Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Simplified Visa-Free Extensions
Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to offer visa-free entry for many nationalities, but from 2026, extensions for stays beyond 90 days will be easier to apply for online via the e-Visa portal, reducing processing times to under 7 days for eligible applicants.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it should have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps to ensure smooth processing at borders.
Always verify your passport's condition and expiration date early, as damaged documents can lead to entry denials, and some nationalities may need additional validity for return travel to their home country.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens from the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, making short trips to explore Sarajevo and Mostar hassle-free without prior applications.
This policy applies to tourism, business, or transit, but overstaying can result in fines or bans, so track your days carefully using a travel app or calendar.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply through the Bosnian embassy or consulate in your country, or use the online e-Visa system for short stays (€50-100 fee), providing documents like a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and financial means (at least €50/day).
Processing typically takes 15-30 days, so submit at least a month in advance, and include travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses to strengthen your application.
Border Crossings
Land borders with Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro are generally efficient but can involve checks for identity and purpose of visit, especially at busy crossings like those near Dubrovnik or Belgrade, so have all documents ready.
Airports in Sarajevo and Mostar offer straightforward entry with biometric scanning, but expect questions about your itinerary if arriving from non-Schengen countries, and EU citizens may benefit from faster processing due to regional agreements.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical emergencies, trip delays, and activities like rafting on the Neretva River or hiking in the Una National Park, with policies starting at €3-5 per day from global providers.
Ensure your policy includes repatriation and coverage for pre-existing conditions if applicable, as rural areas may have limited medical facilities, and always carry a digital copy alongside physical documents.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended for up to 90 additional days for reasons like medical needs or family emergencies by applying at the local Service for Foreigners' Affairs office before your initial period expires, with fees around €20-40 and proof of funds required.
Longer-term extensions for work or study require separate permits, so consult the official BiH migration website for forms and deadlines to avoid penalties like fines up to €500 for overstays.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the Convertible Mark (BAM or KM). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Sarajevo by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for routes from Europe, and consider flying into nearby Zagreb for overland connections to cut costs further.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at traditional konobas or street vendors for affordable meals under €10, like pljeskavica or sarma, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants in Sarajevo's Baščaršija to save up to 50% on food expenses.
Visit local markets in Mostar or Banja Luka for fresh fruits, cheeses, and baked goods at bargain prices, often half the cost of supermarkets, and pair with self-cooked picnics for multi-day savings.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for multi-day bus passes from companies like Centrotrans for €20-30 covering Sarajevo-Mostar routes, drastically reducing intercity travel costs compared to taxis or private drivers.
Local day tickets in cities cost just €2-3 and include unlimited rides, while hitchhiking or shared vans (šalter) are common and cheap in rural areas like the Herzegovina wine region.
Free Attractions
Explore free sites like the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum grounds, Stari Most bridge walks in Mostar, and national parks' trails in Sutjeska, providing rich history and nature without entry fees.
Many Ottoman mosques and Austro-Hungarian architecture in cities are open for free visits, and join guided walking tours via apps like GuruWalk, which operate on tips only for authentic, low-cost experiences.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops, but carry BAM cash for markets, small cafes, and rural buses where fees can add 3-5% for foreign cards.
Use ATMs from local banks like UniCredit for better rates, avoiding airport exchanges, and notify your bank of travel to prevent card blocks during your stay.
Combo Tickets & Passes
Purchase the Sarajevo Card for €20-30, granting access to multiple museums, cable car rides, and public transport, which pays off after just two attractions and saves 40% overall on cultural sites.
For nature lovers, national park multi-entry passes in places like Una or Kravica waterfalls cost €10 for a week, covering hikes, swims, and boat trips that would otherwise add up quickly.
Smart Packing for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack versatile layers including long-sleeve shirts and pants for modest entry to mosques in Sarajevo and Mostar, plus lightweight breathable fabrics for summer heat in Herzegovina valleys reaching 30°C.
Include a scarf or shawl for women visiting religious sites, and quick-dry clothes for outdoor adventures like rafting, ensuring modesty and comfort across diverse terrains from mountains to rivers.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter for Type C/F plugs (230V), a portable power bank for long day trips to remote areas like Jajce waterfalls, and offline maps via apps like Maps.me due to spotty rural signal.
Pack a waterproof phone case for river activities, a compact camera for capturing Ottoman architecture, and translation apps like Google Translate for Cyrillic signs in Republika Srpska regions.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a basic first-aid kit with bandages and pain relievers, prescription meds, and high-SPF sunscreen for sunny Herzegovina hikes.
Include hand sanitizer, insect repellent for forested national parks, and any altitude sickness remedies for mountainous areas like Bjelasnica, plus a reusable mask for crowded buses or ferries.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable daypack for carrying water and snacks on trails, a reusable bottle to fill at safe springs, a quick-dry microfiber towel for swims in the Pliva River, and small BAM notes for tips.
Bring photocopies of your passport and visa in a waterproof pouch, a money belt for valuables in busy markets, and a lightweight rain cover for unpredictable Balkan showers during spring or autumn treks.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking boots with good grip for rugged paths in Sutjeska National Park or Lukomir village, and comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets in historic Sarajevo.
Waterproof sneakers are essential for river crossings or wet weather in the Dinaric Alps, and pack sandals for hot summer visits to Mediterranean-influenced coastal areas near Neum.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized biodegradable toiletries, moisturizer for dry winter air in the mountains, and lip balm with SPF to combat sun exposure during long outdoor days exploring waterfalls and bridges.
Include a compact umbrella or poncho for sudden rains, wet wipes for dusty roads, and eco-friendly sunscreen to protect sensitive skin while respecting BiH's pristine natural environments.
When to Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather with temperatures of 10-18°C brings blooming wildflowers to the countryside around Travnik and Jajce, ideal for hiking without summer crowds and enjoying fresh produce at local festivals.
Rain is common but short, making it perfect for cultural tours in Sarajevo and photography of the thawing rivers, with lower hotel rates saving up to 30% compared to peak season.
Summer (June-August)
Warm days averaging 25-30°C are prime for swimming in Kravica waterfalls, rafting the Una River, and wine tasting in Herzegovina's sunny vineyards, with lively music festivals in Mostar drawing international crowds.
Expect higher visitor numbers at iconic sites like Stari Most, so book accommodations early, but the long daylight hours allow for extended adventures in the Dinaric Alps and coastal Neum.
Autumn (September-November)
Comfortable 15-20°C weather with golden foliage enhances hikes in the Ozren Mountains and harvest festivals featuring chestnuts and homemade rakija, offering a peaceful time to explore less-visited Ottoman towns.
Fewer tourists mean better deals on guesthouses and guided tours, while the mild conditions are great for cycling along the Neretva or birdwatching in wetland reserves before winter sets in.
Winter (December-February)
Cool temperatures of -5 to 5°C transform Bjelasnica and Jahorina into ski havens with affordable lifts (€20/day), while Sarajevo hosts vibrant Christmas markets and New Year's celebrations in Baščaršija.
Budget travelers love the off-season quiet for indoor pursuits like thermal spa soaks in Banja Ilidža or museum visits, with snow-dusted landscapes providing stunning backdrops for winter photography and cozy cafe hopping.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Convertible Mark (BAM or KM; 1 BAM ≈ 0.51 EUR). ATMs widespread; cards accepted in cities but cash preferred in rural areas and markets.
- Language: Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian are official (all mutually intelligible as Serbo-Croatian). English is common in tourist spots; learn basic phrases like "Hvala" (thank you) for warmer interactions.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (observes DST from late March to late October)
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (European two-pin round or Schuko)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire assistance (EU-harmonized and multilingual operators available)
- Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated; add 5-10% at restaurants for good service, or round up taxi fares
- Water: Tap water is generally safe in cities like Sarajevo, but opt for bottled in rural or older piping areas to avoid stomach issues
- Pharmacies: Easily found in towns (look for "Apoteka" signs with a green cross); basic meds available without prescription