United States 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 travel to the United States. You must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the U.S. embassy in Sarajevo before your trip. As of 2026, there is no visa waiver or ESTA option for Bosnian citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application B1/B2 visa required | You need a B1/B2 visitor visa before traveling to the United States. Apply at the US embassy or consulate in Bosnia — expect an interview appointment wait time of several weeks. The visa costs $185 USD and is typically valid for 10 years with multiple entries.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. The US does not require 6 months beyond your departure date — just that it covers your visit. Airlines may still ask for 6 months validity, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa holders | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your return ticket or a ticket to your next destination ready. If you overstay your visa, you risk a 3- or 10-year re-entry ban. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Bring a hotel confirmation or a letter from your US host with their address and phone number. Customs officers sometimes ask where you're staying — having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or credit card | Carry recent bank statements or a credit card showing available credit. Officers may ask how you'll fund your trip — $100–$200 per day is a safe benchmark for a tourist visit. | Recommended |
Visa required — no ESTA or visa waiver
Bosnia and Herzegovina is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use ESTA. You must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo before traveling.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive in the U.S., not from when you leave. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website and fill out the DS-160. You'll need your passport, travel itinerary, and a digital photo. Save the barcode confirmation page.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee at a UniCredit Bank branch in Bosnia or via online transfer. Keep the receipt — you'll need the reference number to schedule your interview.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system, enter your DS-160 barcode and payment receipt number, and pick an available slot at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo. Wait times vary from a few weeks to a couple of months.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy on time with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents (bank statements, employment letter, travel plans). The interview is short — usually 5–10 minutes. The officer will ask about your trip purpose, ties to Bosnia, and finances.
5
Collect your passport with visa
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker inside. You can pick it up at the embassy or have it delivered via courier. Processing takes 3–5 business days after approval.
6
Travel to the U.S.
At the U.S. port of entry (airport or land border), a CBP officer will inspect your passport and visa, take your fingerprints, and ask a few questions. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
Download United States 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:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (~340 BAM)
Standard visa for tourism or business visits.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (~340 BAM)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$185 USD (~340 BAM) + SEVIS fee
Requires acceptance at a US educational institution.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initially
Cost$205 USD (~380 BAM) + premium processing optional
Requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
3 years, extendable to 6
$205 USD (~380 BAM) filing fee + premium processing optional
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Employer must sponsor and file petition. Limited annual cap and lottery.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$185 USD (~340 BAM) + SEVIS fee (~$350 USD)
For full-time students enrolled in accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) + legal fees
For investors who invest the required capital in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (typically 1–2 years)
$185 USD (~340 BAM) + program fees
For participants in approved exchange programs including au pair, intern, trainee, professor, research scholar, and summer work travel. Requires a designated sponsor.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee, valid for 10 years typically. | $185 USD (equivalent to ~340 BAM) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; multiple entries are standard for approved applicants. | $185 USD (equivalent to ~340 BAM) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission period. | $370 USD (equivalent to ~680 BAM) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to bars on re-entry; avoid at all costs. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
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 States
Transit visa required
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to transit through the US, even if not leaving the airport. Exceptions apply for holders of valid US visas or certain nationals.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may be eligible for transit without visa under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program if flying on a participating airline.
- Citizens of certain countries may be exempt; check with the airline.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderYellow FeverConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Risk varies by region and season; use insect repellent in rural areas.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Common in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Foodborne illnessesLow risk
General food safety is high; risk is minimal for most travelers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539), file by mail; no walk-in service.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for in-person queries; extensions filed by mail.
Practical information for BA travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The visa itself is valid for up to 10 years (multiple entries), but each stay is typically granted for up to 6 months. The exact duration is decided by the CBP officer at the port of entry — they'll stamp your passport with an admission date.
The non-refundable application fee is $185 (about 330 BAM as of 2026). This covers processing and the interview. There are no additional fees unless you need expedited processing or courier delivery.
After your interview, processing takes 3–5 business days. But the real wait is scheduling the interview — current wait times at the Sarajevo embassy can be 4–8 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before your planned travel.
Yes, you can apply for an extension with USCIS using Form I-539. You must file before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted in up to 6-month increments. The fee is $370 (as of 2026). Overstaying can get you banned from re-entry.
Bring your passport (valid 6+ months), DS-160 confirmation page, fee receipt, one passport photo (if not uploaded), and supporting documents: bank statements (last 3 months), employment letter, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of ties to Bosnia (property deeds, family certificates).
Yes, but it's not recommended. You generally need to apply in your country of residence. If you're temporarily in another country, the embassy may still accept your application, but they'll want proof of legal status there. The Sarajevo embassy is the most straightforward option for Bosnian citizens.
You'll get a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (most common reason: insufficient ties to Bosnia). You can reapply anytime, but you need to address the reason for refusal — stronger financial proof, a better job letter, or clearer travel plans. There's no appeal process.
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.