Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. You must apply at a Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option as of 2026. Plan ahead, as processing can take a couple of weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply at the Bosnia and Herzegovina embassy or consulate | You need a visa before traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Submit your application at the nearest embassy or consulate — processing takes 5–15 working days. The visa costs around €35–€60 depending on type and nationality.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay | Your Kenyan passport needs at least 3 months of validity beyond the date you leave Bosnia and Herzegovina. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa holders entering Bosnia and Herzegovina | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they may also check that your onward destination accepts you. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a notarized invitation letter from your host in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you're staying with friends or family. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or cash equivalent to at least €100 per day of your stay. Officers at Sarajevo and Banja Luka airports occasionally ask for proof, especially for longer visits. | Recommended |
No embassy in Kenya — plan ahead
Bosnia and Herzegovina doesn't have an embassy in Nairobi. You'll need to apply at the embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, or at a consulate in another nearby country. Factor in travel time and courier costs.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save screenshots of your visa, return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance on your phone. Immigration at Sarajevo Airport may ask to see them, and having them handy avoids stress.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the embassy
Contact the Bosnian embassy or consulate in Nairobi (or the nearest one if you're outside Kenya). Submit the application form, passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, and travel insurance. Pay the visa fee (around €35–€60 depending on type). Processing takes 10–15 working days.
2
Prepare your documents for travel
Once your visa is approved, print a copy of the visa sticker and keep it with your passport. Also print or save digital copies of your return ticket, hotel confirmation, and insurance. Pack your passport with at least one blank page.
3
Arrive at Sarajevo or Banja Luka airport
At passport control, hand over your passport with the visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Answer clearly. They'll stamp you in — usually for the duration of your visa (up to 90 days).
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Cost€60 (~$65 USD)
For single entry; must apply at Bosnian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Work Permit (Boravak i rad)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Bosnian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Employment Bureau.
student visa
Student Visa (D visa for study)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Bosnia. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Temporary Stay for Remote Workers)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income and health insurance. Allows stay without local employment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa, payable at embassy or consulate. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within visa validity. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €500 (~$545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Kenya passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsSarajevo International Airport (SJJ) · Banja Luka International Airport (BNX) · Mostar International Airport (OMO)
Health & vaccines for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions are sufficient; tap water is generally safe.
Air pollutionLow risk
Urban areas may have moderate air quality in winter; no major health risk.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sarajevo
Sector for Foreigners, Ministry of Security
Trg BiH 1, 71000 Sarajevo
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Banja Luka
Regional Office for Foreigners
Bulevar vojvode Stepe Stepanovića 2, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles immigration matters for the Republika Srpska region.
Practical information for KE 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. Kenyan passport holders must get a visa from a Bosnian embassy or consulate before travelling. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option.
Processing usually takes 10–15 working days. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The visa fee is typically between €35 and €60, depending on the type (single-entry or multiple-entry). Check with the embassy for the exact amount.
If you're transiting through a Bosnian airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you generally don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need a visa.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's shorter, renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Extensions are not available for visa holders. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have an embassy in Kenya. The nearest embassy is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Alternatively, you can apply at a Bosnian consulate in a neighbouring country or through a visa processing centre.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.