Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders can visit Bosnia and Herzegovina visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy started in 2018 and is still valid in 2026. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the period you plan to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Airlines at check-in may ask for 6 months validity beyond your departure date — if yours expires sooner, carry proof of onward travel. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina | Immigration officers at Sarajevo and Banja Luka airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready. If you're continuing overland to Montenegro or Croatia, a bus or train reservation works too. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a signed letter from your host with their address and contact number. Officers rarely ask, but if you're arriving without a clear plan, they may pull you aside for questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to roughly €100 per day of your stay. Officers almost never check this for Chinese passport holders, but it's one of the legal requirements they can enforce. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Bosnia. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
No visa, but bring proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Sarajevo Airport and land borders often ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone ready to show.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or border crossing
At Sarajevo International Airport or any land border, join the queue for non-EU/non-Schengen passports. Have your passport and any supporting documents ready.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation confirmation. Answer clearly and briefly. They usually don't ask many questions for Chinese passport holders.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — make sure the date is correct. You're allowed to stay up to 90 days.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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 stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~€60 (approx. $65 USD)
For longer stays beyond visa-free period; apply at Bosnian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~€90 (approx. $98 USD)
Good for frequent travellers; must leave Schengen area between entries.
Work visa
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~€100 (approx. $109 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of studies
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost~€50 (approx. $54 USD)
Must be enrolled in a recognized institution in Bosnia.
work visa
Work and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $109 USD) + employer fees
For those with a job offer in Bosnia. Requires employer to obtain work permit. Allows long-term stay and family reunification.
student visa
Student Visa (Temporary Residence)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€50 (approx. $54 USD) per year
For enrolled students at Bosnian universities. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $218 USD) + investment
For those investing at least €50,000 in a Bosnian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are enforced; maximum cap unknown but can be substantial. | ~€50 per day (estimated) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at embassy. | ~€60 (approx. $65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; valid up to 1 year. | ~€90 (approx. $98 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 Bosnia and Herzegovina
No transit visa needed
Chinese passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Bosnian airports, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the international transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid Schengen, US, UK, or Irish visas may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsSarajevo International Airport (SJJ) · Banja Luka International Airport (BNX) · Mostar International Airport (OMO)
Health & vaccines for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially from April to November; consider vaccination if hiking.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Spread by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Tap water is generally safe in cities, but stick to bottled water in rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sarajevo
Služba za poslove sa strancima (Service for Foreigners' Affairs)
Trg BiH 1, 71000 Sarajevo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa and residence matters; bring all original documents.
Banja Luka
Regionalni centar Banja Luka
Kralja Petra I Karađorđevića 89, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and residence permits for Republika Srpska.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalSarajevo
LanguageBosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.68 BAM
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 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
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities, but may have a mineral taste.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave after 90 days. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a temporary residence permit before your 90 days expire — contact the local police station or the Ministry of Security in Sarajevo.
Hotels and hostels handle registration automatically. If you're staying in a private apartment, the host should register you within 24 hours. If they don't, you may need to go to the local police station yourself — but in practice, this is rarely enforced for short stays.
Overstaying can result in a fine (around 100–500 BAM, roughly 50–250 EUR) and a ban from re-entering Bosnia for up to 6 months. It's taken seriously, so don't risk it.
Yes, you can enter by land from any neighboring country. The same visa-free rules apply. Just have your passport and return ticket ready. Border crossings can have queues in summer, especially at the Neum corridor (Croatia–Bosnia coastal route).
No, Chinese passport holders don't need a Schengen visa to enter Bosnia. The visa-free agreement is independent. But if you're transiting through a Schengen country (e.g., flying via Vienna or Frankfurt), you'll need a Schengen transit visa.
Yes, the visa-free entry is for tourism and business visits only. For work, study, or long-term stays, you must apply for a national visa (D visa) at the Bosnian embassy in Beijing before traveling. The process takes 2–4 weeks.
Report it immediately to the local police and get a police report. Then contact the Chinese Embassy in Sarajevo (address: Braće Begić 17, 71000 Sarajevo; phone: +387 33 215 826) for an emergency travel document. You'll need the police report and a passport photo.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.