Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa-free arrangement is valid through 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Latvian passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines sometimes enforce a 3-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | 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 of your flight booking ready — they rarely accept verbal promises. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host with their address and phone number covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Officials can request evidence of sufficient funds — roughly €50–€100 per day of your stay. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a decent limit usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
90-day limit applies to all Schengen and visa-free countries
Your 90-day stay in Bosnia counts separately from the Schengen Area 90/180 rule. But if you've been in other Balkan countries, check cumulative stays — some borders are strict about total time in the region.
Land border crossings can be slow
At busy times (summer weekends, holidays), queues at border crossings from Croatia or Montenegro can take 1–2 hours. Have your documents ready and be patient.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
At Sarajevo International Airport or any land border crossing, join the queue for non-EU/non-Schengen passports. Have your passport and any supporting documents ready.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly and briefly. They'll stamp your passport with the entry date.
3
Receive entry stamp
The stamp shows the date you entered. Your 90-day countdown starts that day. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Exit before 90 days
Make sure you leave Bosnia before the 90-day limit. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. Count days from your entry stamp.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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 date
Cost€60 (~$65 USD)
For Latvia holders who need a visa or want to stay beyond 90 days; apply at embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Allows multiple visits; good for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit (Boravak i rad)
1 year, renewable
~€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For Latvia holders with a job offer in Bosnia. Employer must obtain a work permit. Allows residence and work.
student visa
Student Visa (Studentska viza)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
~€60 (~$65 USD)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bosnia. Requires proof of enrollment and funds.
family reunification
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
~€120 (~$130 USD)
For Latvia holders with a spouse or close family member who is a Bosnia resident or citizen. Requires proof of relationship.
investor visa
Temporary Residence for Investors
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$217 USD) plus investment
For those investing at least €50,000 in a Bosnia business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at embassy. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; useful for frequent travellers. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa-free period; paid at border or immigration office. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €1,500 (~$1,630 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
Latvia passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Bosnia airports, as they are visa-free for short stays.
Airside transitAllowed
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
Present in rural and forested areas, especially from spring to autumn.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe in cities.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Circulates in winter months; vaccination advised.
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 extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Banja Luka
Regionalni centar za strance (Regional Centre for Foreigners)
Bulevar vojvode Stepe Stepanovića 1, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa issues for northern Bosnia; appointments recommended.
Practical information for LV 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 have to apply for a temporary residence permit from the Bosnian Ministry of Security before your 90 days expire — but that's a lengthy process and not guaranteed.
Overstaying can result in a fine (typically around 50–200 BAM, roughly 25–100 EUR) and a possible entry ban. The exact penalty depends on how long you overstay and the officer's discretion. Always leave on time.
No, transit is covered under the same visa-free arrangement. You can stay up to 90 days in total, so a short transit is fine. Just have your onward ticket ready.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. If you plan to work or study, you need to apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit before traveling.
Same as at the airport: your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket (screenshot is fine), and proof of first night's accommodation. Land border checks can be thorough, so have everything ready in a folder.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. If you need medical care, a simple doctor visit can cost 50–100 EUR, and a hospital stay much more. Many travel insurance policies cost under 20 EUR for a short trip.
No. The rule is strict: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.