United Kingdom entry requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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

If you hold a Bosnian passport, you must get a Standard Visitor visa before traveling to the United Kingdom. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for your nationality. The process involves an online application, an in-person appointment, and a decision that can take a few weeks, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
UK VisaYou cannot get a UK visa online or on arrival — you must apply in person at a UK diplomatic post.
Apply at embassy/consulate
A UK visa is required for Bosnian passport holders. You must apply at a UK embassy or consulate before travel; an eVisa is not available for your nationality.Required
Passport validityCheck your passport expiry — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before applying for a visa.
At least 6 months
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of departure from the UK.Required
Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a clean, unmarked page for border control to stamp.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the UK entry stamp.Required
Return or onward ticketBorder officers often ask to see your outbound travel plans.
Proof of departure
You may be asked to show a return or onward travel ticket proving you will leave the UK before your visa expires.Required
Proof of fundsYou need to prove you can support yourself financially during your visit.
Sufficient for stay
Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the UK, such as bank statements or cash.Required
Travel insuranceMedical care in the UK can be expensive for visitors; insurance protects you.
Recommended
Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip cancellation is strongly recommended.Recommended
Accommodation detailsBorder officers may want to know where you'll be staying.
Where you'll stay
Have your hotel booking or address of your host ready to show at border control if asked.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before landing.
Not required
No arrival declaration is required for entry to the UK for your nationality.Not required
No eVisa option for Bosnian passport holders
Even though the UK has an eVisa system for some nationalities, Bosnian and Herzegovina passport holders are not eligible. You must apply through the standard visa application process at the UK Visa Application Centre in Sarajevo. Do not use any unofficial websites that claim to offer an eVisa — they are scams.
Apply well in advance
Processing times can stretch beyond 3 weeks, especially during summer and holiday seasons. Aim to submit your application at least 6 weeks before your intended travel date to avoid stress.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary, and accommodation details. Make sure your passport has at least one blank page and is valid for 6 months beyond your planned departure from the UK.
2
Complete the online application
Go to the official UK Visas and Immigration website, create an account, and fill out the Standard Visitor visa form. Double-check all details — mistakes can cause delays. Pay the £115 fee online.
3
Book and attend your biometric appointment
After submitting your application, book an appointment at the UK Visa Application Centre in Sarajevo. Attend on time with your passport, appointment confirmation, and any required documents. You'll give fingerprints and a photo.
4
Wait for a decision
Processing usually takes 3 weeks from your appointment date, but can be longer during peak periods. You can track your application online using the reference number from your appointment.
5
Receive your visa and travel
Once approved, you'll get a vignette (sticker) in your passport. Check the dates and details. When you arrive in the UK, go through the 'Other Passports' queue at border control and present your passport with the vignette.
Download United Kingdom Entry Checklist
PDF · Bosnia and Herzegovina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Standard Visitor visa (6 months)
Max stay6 months
Validity6 months from issue
Cost£115

For tourism, visiting family, or short business activities.

Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity2 years
Cost£432

Multiple entries; must leave after each 6-month stay.

Long-term Standard Visitor visa (5 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity5 years
Cost£771

Multiple entries; must leave after each 6-month stay.

Long-term Standard Visitor visa (10 years)
Max stay6 months per visit
Validity10 years
Cost£963

Multiple entries; must leave after each 6-month stay.

work visa
Skilled Worker Visa
Up to 5 years, extendable
£625–£1,423 (~$795–$1,810 USD) depending on length
For those with a job offer from a UK employer in an eligible skilled occupation. Requires sponsorship and meeting salary thresholds.
Apply
student visa
Student Visa
Length of course plus up to 4 months
£490 (~$623 USD)
For full-time study at a UK educational institution. Must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor.
Apply
investor visa
Innovator Visa
3 years, extendable
£1,277 (~$1,624 USD)
For those with an innovative business idea endorsed by an approved body. Requires at least £50,000 in investment funds.
Apply
family visa
Family Visa (Spouse/Partner)
2.5 years, extendable, leads to settlement
£1,523 (~$1,937 USD)
For partners of British citizens or settled persons. Must meet financial and relationship requirements.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
Standard Visitor visa (6 months)For tourism, visiting family, or short business activities.£115
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (2 years)Multiple entries; each stay max 6 months.£432
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (5 years)Multiple entries; each stay max 6 months.£771
Long-term Standard Visitor visa (10 years)Multiple entries; each stay max 6 months.£963
Priority visa service (optional)Faster decision, where available.£500
Super Priority visa service (optional)Decision by end of next working day, where available.£1000

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%

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 United Kingdom

No transit visa needed

Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders are exempt from the UK Transit Visa (DATV) when transiting through UK airports, provided they hold a valid visa for Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or the USA, or a valid Common Format Residence Permit issued by an EEA country or Switzerland. Otherwise, a Standard Visitor visa may be required for airside transit.

Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or the USA are exempt from DATV.
  • Holders of a valid Common Format Residence Permit issued by an EEA country or Switzerland are exempt from DATV.
Transit hubsLondon Heathrow (LHR) · London Gatwick (LGW) · Manchester (MAN)

Health & vaccines for United Kingdom

Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialInfluenzaRecommendedHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommended
Health risks
Seasonal fluModerate risk

Common in winter months; vaccination recommended.

Lyme diseaseLow risk

Tick-borne disease in rural areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

London
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – London
Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon CR9 2BY
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

For visa applications and inquiries. Appointments required.

Sheffield
UKVI Sheffield
Vulcan House, 6 Millsands, Sheffield S3 8NU
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

Handles visa applications and correspondence.

Practical information for BA travellers

Country basics
CapitalLondon
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyBritish Pound (GBP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.75 GBP
updated Jul 3
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h (EST) / +5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+8h (PST) / +8h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G — unique 3-pin UK plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Excellent tap water. Safe everywhere in the UK.
Emergency numbers
Police999
Medical999
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to United Kingdom — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

The Standard Visitor visa allows a maximum stay of 6 months per visit. The visa itself is usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and you must leave before it expires.
No, the Standard Visitor visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the UK and apply for a new visa from abroad. There are very limited exceptions, such as medical treatment, but these are rare.
The fee for a 6-month Standard Visitor visa is £115. This is paid online when you submit your application. The fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused.
The UK Home Office aims to process most applications within 3 weeks of your biometric appointment. However, it can take longer during busy periods. It's best to apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date.
You don't need to book flights or hotels before applying, but you should provide a rough itinerary and evidence of accommodation if you have it. If you don't have bookings, you can explain your plans in the application. It's not mandatory, but it helps your case.
If your visa is refused, you'll receive a letter explaining the reasons. You can reapply, but you'll need to address the reasons for refusal. There is no appeal for visitor visas, but you can request an administrative review in some cases. The fee is not refunded.
No. The Standard Visitor visa is for tourism, visiting family or friends, and certain business activities like meetings or conferences. You cannot take up employment or enroll in a course longer than 30 days. For work or study, you need a different visa type.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.