United States entry requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 24, 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
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. You must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo before you travel. There is no visa-free or electronic travel authorization option available for your nationality.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa (B1/B2 or other appropriate category)You cannot enter the US without a valid visa stamped in your passport. Apply at a US embassy or consulate | Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders must obtain a nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2 for tourism or business) before traveling to the United States. The eVisa program is not available for your nationality. Schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Sarajevo and submit the DS-160 form, pay the fee, and attend the interview. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from the United States. Ensure your passport meets this requirement before applying for a visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesUS border officials need a clean page to place your entry stamp. At least 1 blank page for the visa and entry stamp | Your passport must have at least one blank visa page (not just an endorsement page) for the US visa and entry/exit stamps. If you have fewer than one blank page, renew your passport before applying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketA one-way ticket may raise suspicion that you plan to overstay. Proof of departure from the US | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than the United States, showing that you will leave before your authorized stay expires. This is checked at check-in and by border officers. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry documents that show you can support yourself without working illegally. For your stay in the US | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay, such as bank statements, credit cards, or a sponsor's letter. The amount is not fixed but should match your travel plans. | Recommended |
| Arrival declaration (ESTA)Do not attempt to apply for ESTA; it will be rejected. Not applicable for your nationality | The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is only for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not part of that program, so you must have a full visa instead. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationOnly apply through the official US embassy process. Not available for your nationality | The United States does not offer an eVisa for Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders. All visa applications must be processed through the embassy/consulate route. | Not required |
No visa-free or ESTA option
Bosnian citizens are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program or ESTA. You must apply for a full visa at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo. There is no electronic visa or travel authorization alternative.
Plan ahead for interview wait times
Interview slots at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo can be booked weeks or even months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 3-4 months before your intended departure to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form
Go to the U.S. visa website and fill out the DS-160 online. You'll need your passport details, travel plans, and a digital photo. Save the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it later.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee through the designated bank or online portal. Keep the receipt — you'll need to show it at the interview. The fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.
3
Schedule your interview
Create an account on the U.S. visa appointment system, select the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo, and book a date. Wait times can be several weeks, so apply well in advance of your planned travel.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy on your appointment day with your DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, passport, photo, and supporting documents. Be prepared to answer questions about your trip and ties to Bosnia. The officer will decide on the spot or after a short administrative review.
5
Receive your visa and travel
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa stamped inside, usually within a few days to a week. Check the visa's validity dates and entry conditions. When you arrive in the U.S., present your passport to the border officer at the port of entry.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Bosnia and Herzegovina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (~340 BAM)
Standard visa for tourism or business visits.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (~340 BAM)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$185 USD (~340 BAM) + SEVIS fee
Requires acceptance at a US educational institution.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initially
Cost$205 USD (~380 BAM) + premium processing optional
Requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
3 years, extendable to 6
$205 USD (~380 BAM) filing fee + premium processing optional
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Employer must sponsor and file petition. Limited annual cap and lottery.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$185 USD (~340 BAM) + SEVIS fee (~$350 USD)
For full-time students enrolled in accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) + legal fees
For investors who invest the required capital in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (typically 1–2 years)
$185 USD (~340 BAM) + program fees
For participants in approved exchange programs including au pair, intern, trainee, professor, research scholar, and summer work travel. Requires a designated sponsor.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee, valid for 10 years typically. | $185 USD (equivalent to ~340 BAM) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; multiple entries are standard for approved applicants. | $185 USD (equivalent to ~340 BAM) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission period. | $370 USD (equivalent to ~680 BAM) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to bars on re-entry; avoid at all costs. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to transit through the US, even if not leaving the airport. Exceptions apply for holders of valid US visas or certain nationals.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may be eligible for transit without visa under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program if flying on a participating airline.
- Citizens of certain countries may be exempt; check with the airline.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderYellow FeverConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Risk varies by region and season; use insect repellent in rural areas.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Common in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Foodborne illnessesLow risk
General food safety is high; risk is minimal for most travelers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539), file by mail; no walk-in service.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for in-person queries; extensions filed by mail.
Practical information for BA travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The process takes about 3-6 weeks on average, but it depends on interview availability and administrative processing. Check the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo's website for current wait times. The interview itself is quick, but visa issuance can take a few days after approval.
The application fee (MRV fee) is $185 for a B1/B2 visa. This is non-refundable and must be paid before scheduling your interview. There are no additional fees for the DS-160 form, but you may need to pay for passport photos and travel to the embassy.
Yes, in some cases you can apply for an extension with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using Form I-539. However, you must apply before your authorized stay expires, and approval is not guaranteed. It's best to leave before your visa expires if possible.
Yes, even for transit, you need a visa unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (which Bosnian citizens do not). You'll need a C-1 transit visa or a B1/B2 visa. Apply at the embassy in Sarajevo.
You'll receive a refusal letter explaining the reason (usually under section 214(b) for immigrant intent). You can reapply, but you'll need to pay the fee again and show new evidence that addresses the previous refusal. There's no appeal process, but you can reapply at any time.
No, a B1/B2 visa is for business or tourism only. You cannot work, study, or receive payment from a U.S. employer. If you plan to work, you need a work visa (like H-1B), which requires a U.S. employer to sponsor you.
The visa itself is valid for multiple entries (usually up to 10 years), but each stay is limited to a maximum of 6 months, as determined by the border officer at entry. You must leave before the date stamped in your passport or you risk overstaying.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.