Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. Apply at the nearest Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Zambian nationals as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply at Bosnia and Herzegovina embassy or consulate | You need a visa before traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Apply at the nearest embassy or consulate — processing takes up to 15 working days. Submit your passport, completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of sufficient funds.Visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Zambian 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 validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and at border | You need a confirmed return or onward ticket to leave Bosnia and Herzegovina. Immigration officers at Sarajevo Airport check this for visa holders — have a printed copy or digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Immigration may ask for this during visa processing or at the border — keep a printed copy handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — around 100 EUR per day of stay is a safe benchmark. Bank statements, credit cards, or cash all work. Immigration officers rarely ask, but having proof avoids delays. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Zambian passport holders cannot get a visa at the border or online. You must apply at a Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take up to 3 weeks.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Bosnia, not from when you leave. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the nearest Bosnian embassy
Contact the Bosnian embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., in Nairobi, Kenya, or via the honorary consulate in Lusaka). Submit your application form, passport, photo, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Pay the visa fee (around €35–€60 depending on type). Processing takes 5–15 working days.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be asked for an interview or additional documents. Track your application status via the embassy's contact.
3
Collect your passport with visa
When approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Double-check the validity dates and your name spelling before leaving the embassy.
4
Arrive at a Bosnian port of entry
Fly into Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) or another entry point. At immigration, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Expect a stamp in your passport.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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
Cost€60 (~$65 USD)
For single visit; must apply at Bosnian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple stays.
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 foreign workers with a job offer from a Bosnian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (D Visa for Studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Bosnian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Temporary Residence for Investors
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$218 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in a Bosnian business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for short-stay visa, payable at embassy or consulate. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible only in exceptional cases; must apply before visa expires. | €30 (~$33 USD) per application |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €500 (~$544 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Zambia passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid Schengen, US, UK, or Ireland visas 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
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Zambia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions sufficient; tap water safe in most urban areas.
Air pollutionLow risk
Winter smog in cities may affect those with 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
Sarajevo Immigration Office
Aleja Bosne Srebrene 12, 71000 Sarajevo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Banja Luka
Banja Luka Immigration Office
Kralja Petra I 45, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Serves northern Bosnia; bring all original documents.
Practical information for ZM 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 Zambian nationals. You must obtain a visa from a Bosnian embassy or consulate before travelling.
Processing typically takes 5–15 working days. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to allow for delays.
The visa fee is around €35–€60 (about 70–120 Zambian kwacha equivalent), depending on the type and duration. Check with the embassy for the exact amount.
There is no Bosnian embassy in Zambia. You can apply at the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Nairobi, Kenya, or through the honorary consulate in Lusaka. Contact them for details on submission by mail or in person.
You need a completed application form, passport valid for 6+ months, one passport photo, return flight booking, hotel reservation, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds (bank statement). Additional documents may be requested.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expiry date. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you are transiting through a Bosnian airport and staying airside, you generally do not need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), you must have a visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.