South Korea entry requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
Valid for stay
No extra months required
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders need a visa to enter South Korea in 2026. You must apply and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver program for BA passport holders.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to South Korea. Apply through the South Korea eVisa portal at visa.go.kr or at the nearest South Korean embassy. Processing takes 5–10 business days for most visa types.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in South Korea. South Korea does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce this — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from South Korea | Immigration officers at Incheon and Gimpo airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from South Korea within your visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host in South Korea. Immigration may ask for this at the border, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient financial means | Carry evidence of at least 1,000,000 KRW (approximately $750 USD) in cash, bank statements, or a credit card. Immigration officers occasionally check this for visa holders, especially on first entry. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders cannot enter South Korea without an approved visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver program. Apply well in advance.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter South Korea. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for your visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa online
Go to www.visa.go.kr and complete the visa application form. Upload your passport scan, photo, and supporting documents. Pay the fee and wait for approval — processing typically takes 5–10 business days.
2
Receive your visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker or electronic confirmation. Print a copy and keep it with your passport. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in Korea.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you leave, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed visa approval, return ticket, first night accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone as backup.
4
Arrive at Incheon or Gimpo Airport
At immigration, present your passport and visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly and calmly. After clearance, collect your luggage and proceed to arrivals.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Bosnia and Herzegovina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (C-3-4)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 (single-entry) or $90 (multiple-entry)
Requires invitation letter from Korean company.
Work visa (E-series)
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
ValidityVaries by employment contract
Cost$60 (single-entry) or $120 (multiple-entry)
Requires employment contract and work permit approval.
Student visa (D-2)
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
ValidityVaries by academic program
Cost$60 (single-entry) or $120 (multiple-entry)
Requires admission letter from Korean educational institution.
work visa
E-7 Special Activity Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For professionals in specialized fields such as IT, engineering, or teaching. Requires a job offer and sponsorship from a Korean company. Allows long-term residence and family accompaniment.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 2 years initially
₩60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For international students enrolled in degree programs at Korean universities. Allows part-time work with permission. Renewable annually.
investor visa
D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
₩60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee
For foreign investors who invest at least ₩100 million (~$75,000 USD) in a Korean business. Requires a detailed business plan and registration. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| South Korea e-Visa (C-3-9 tourist visa)Standard fee for BA passport holders; payable online. | $40 (single-entry) |
| South Korea e-Visa (C-3-9 tourist visa) – multiple-entryFor those who qualify for multiple entries. | $90 |
| Visa extension (within South Korea)Possible for up to 30 days per extension, subject to approval. | ₩60,000 (approx. $45) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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 South Korea
Transit visa required
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders are not visa-exempt for South Korea, so a visa is required even for transit, unless you qualify for the K-ETA (which BA is not eligible for). However, if you stay airside and do not pass immigration, you may not need a visa for a short layover.
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and staying airside for less than 24 hours do not need a visa.
- Passengers who need to change airports or enter South Korea for any reason must obtain a visa in advance.
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialInfluenzaRecommendedCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Particulate matter can be high in urban areas, especially during spring; consider masks if sensitive.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene is good, but travellers should avoid undercooked street food if concerned.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk in rural/forested areas; consider vaccine if extensive outdoor exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Seoul
Seoul Immigration Office
319, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries; arrive early to avoid long waits.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
120, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and re-entry permits for the southern region.
Practical information for BA travellers
Country basics
CapitalSeoul
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySouth Korean Won (KRW)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,543.91 KRW
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h (EST) / +13h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+17h (PST) / +16h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink. Most Koreans prefer filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days after you submit your online application. Apply at least 3 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
No, the standard visa for BA passport holders is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future visa bans.
The standard application does not require proof of funds, but immigration officers may ask about your financial means during entry. Having a credit card or bank statement ready is a good idea.
Your visa will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Sarajevo handles visa applications for Bosnia residents. You can also apply online through www.visa.go.kr. Check the embassy's website for specific requirements and appointment procedures.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver for Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders. You must obtain a visa before traveling.
Overstaying can lead to fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering South Korea for up to several years. Always leave before your visa expiry date.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.