Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Zimbabwean passport holders need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. Apply at a Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Zimbabwean citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply at the Bosnia and Herzegovina embassy or consulate | You need a visa before traveling. Submit your application at the nearest Bosnia and Herzegovina embassy or consulate — processing takes 5–15 working days. The visa costs around €35–€60 depending on type and nationality.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 often enforce 3 months. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements or cash equivalent to roughly €50–€100 per day of your stay. Officers rarely check this for short visits, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Zimbabwean passport holders cannot get a visa at the border or online. You must apply at a Bosnian embassy before you travel. Plan ahead — processing takes 2–3 weeks.
Nearest embassy is in South Africa
Since there's no Bosnian embassy in Zimbabwe, you'll need to apply through the embassy in Pretoria. Contact them first to confirm whether you can apply by mail or need to appear in person.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Bosnian embassy
Contact the Bosnian embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., the embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, covers Zimbabwe). Book an appointment, submit the application form, passport photos, flight and hotel bookings, and pay the fee. Processing takes 10–15 working days.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be asked for additional documents. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
3
Travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Arrive at any border crossing (e.g., Sarajevo Airport, Banja Luka Airport, or land borders). Present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 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)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking, travel insurance, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers; must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation and approval.
work visa
Work Visa (D Visa for Employment)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Bosnia. Requires employer sponsorship, work permit, and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries and family reunification.
student visa
Student Visa (D Visa for Study)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Bosnian institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For spouses, children, or parents of a Bosnian resident or citizen. Requires proof of relationship and adequate housing. Grants residence and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period, up to 90 days total stay. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; must be paid before departure. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €1,500 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Zimbabwe passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen, US, UK, or Ireland 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
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, as per WHO guidelines.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions advised; tap water is generally safe in cities.
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
Ul. Marsala Tita 48, 71000 Sarajevo
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of accommodation.
Banja Luka
Banja Luka Immigration Office
Ul. Kralja Petra I Karadjordjevica 2, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions for the Republika Srpska region.
Practical information for ZW 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 Zimbabwean citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 10–15 working days. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
There is no Bosnian embassy in Zimbabwe. The nearest embassy is in Pretoria, South Africa. You can apply there in person or by mail if the embassy allows. Check the embassy website for exact instructions.
The visa fee is typically around €35–€60 (about $40–$70 USD) depending on the type and processing time. Check with the embassy for the exact amount in your local currency.
No. The visa is not extendable for Zimbabwean passport holders. You must leave before the visa expires.
Yes. Even with a valid visa, immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Keep a copy on your phone or printed.
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires during your stay, you could be denied entry or face problems leaving. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.