Russia entry requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
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 can enter Russia without a visa for stays up to 30 days. This visa-free arrangement is in effect for 2026, but you must meet specific entry requirements at the border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Russia. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Russian law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Russia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this at passport control, especially if you arrive without a visa. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a formal invitation letter (if staying with friends/family). Officers may ask for it, and you need it to register your stay with the MVD within 7 days of arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have at least 500 USD (or equivalent in rubles) per day of your stay available in cash or on a card. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show it. | Recommended |
Passport Validity is Strictly Enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Russia. Airlines check this at check-in, and border officers check it again. If your passport expires sooner, you will not be allowed to board or enter.
Registration Requirement
If you stay in one place for more than 7 days, your hotel or host must register you with the local migration office. This is a legal requirement. If you're staying in a private home, the host must do it. Failure to register can lead to fines and deportation.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare Your Documents
Before you leave for the airport, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket confirmation, and first night hotel booking. Save screenshots of all documents on your phone in case you lose internet access.
2
At the Airport Check-in
The airline will check your passport validity and may ask to see your return ticket. They are responsible for ensuring you meet entry requirements, so be ready to show everything.
3
Arrival at Russian Border Control
At passport control, hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your visa-free eligibility, stamp your passport, and may ask simple questions like 'How long are you staying?' or 'Where are you staying?' Answer clearly and confidently.
4
Collect Your Luggage and Exit
After passing through border control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're now free to enter Russia.
Download Russia Entry Checklist
PDF · Bosnia and Herzegovina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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 stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~3,000 RUB (~42 USD)
Requires invitation (voucher) from Russian tour operator or hotel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~6,000 RUB (~84 USD)
Allows multiple entries; must have valid invitation.
Business visa
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~10,000 RUB (~140 USD)
Requires invitation from Russian company; allows longer stays.
Private visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost~3,000 RUB (~42 USD)
For visiting family/friends; requires invitation from host.
work visa
Work Visa (Highly Qualified Specialist)
3 years, renewable
~10,000 RUB (~140 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign professionals with a job offer from a Russian company. Requires work permit and higher salary threshold. Allows family reunion.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of study program (1–4 years)
~3,000 RUB (~42 USD) plus university fees
For those enrolled in a Russian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work on campus.
investor visa
Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
~50,000 RUB (~700 USD) plus investment of at least 10 million RUB
For individuals investing in the Russian economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency after 3 years.
retirement visa
Temporary Residence Permit (for retirees)
3 years, renewable
~6,000 RUB (~84 USD)
For retirees with sufficient pension or savings. Requires proof of income (at least 12,000 RUB/month) and health insurance. Limited quota per region.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 5,000 RUB (~70 USD) for overstay up to 30 days. | ~500 RUB (~7 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays up to 30 days, single entry. | ~3,000 RUB (~42 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries up to 90 days total. | ~6,000 RUB (~84 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return 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 Russia
Transit visa required
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Russia, even if staying airside. Apply at Russian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid diplomatic or service passports may transit without visa.
- Crew members of international flights may transit without visa.
Transit hubsSheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Moscow · Domodedovo International Airport (DME), Moscow · Vnukovo International Airport (VKO), Moscow
Health & vaccines for Russia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in spring and summer. Vaccination recommended for rural travel.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from stray animals; avoid contact and seek immediate medical care if bitten.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Moscow
Main Department of Migration Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for Moscow
ul. Novoslobodskaya, 45, Moscow
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and registration; bring passport, migration card, and invitation.
Saint Petersburg
Department of Migration Affairs for Saint Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast
ul. Krasnogo Tekstilshchika, 10-12, Saint Petersburg
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa issues; expect long queues.
Practical information for BA travellers
Country basics
CapitalMoscow
LanguageRussian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 60 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyRussian Ruble (RUB)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 72.35 RUB
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 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
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free stay is strictly 30 days. You cannot extend it. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa at the Russian embassy in Sarajevo before traveling.
Yes, if you're staying in one place for more than 7 days. Your hotel or host must register you with the local migration office within 7 days of arrival. If you're moving between hotels, each new hotel handles this. Failure to register can result in fines or deportation.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions.
Yes, but only at official international border crossings. Major airports like Moscow Sheremetyevo, St. Petersburg Pulkovo, and land crossings from EU countries are fine. Avoid unofficial or closed checkpoints.
It's not mandatory for visa-free entry, but it's strongly recommended. A simple emergency room visit can cost $200–$500, and a hospital stay can run into thousands. A basic policy covering medical evacuation and hospital stays is cheap insurance.
If you're transiting through a Russian airport and staying airside (not passing through passport control), you generally don't need a visa. But if you need to change airports or leave the transit zone, you'll need a transit visa. Check with your airline before booking.
It's helpful to have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket in Russian. Immigration officers may not speak English, so having translations ready can speed things up. You can use Google Translate offline.
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.