Canada entry requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders need a visa to visit Canada for tourism or business in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa-free or eTA option for BA passport holders.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Canada Visitor Visa (TRV) | Apply for a Canada Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) online at the IRCC portal. Processing takes 2–4 weeks for Bosnian passport holders — apply at least 6 weeks before travel. You'll need to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre in Sarajevo.Apply for TRV | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Canada. Canada does not require 6 months beyond departure — just that the passport is valid when you enter and during your visit. Airlines may still enforce 6 months validity, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave Canada before your visa expires. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or host invitation | Have hotel confirmations or a letter of invitation from your Canadian host ready. Border officers may ask where you're staying for the first few nights. A simple booking.com reservation printout works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements from the last 3 months showing at least CAD $2,000–$3,000 for a short trip. Credit card statements and a letter from your employer also help. Officers want to see you can cover accommodation, food, and emergencies. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Bosnia passport holders cannot use the eTA system. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before travel. No visa = no boarding. Allow at least 4 weeks for processing.
Biometrics in Sarajevo
The only biometrics collection point in Bosnia is at the VAC in Sarajevo (Skenderija 3A). Book your appointment online after submitting your application. Walk-ins are not accepted.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the Canada visa application centre (VAC) website for Bosnia. Fill out the application form, upload documents (passport scan, photo, travel history, financial proof), and pay the fee (CAD 100 for single entry, CAD 500 for multiple entry). Processing takes 2-4 weeks on average.
2
Submit biometrics
After applying, you'll get a biometric instruction letter. Book an appointment at the nearest VAC — in Sarajevo (Skenderija 3A). Bring your passport and the letter. Biometrics cost CAD 85. You'll give fingerprints and a photo.
3
Wait for visa decision
Once biometrics are done, the visa office processes your application. You'll get an email with the decision. If approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa sticker. Processing time varies — check the IRCC website for current estimates.
4
Prepare for arrival in Canada
At the airport, go to the 'Visitors' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The border officer may ask about your trip purpose, funds, and ties to Bosnia. Answer honestly. You'll get a stamp allowing up to 6 months stay.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Bosnia and Herzegovina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityTypically 6 months from issue date
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (or until passport expiry)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs; requires medical insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) for employer compliance fee
For skilled workers with a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Requires employer sponsorship and valid work permit.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For enrollment in a designated learning institution (DLI). Allows part-time work on campus and off-campus with conditions.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence (indefinite)
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment and language proficiency.
Apply retirement visa
No specific retirement visa; use Super Visa or PR
N/A
N/A
Canada does not offer a dedicated retirement visa. Retirees may apply for a Super Visa (if parent/grandparent of Canadian) or seek permanent residence through family sponsorship or other programs.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; includes fingerprinting and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extension feeFee for applying to extend stay as a visitor. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; enforced at departure. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day, max CAD 4,000 (~USD 3,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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 Canada
Transit visa required
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders generally need a transit visa to pass through Canada en route to a third country, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions (e.g., same-day connection).
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)Recommended
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months in some regions.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General food safety is high; risk is minimal with standard precautions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Toronto
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Toronto Pearson
6301 Silver Dart Dr, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
24/7
For immigration issues at the airport; extensions handled via IRCC online.
Vancouver
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Vancouver International
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4
24/7
Main port of entry for air travelers; extension applications online.
Practical information for BA travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.38 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Bosnia passport holders need a visa even for transit (stopping in a Canadian airport on the way to another country). Apply for a transit visa — it's cheaper (CAD 100) and faster than a full visitor visa.
Processing time varies. As of 2026, expect 2-4 weeks for a straightforward application. Check the IRCC website for current estimates. Biometrics appointment availability in Sarajevo can add a few days.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. Apply online at IRCC. The fee is CAD 100. You must show you have funds to support yourself and a reason to stay longer. Overstaying without permission can get you banned.
You can reapply — address the reasons given in the refusal letter. Common reasons: weak ties to Bosnia, insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose. Consider a stronger application with more evidence (job letter, property deeds, bank statements).
Not at the application stage, but you'll need one before you travel. The visa officer may ask for it during processing. It's safer to have a refundable ticket booked.
No. A visitor visa is for tourism, visiting family, or business meetings only. Working or studying without a permit is illegal and can lead to deportation. Apply for a work or study permit separately.
You'll need: passport scan, digital photo (35mm x 45mm), travel history (previous visas, stamps), proof of funds (bank statements, pay slips), employment letter, travel itinerary, and accommodation bookings. The exact list is on the IRCC website.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.