Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. You must apply at a Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Vietnamese citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at the Bosnia and Herzegovina embassy or consulate | You need a visa before traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Submit your application at the nearest embassy or consulate — processing takes up to 15 working days. Check the MFA visa page for the required documents and fees.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by law, but airlines may enforce 3 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at border control. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this at the land border and at Sarajevo Airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready — a simple booking printout or email works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Officers can ask for proof 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 |
No visa on arrival — plan ahead
Vietnamese passport holders cannot get a visa at the border. You must apply at a Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel. Start the process at least 4 weeks in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Bosnia and Herzegovina, not from your departure date. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Bosnian embassy
Contact the Bosnian embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City) to submit your visa application. You'll need to provide your passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and possibly a letter of invitation. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Keep them in your carry-on — you'll show them at passport control in Sarajevo or other entry points.
3
Arrive and go through immigration
At the airport, join the 'All Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and visa. The officer may ask about your stay duration and purpose. Answer clearly. They'll stamp you in — usually for the exact dates on your visa.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
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)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
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 (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Bosnian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Employment Bureau.
student visa
Student Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For students enrolled at a recognized Bosnian university. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Temporary Residence for Investors
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$217 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in a Bosnian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visa, payable at embassy or consulate. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €1,500 (~$1,630 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Vietnam passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Irish visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially from April to November; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe in urban areas.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Winter smog in cities like Sarajevo 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 extensions and residence permits.
Banja Luka
Regional Office for Foreigners
Kralja Petra I 79, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa issues for the Republika Srpska region.
Practical information for VN 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. There is no visa on arrival for Vietnamese citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
You can apply at the Bosnian embassy in Hanoi or the consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. Check their website for current application procedures and required documents.
Typically: a completed application form, passport valid for 6+ months, two passport-size photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds. The embassy may ask for additional documents like a letter of invitation.
Visa fees vary by embassy and type of visa. Expect to pay around 30–60 EUR for a short-stay visa. Check with the embassy for the exact amount.
Extensions are not available for standard tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, apply for a different visa type before travel.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban on re-entering Bosnia and Herzegovina or other Schengen-area countries. Always leave on time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.