Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Sweden passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Swedish passport holders can visit Bosnia and Herzegovina visa-free for up to 90 days, a policy in place since 2010. Bring your valid passport and you're set.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Swedish passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. No 6-month validity rule applies here. Airlines sometimes check for 3 months beyond your departure date — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina | Immigration officers at Sarajevo Airport regularly ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. A bus or train ticket to a neighboring country also works. | 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 for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to around 100 EUR per day of your stay. Immigration rarely checks this for Swedish passport holders, but it's a legal requirement. | 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's close to expiring, renew it before you travel.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save screenshots of your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking on your phone. If you lose your passport, these make replacement at the embassy much faster.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
Whether you fly into Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) or drive in from Croatia, you'll join the queue for non-EU passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation booking. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get stamped in
The officer stamps your passport with the entry date and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before walking away.
4
Collect your bags and go
After the stamp, head to baggage claim (if flying) and then customs. Green channel for nothing to declare, red channel if you have goods over the duty-free limit.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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)
For stays beyond visa-free period or if visa is required; apply at Bosnian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Allows multiple entries; good for regional travel.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$131 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit (Boravak i rad)
1 year, renewable
~€120 (~$131 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Bosnia. Employer must obtain a work permit, then you apply for a residence permit. Allows long-term stay and employment.
student visa
Student Visa (D visa for study)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~€120 (~$131 USD) application fee
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Bosnia. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds. Can lead to permanent residence.
family reunification
Family Reunification Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~€120 (~$131 USD) application fee
For spouses, children, or parents of Bosnian citizens or residents. Requires proof of relationship and adequate housing. Path to permanent residency.
investor visa
Temporary Residence for Investors
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$218 USD) application fee
For those investing at least €50,000 in a Bosnian business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Can lead to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; you 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 travelers. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstaying visa-free period incurs daily fines; avoid to prevent entry bans. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €1,500 |
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
Swedish passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Bosnian airports, as long as they stay 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, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in rural and forested areas; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
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 issues; bring all documents.
Banja Luka
Regional Office for Foreigners
Kralja Petra I Karađorđevića 79, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions and permits for Republika Srpska region.
Practical information for SE 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 after 90 days. If you want 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.
Overstaying can result in a fine, a ban from re-entering Bosnia and Herzegovina, or both. The fine is typically around 50–200 BAM (25–100 EUR). You'll also get an exit stamp noting the overstay, which could cause issues at other borders.
No, not for short stays. Hotels and hostels register you automatically. If you're staying with friends or family, they need to register you at the local police station within 48 hours. If you're in a private rental, the owner should handle it.
Yes, there are several border crossings. The busiest are at Neum (coastal) and Gradiška (northern). Expect queues in summer. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The process is the same as at the airport.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended. A simple accident or illness can cost hundreds of euros. Make sure your policy covers medical evacuation and COVID-19.
The convertible mark (BAM). It's pegged to the euro at roughly 1 EUR = 1.96 BAM. Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get a better rate using local currency. ATMs are common in cities.
No, transit is covered under the same visa-free rules. You can stay up to 90 days regardless of whether you're just passing through. But you still need a valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.