Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This has been the case since 2016 and applies to tourism, business, and short-term visits. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Airlines at Dubai and Abu Dhabi check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended | Immigration officers at Sarajevo Airport may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or next destination ticket ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — around 100 BAM (€50) per day. A bank statement or credit card statement works. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Bosnia, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied entry.
No visa needed for 90 days
Emirati passport holders can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Perfect for a holiday, business trip, or visiting friends. Just show up with a valid passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or border crossing
You'll land at Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ), Banja Luka (BNX), or Tuzla (TZL). At passport control, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present your passport to the officer
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your photo, validity, and may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying, how long). Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the entry date. You're allowed to stay up to 90 days. Count from that stamp — overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. Walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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 (approx. $66 USD)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~€120 (approx. $132 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit (Dozvola za boravak i rad)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in Bosnia. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the employment agency. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Dozvola za boravak radi studiranja)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized Bosnian educational institution. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Temporary Residence for Investors
1 year, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) plus investment
For those investing at least €50,000 in a Bosnian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay cannot be extended; must leave and re-enter. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at the border; maximum cap may apply. | ~€50 per day (approx. $55 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Bosnian airports, as long as they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSarajevo International Airport (SJJ) · Banja Luka International Airport (BNX) · Mostar International Airport (OMO)
Health & vaccines for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially from April to November; consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe in cities.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Circulates in winter months; vaccination advised for vulnerable individuals.
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 (Služba za strance)
Ul. Marsala Tita 48, 71000 Sarajevo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa and residence permit issues; bring all original documents.
Mostar
Mostar Immigration Office
Ul. Kralja Tvrtka 2, 88000 Mostar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for southern Bosnia.
Practical information for AE 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 = 1.71 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. The visa-free stay is fixed at 90 days and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter after a period outside. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entry.
You'll be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. If you're transiting through Bosnia (e.g., flying from Dubai to Sarajevo then onward to another country), you don't need a visa as long as you stay in the airport transit area. But if you plan to leave the airport, you need the visa-free entry.
No. The 90-day visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. For work or study, you need a separate visa or permit. Apply at the Bosnian embassy in Abu Dhabi before traveling.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Travel insurance is recommended but not mandatory. Keep copies on your phone.
No. Bosnia does not require foreign visitors to register with local authorities within 24 hours of arrival. Just keep your passport with you at all times.
The official currency is the Bosnian convertible mark (BAM). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get change in BAM. ATMs are common. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.