| Visa Required? | Check with the embassy |
|---|---|
| Main Visa Types | Tourist Visa (Type C), Business Visa, Student Visa, Work Permit, Transit Visa |
| Processing Time | 5-10 working days for tourist visa; 15-30 days for work visa |
| Visa Fee Range | ₹4,000-8,000 (€40-80) depending on visa type |
| Financial Requirement | Minimum €100 per day of stay for tourists |
| Maximum Stay | 90 days within 180-day period for tourist visa |
| Biometrics | Biometrics required for all in-person visa applications |
| Health Insurance | Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage required |
| Application Centers | Embassy or consulate in your country |
| English Requirement | No English language test required for visa applications |
| Approval Rate | Approval rate is approximately 90-95% for Indian applicants meeting requirements |
What is a Bosnia and Herzegovina Visa?
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a liberal visa policy aligned with the EU. Citizens of most Western countries can enter visa-free, while others can apply through the embassy or eVisa system.
2026 Updates at a Glance: See the Updates table below for all 2026 changes.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a liberal visa policy aligned with the EU. Citizens of most Western countries can enter visa-free, while others can apply through the embassy or eVisa system.
Do I Need a Visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and many others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
What Is Available and Not Available
| Can Indians... | Yes/No | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Travel for tourism | Yes | Tourist visa available for tourism and recreation |
| Travel for business | Yes | Business visa required for meetings and conferences |
| Study | Yes | Student visa for enrolled students at Bosnia and Herzegovina institutions |
| Work | Yes | Work permit required for all employment in Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Transit without visa | Yes | Transit visa available for connecting flights |
| Live permanently | Yes | Temporary/permanent residence permits available |
Visa Types for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a liberal visa policy aligned with the EU. Citizens of most Western countries can enter visa-free, while others can apply through the embassy or eVisa system. depending on your purpose of travel.
| Visa Type | Subclass | Purpose | Max Stay | Processing | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Type C) | C | Tourism, family visits | 90 days | 5-10 working days | €50 (₹4,500) |
| Business Visa | D | Business meetings, conferences | 90 days | 7-14 working days | €80 (₹7,200) |
| Student Visa | D | Full-time studies | 1 year renewable | 4-6 weeks | €50 (₹4,500) |
| Work Permit | D | Employment in Bosnia and Herzegovina | 1 year renewable | 30-60 days | €80 (₹7,200) |
| Transit Visa | B | Airport transit | 5 days | 3-5 working days | €40 (₹3,600) |
Visa Fees
Visa fees vary by category. All fees are non-refundable and subject to change.
| Visa Type | Subclass | Fee | Approx (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Type C) | C | €50 | ₹4,450 to ₹4,950 |
| Business Visa | D | €80 | ₹7,120 to ₹7,920 |
| Student Visa | D | €50 | ₹4,450 to ₹4,950 |
| Work Permit | D | €80 | ₹7,120 to ₹7,920 |
| Transit Visa | B | €40 | ₹3,560 to ₹3,960 |
Additional Costs
| Cost Type | Amount (₹) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Service Fee | ₹1,000 to 2,000 | Application center handling fee |
| Photography | ₹200 to 400 | Counter photo if needed |
| Insurance | ₹2,000 to 4,000 | Travel insurance (mandatory) |
| Courier | ₹500 to 1,000 | Passport return delivery |
| Translation | ₹1,000 to 2,000 | Document notarization/translation |
Required Documents
Every visa application requires proof of identity, purpose of visit, and financial capacity.
Core Documents (All Visa Types)
- Valid Indian passport — Must have at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay. At least 2 blank pages.
- Digital photograph — 35×45mm, white background, taken within 6 months.
- Completed visa application form
- Previous visas and travel history — Include copies of previous Schengen, US, UK visas and travel stamps.
- Cover letter — Explaining purpose of visit, duration, itinerary, and ties to India.
Visa Application Process
The application process typically involves the following steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Visa Type and Check Eligibility
Use this guide to select the correct visa category. Check eligibility requirements including financial capacity and supporting documents.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Fill out the visa application form with accurate personal details, passport information, and travel history.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the non-refundable visa fee online or at the application center.
Step 4: Schedule and Attend the Visa Interview
Book an appointment at the nearest embassy or consulate if required.
Step 5: Complete Biometrics
Provide fingerprints and photograph at the designated application center if required.
Step 6: Wait for Processing and Track Online
Track your application status online using the reference number provided.
Step 7: Receive Decision and Collect Passport
If approved, your passport will be stamped with the visa or you will receive an electronic authorization.
Processing Time
Processing times vary significantly by visa category:
| Visa Type | Subclass | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (Type C) | C | 5-10 working days | Varies by submission volume and completeness |
| Business Visa | D | 7-14 working days | Varies by submission volume and completeness |
| Student Visa | D | 4-6 weeks | Peak season (Aug-Oct) may take longer |
| Work Permit | D | 30-60 days | Requires employer registration with Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities |
| Transit Visa | B | 3-5 working days | Fastest processing category |
Processing Time Note
Processing times are estimates. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date. Peak application periods (April-June and September-November) may experience longer processing due to higher volumes. We recommend applying at least 3-4 weeks before your intended departure, and 6-8 weeks for work or student visa categories.
Travel Insurance Requirements
Travel insurance is recommended for all visitors to Bosnia and Herzegovina:
- Tourist/Business Visitors: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and baggage loss is strongly recommended.
- Students: Health insurance may be mandatory for student visa holders.
- Work Visa Holders: Employer-provided health coverage is typically required.
Best Time to Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The diverse seasons offer different experiences:
- Spring (April to June): The most pleasant season with temperatures of 15-25°C. The countryside is green and blooming. Perfect for exploring Mostar, Sarajevo's Baščaršija, and the Una National Park waterfalls.
- Summer (July to August): Warm to hot at 25-35°C in Sarajevo and Mostar. Peak tourist season with many festivals including the Sarajevo Film Festival (August). Excellent for river rafting on the Neretva and Una rivers.
- Autumn (September to October): Mild temperatures of 12-22°C with beautiful fall colors in the Dinaric Alps. Harvest season for local wines in Herzegovina. Fewer tourists and lower prices.
- Winter (November to March): Cold with temperatures from -5°C to 5°C. Snowfall is common, especially in the mountains. Excellent and affordable skiing at Jahorina, Bjelašnica (1984 Winter Olympics venues), and Igman.
Common Reasons for Bosnia and Herzegovina Visa Rejection
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a liberal visa policy aligned with EU standards. Common rejection reasons include:
- Missing Invitation Letter: For certain visa types, a verified invitation from a host in Bosnia is required. The invitation must be certified by the local police or notary.
- Insufficient Financial Means: You must demonstrate adequate funds for your stay — approximately €100 per day. Bank statements for the last 3 months are required.
- No Travel Insurance: Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage is mandatory. The policy must be valid across the entire Schengen Area plus Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing flight itineraries, hotel bookings, or employment verification are common issues. Bosnia requires detailed supporting documents.
- Previous Immigration Issues: Overstaying in any Balkan or Schengen country can impact your visa application. Bosnia checks regional immigration databases.
Bosnia eVisa processing takes 7-10 business days. Citizens of many countries including the EU, US, Canada, UK, and Australia can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Travel Tips for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Discover the heart of the Balkans with these essential tips:
- Currency: Convertible Mark (BAM) is pegged to the Euro at approximately 1 EUR = 1.96 BAM. ATMs are widely available in cities. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants but cash is preferred in markets and smaller establishments.
- Transportation: Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) and Mostar Airport (OMO) are the main gateways. Buses and trains connect major cities. The Sarajevo-Mostar railway is one of the most scenic train journeys in the Balkans. Within cities, trams and taxis are affordable.
- Language: Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian are mutually intelligible official languages. English is spoken by younger people in Sarajevo and Mostar but limited in rural areas. Learning a few phrases like "Hvala" (Thank you) helps.
- Recent History: The 1992-1995 war is still within living memory. When visiting sites like the Sarajevo War Tunnel and Srebrenica Memorial, be respectful. Avoid discussing politics or ethnic tensions unless invited.
- Cuisine: Must-try dishes include Ćevapi (grilled minced meat with pita bread), Burek (savory pastry), Dolma, and Begova Čorba (chicken and vegetable soup). Bosnian coffee (kafa) is a cultural institution — like Turkish coffee but stronger.
- Attractions: Don't miss Stari Most (Old Bridge) in Mostar, Sarajevo's Baščaršija (Old Bazaar), the Kravica Waterfalls, Počitelj village, and the Sutjeska National Park (primeval forest).