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Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.
Exercise increased caution in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to terrorism and land mines.
Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.
Minefields and land mines are present throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. While suspected hazardous areas are normally clearly marked, several people are killed or injured each year.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
If you decide to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Three months past your planned date of departure
One page required for entry stamp
Not required for stays under three months
None required
Amounts exceeding 10,000 Euros or equivalent must be declared on arrival
Amounts exceeding 10,000 Euros or equivalent require a bank certificate that the amount has been taken out from currency savings or bought from an authorized bank.
1 Robert C. Frasure Street
71000 Sarajevo
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Telephone: +(387) (33) 704 000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(387) (33) 704-000. If after dialing you receive a recorded
message, press “0” and ask for the embassy duty officer.
Fax: +(387) (33) 221 837
Email: SarajevoACS@state.gov
Visit the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina website for the most current visa information.
You need a passport valid for at least three months past your planned date of departure.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will deny entry to U.S. passport holders who attempt to enter on expired U.S. passports or U.S. passports which were previously reported as lost or stolen.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days total within a period of six months from the date of first entry.
Bosnia and Herzegovina does not issue visas to U.S. travelers prior to travel for any length of stay or purpose of travel, including diplomatic assignments.
Airlines may deny boarding to travelers on a one-way ticket or a ticket with a return date beyond three months from the date of arrival. Verify with the airline before travel.
If staying in a private residence for three or more days, you or your host must register your stay with the local police or field office of the Department for Foreigners within 24 hours of arrival.
Temporary Residence Permits:
U.S. citizens staying more than 90 days must apply for a temporary residence permit from the local field office of the Department for Foreigners of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Ministry of Security. The process is complex. Visit the Department for Foreigners of the Ministry of Security website for detailed information and requirements.
Gather the required documentation well in advance and submit the application as soon after arriving in-country as possible. You must submit your temporary residence permit application at least 15 days prior to the expiration of the initial 90-day visa-free period of stay.
You are required to submit a police report from your local, U.S. police department certifying you have no criminal record. This must be issued within 6 months of the application.
After all application requirements are met, a months-long delay can occur before a residence permit is issued. U.S. citizens who submit complete applications may remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina while awaiting decisions.
The maximum duration of a temporary residence permit is 12 months (renewals are possible).
Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least three months after the end of the requested temporary residence permit period.
Requirements for minors traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina:
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites
Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking soft targets and are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, rudimentary explosive devices, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:
High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
Violent incidents:
For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Crime: The overall crime rate for the country is high, and Sarajevo has a high rate of property-related crime.
Landmines:
Demonstrations can occur anywhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international or sporting events.
Soccer matches:
Feral dogs:
International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 122 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (387) 33 704 000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
Assistance the Embassy may be able to provide to crime victims:
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance but should also report incidents to the police in the area where the incident occurred.
Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities are infrequent. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified. In the event of an injury, medical treatment may only be available in/near major cities. Outside of cities, first responders may not be available to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: In Bosnia and Herzegovina, you are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.
It is against the law to photograph military or secure installations, including airports, equipment, bridges, government checkpoints, troops, or embassies. If in doubt, ask permission before taking photographs.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, penalties are severe for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs. Courts impose long jail sentences and heavy fines.
See our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.
Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:
Financial Services/Transactions:
LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no current legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Bosnia and Herzegovina, although elected officials in the Republika Srpska have proposed banning LGBTQI+ rights activists from holding events at, visiting, or working in educational institutions. Elected officials have also said that they will not permit any LGBTQI+ events in the Republika Srpska entity.
Travelers with Disabilities: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s laws prohibit discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, but the law is only partially enforced, and discrimination continues.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for women travelers.
Medical Facilities and Medications:
For Emergency Services in Bosnia and Herzegovina, dial: Police – 122, Ambulance – 124, Fire – 123
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Bosnia and Herzegovina Agency for Medicines to ensure the medication is legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Vaccinations: Although no vaccinations are required to enter BiH, be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Additional Health Information:
Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
Air pollution is a significant problem in most cities in BiH. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.
The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates by season. It is at its worst in the winter. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure are:
Adventure Travel: Visit the CDC website for more information about Adventure Travel.
Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.
Road Conditions and Safety:
Visit the websites of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national tourist office and the local automobile association (in Bosnian) road safety information.
The emergency number for vehicle assistance and towing service is 1282 in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 1285 in the Republika Srpska.
Traffic Laws:
Public Transportation: Public transportation such as buses, taxis, trams, and trains operate in and between major cities. These operators should be licensed and clearly post fares.
During the winter months, flights at Sarajevo’s airport are frequently delayed or canceled due to heavy fog. Be prepared for last-minute cancellations, schedule changes, lengthy delays, alternate routings, or time-consuming overland transportation.
Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Maritime Travel: BiH has a small port in the town of Neum. Mariners planning travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts, U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and NGA broadcast warnings.
Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.
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