Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Turkey passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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

Turkish passport holders can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up at the border with a valid passport and you're good to go.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Airlines sometimes ask for 6 months validity 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 routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone showing your departure flight.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays at the border.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient money for your stay
Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. There is no fixed minimum amount, but around 100 BAM (~€50) per day is a safe benchmark.Recommended
6-month passport validity is strictly enforced
Count 6 months from the day you enter Bosnia, not from when you leave. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away at the border. Renew it before you go.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers at Sarajevo Airport and land borders frequently ask to see proof of onward travel. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready to avoid delays.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at the border
Whether you fly into Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ), Mostar, or Banja Luka, or cross by land from Croatia, Montenegro, or Serbia, you'll go through passport control. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask how long you're staying and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They may also ask to see your return ticket or accommodation confirmation.
3
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry. Check the stamp before walking away — make sure it's legible and the date is correct. You're allowed to stay up to 90 days from that date.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim (if you checked bags), then walk through 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 · Turkey Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Download PDF

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
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~60 BAM (~35 USD)

For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Bosnian embassy in Ankara or Istanbul.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~120 BAM (~70 USD)

Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.

Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~150 BAM (~90 USD)

For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documents.

work visa
Work Permit (Boravak i rad)
1 year, renewable
~150 BAM (~90 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Bosnia. Employer must obtain a work permit. Allows residence and work for up to 1 year, renewable.
student visa
Student Visa (Dozvola boravka za studente)
1 year, renewable annually
~100 BAM (~60 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a Bosnian university. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Temporary Residence for Investors
1 year, renewable
~200 BAM (~120 USD) application fee
For those investing at least 50,000 BAM (~30,000 USD) in a Bosnian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
family reunification
Family Reunification Residence
1 year, renewable
~100 BAM (~60 USD) application fee
For spouses, children, or parents of a Bosnian citizen or legal resident. Requires proof of relationship and adequate housing.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter after 90 days outside Bosnia.Not available
Overstay fineOverstay is penalized; avoid by leaving on time.~50 BAM (~30 USD) per day, max 1,500 BAM (~900 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

Turkish passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Bosnian airports, as long as 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 ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk

Present in rural and forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.

Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk

Standard precautions with food and water are advised; 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 passport, photos, and application form.

Banja Luka
Regional Office for Foreigners
Bulevar Vojvode Stepe Stepanovića 1, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30

Handles visa extensions and residence permits for the Republika Srpska region.

Practical information for TR 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
updated May 22
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
Police122
Medical124
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave the country before 90 days are up. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a temporary residence permit at the local police station in your city of residence before your 90 days expire.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may face a fine, deportation, and a re-entry ban. The exact penalty depends on how long you overstay and the officer's discretion. Avoid it by tracking your days carefully.
If you're staying in a hotel, hostel, or guesthouse, they handle registration automatically. If you're staying with friends or family, your host must register you at the local police station within 48 hours of your arrival. If you're renting an apartment, the landlord should do it.
No, you need a valid passport. Turkish ID cards are not accepted for international travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
No, you don't need any visa at all — it's visa-free. Just show up with your passport and you'll get a 90-day entry stamp.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, the visa-free stay is for tourism, business visits, and short-term stays only. You cannot work legally without a work permit and appropriate visa.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.