South Africa 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 Africa. You must apply at the South African embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| South African visa application Apply before travel | You need a visa before you travel to South Africa. Apply at the South African embassy or consulate in your home country — there is no online eVisa for Bosnian passport holders. Processing takes 5–10 working days, so start early.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 2 blank pages | Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date from South Africa. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately in case of loss. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're staying at a private residence. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry a recent bank statement or enough cash/credit to cover your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but showing at least 3,000 ZAR per day of stay is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
South African visa processing can take 4 weeks or more. Do not book flights or accommodation until you have the visa approved.
No visa on arrival
Bosnian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or an e-visa for South Africa. You must have a visa stamped in your passport before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the South African embassy
Contact the South African embassy or consulate in your country (e.g., in Vienna or Budapest for Bosnian residents). Submit the completed application form, passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of funds. Pay the visa fee (around €40–€60 depending on the embassy). Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be asked to attend an interview. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
3
Arrive at a South African airport
When you land at OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, or King Shaka (Durban), go to the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The immigration officer will stamp you in.
Download South Africa 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:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD)
Standard single entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostZAR 2,700 (~$150 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visitor's permit)
Max stayUp to 3 years
ValidityAs granted
CostZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) plus additional fees
For extended stays, requires proof of purpose and funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Life Partner or Retired Person)
Up to 4 years, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) plus application fees
For individuals 55+ with sufficient funds. Requires proof of pension or assets and medical cover.
work visa
General Work Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) plus additional fees
For skilled workers with a job offer from a South African employer. Requires labour market testing.
student visa
Study Visa
Duration of course, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) plus application fees
For full-time students enrolled at a recognized South African institution. Proof of funds and medical cover required.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
Up to 5 years, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) plus additional fees
For individuals investing at least ZAR 5 million in a South African business. Must create jobs and benefit the economy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry tourist visa. | ZAR 1,350 (~$75 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ZAR 2,700 (~$150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | ZAR 1,000 (~$55 USD) per day, max ZAR 10,000 (~$550 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 Africa
No transit visa needed
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders do not require a transit visa for airside transit through South African airports, provided they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsO.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) · Cape Town International Airport (CPT) · King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Health & vaccines for South Africa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
Dengue feverLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in tropical areas.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers in certain regions.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Pretoria
Department of Home Affairs (Head Office)
230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Cape Town
Cape Town Regional Office
Sandduiker Street, Cape Town
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles visa extensions for Western Cape visitors.
Practical information for BA travellers
Country basics
CapitalPretoria
Language11 official languages incl. Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP for tourist drives.
Money
CurrencySouth African Rand (ZAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 16.24 ZAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
M,NType M (large 3-pin) and N — US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe in Cape Town and major cities. Use bottled water in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Africa — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not on the visa-exempt or visa-on-arrival list for South Africa. You must apply for a visa at a South African embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can be longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The visa fee is usually around €40 to €60, depending on the embassy. Check the specific embassy's website for the exact amount and payment method.
Yes, you typically need to show bank statements or proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. The exact amount is not fixed, but you should have enough for accommodation, food, and transport.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at a VFS Global office or the Department of Home Affairs before your visa expires. The process can take weeks, and you'll need a valid reason (e.g., medical emergency).
Overstaying can result in fines, a ban from re-entering South Africa for a period, or being declared undesirable. Always leave before your visa expires.
No. South Africa does not offer an e-visa for Bosnian citizens. You must apply through an embassy or consulate.
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.