Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Poland 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
Polish passport holders can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This has been the case since 2010 and remains unchanged for 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 Polish passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. No minimum validity beyond your departure date 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 copy or a digital version on your phone ready — they check this before stamping you in. | 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 your host with their address and phone number covers you. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Officers can request evidence you can support yourself — roughly 50 EUR per day is a safe benchmark. A bank statement or credit card with available limit works fine. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Bosnian border officers check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it's close, renew before you go. Airlines also check this at check-in.
No visa needed, but have your documents ready
You don't need a visa, but immigration may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Keep digital copies on your phone. It's rare to be asked, but better to be prepared.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Border
At Sarajevo Airport, Mostar Airport, or any land border crossing, join the queue for non-EU/non-Schengen passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and allowed stay.
2
Present Documents
Hand over your passport. If asked, show your return ticket (printed or on phone) and accommodation booking. Answer honestly about your plans — tourism, visiting friends, or business meetings.
3
Receive Entry Stamp
The officer stamps your passport and may write the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before walking away. If something looks off, ask politely.
4
Exit Bosnia
Before your 90 days expire, leave Bosnia. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. Keep your exit stamp as proof you left on time.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland 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
Cost~60 EUR (~66 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Bosnian embassy in Warsaw.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~90 EUR (~99 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~100 EUR (~110 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit (Boravak i rad)
1 year, renewable
~100 EUR (~110 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Bosnia. Employer must obtain a work permit; then you apply for a temporary residence permit. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Student Residence Permit
1 year, renewable annually
~50 EUR (~55 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a Bosnian university. Requires proof of enrollment, health insurance, and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Temporary Residence for Investors
1 year, renewable
~200 EUR (~220 USD) application fee
For those investing at least ~50,000 EUR in a Bosnian business. Must provide business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (not officially established)
N/A
N/A
Bosnia does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use tourist visa-free entry (90 days) or apply for a temporary residence permit if staying longer.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayFines are assessed at departure; maximum cap may apply but is not publicly specified. | ~10 EUR (~11 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
Polish passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Bosnian airports, as long as they remain airside and do not enter the country.
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 forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions suffice; tap water is generally safe in cities.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Winter smog in urban areas can aggravate respiratory conditions.
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 inquiries; bring all original documents.
Banja Luka
Regional Office for Foreigners
Kralja Petra I Karađorđevića 79, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and residence permits for the Republika Srpska region.
Practical information for PL 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 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines (around 50–200 BAM) and a possible re-entry ban. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a temporary residence permit at the local police station before your 90 days expire — but that's a separate process and not guaranteed.
No. Polish passport holders do not need a visa for transit. You can stay up to 90 days visa-free, which covers transit. Just have your onward ticket ready.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced.
No. The 90-day visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family. If you plan to work or study, you need a work permit or student visa, which must be arranged through the Bosnian embassy in Warsaw before you travel.
Your valid passport, a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, and proof of accommodation for the first night. Travel insurance is not required but recommended. If driving, bring your driving license, vehicle registration, and green card insurance.
No. Unlike some other Balkan countries, Bosnia does not require you to register with local police within 24 hours of arrival. Your passport stamp is sufficient.
You'll face a fine (typically 50–200 BAM, about €25–100) and may be banned from re-entering Bosnia for up to a year. The fine is paid at the border or at a local police station. Avoid overstaying — it's not worth the hassle.
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.