Airport (OMO)
Health & vaccines for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Spread by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Tap water is generally safe in cities, but bottled water is advised in rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sarajevo
Služba za poslove sa strancima (Service for Foreigners' Affairs)
Trg Bosne i Hercegovine 1, 71000 Sarajevo
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of purpose.
Banja Luka
Služba za poslove sa strancima Banja Luka
Kralja Petra I Karađorđevića 1, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Regional office for northern Bosnia. Same services as Sarajevo.
Practical information for AT travellers
Country basics
CapitalSarajevo
LanguageBosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.67 BAM
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities, but may have a mineral taste.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines and a re-entry ban.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at all border crossings.
No. There is no arrival declaration requirement for Austrian citizens. Just keep your entry stamp safe.
Yes. There are several border crossings. The process is the same as at airports — passport check, stamp, and you're in. No additional paperwork.
The Bosnian convertible mark (BAM). Euros are sometimes accepted in tourist areas but at poor rates. Best to withdraw local currency at ATMs.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high. A basic travel insurance policy covering medical evacuation is cheap and worth it.
You risk a fine and a re-entry ban. The ban can last months or years depending on the overstay length. Don't risk it — leave on time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.