Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa-free access applies for tourism, business, or family visits. As of 2026, no pre-arrival registration is required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your New Zealand passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Bosnia and Herzegovina. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required, but airlines may still enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Sarajevo Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Border officers occasionally ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have access to around 100 EUR per day of your stay — either cash, a credit card, or a bank statement. Officers rarely ask, but if you look underprepared they may request proof. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Bosnia, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
No visa, no registration needed
New Zealand passport holders don't need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You also don't need to register with local police — your accommodation host does that for you.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
At Sarajevo Airport, Mostar Airport, or any land border crossing, join the queue for non-EU/non-Schengen passports. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, how long you're staying, and where you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry. Check the stamp is legible before walking away. That stamp starts your 90-day clock.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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 (~$65 USD)
Apply at Bosnian embassy or consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost~€90 (~$98 USD)
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 sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit (Boravak i rad)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For employment with a Bosnian company. Requires job offer and work permit approval from the employment agency.
student visa
Student Visa (Boravak radi studija)
1 year, renewable annually
~€60 (~$65 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
~€60 (~$65 USD) application fee
For spouses, children, or parents of Bosnian citizens or residents. Requires proof of relationship and accommodation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa is required. | ~€60 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~€90 (~$98 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine may apply; exact cap varies. | ~€50 (~$54 USD) per day |
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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Bosnian airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially from April to November; consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe in cities.
Air pollutionLow risk
Winter smog can be an issue in urban areas; those with respiratory conditions should take precautions.
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 and residence permit matters.
Banja Luka
Regional Office for Foreigners
Bulevar Vojvode Stepe bb, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles applications for the Republika Srpska region.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 1.67 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 before 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines, a ban, or both.
No, not for stays under 90 days. Your accommodation provider (hotel, hostel, or private host) is responsible for registering you with the local police within 24 hours of your arrival.
Yes. New Zealand passport holders can enter at any land border crossing. The same visa-free rules apply. Just have your passport ready for inspection.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. Get your passport renewed before you travel.
It's not legally required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. A simple accident or illness can cost thousands of euros. Many travellers buy a policy from SafetyWing or World Nomads for peace of mind.
The visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, and family visits only. If you plan to work remotely for a foreign employer, it's technically a grey area. For long-term remote work, consider a digital nomad visa if available.
Overstaying is a violation of immigration law. You may be fined, banned from re-entering Bosnia and Herzegovina, or both. The fine is typically around 100–500 BAM (€50–€250). Always leave on time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.