South Korea 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 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

RequirementDetailsStatus
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 eVisaRequired
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 June 1, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost₩60,000 (~$45 USD)

Requires proof of accommodation, funds, and itinerary.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost₩90,000 (~$68 USD)

For frequent travellers; must meet stricter criteria.

Student visa (D-2)
Max stayDuration of studies, extendable
ValidityUp to 2 years initially
Cost₩60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee

Requires acceptance from a Korean educational institution.

Work visa (E-7)
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
ValidityUp to 2 years
Cost₩60,000 (~$45 USD) application fee

Requires a job offer and sponsorship from a Korean employer.

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
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visa, non-refundable.₩60,000 (~$45 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within visa validity.₩90,000 (~$68 USD)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period.₩100,000 (~$75 USD) per day, max ₩3,000,000 (~$2,250 USD)
Stay extension feeFee for applying to extend stay, if eligible.₩60,000 (~$45 USD)

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

No transit visa needed

Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through South Korean airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Transit without visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying airside.
  • If leaving the airport or transiting to a domestic flight, a visa is required.
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 = 1,516.87 KRW
updated Jun 3
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
Police112
Medical119
US EmbassyFind contact

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 June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.