Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Belgium passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Belgian passport holders can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa-free arrangement is valid through 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Belgian passport just needs to cover the dates you're in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Airlines sometimes ask for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina | Immigration officers at Sarajevo Airport ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Border officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Officers can ask how you'll support yourself — have a bank statement or cash (around €50 per day) accessible. I've never been asked, but it's the law. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Immigration officers will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months of validity left from your arrival date. This is a hard rule — no exceptions. Check your passport expiry now, not the night before your flight.
Keep your entry stamp safe
The entry stamp is your proof of legal entry. If you lose it or it fades, you could face problems when leaving. Take a photo of it with your phone as a backup.
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), or cross by land from Croatia, Montenegro, or Serbia. At the airport, follow signs to 'Non-EU' passport control.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your passport to the immigration officer. They'll check your photo, validity, and may ask how long you're staying. Answer clearly — 'tourism' or 'business' for up to 90 days.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry. That stamp starts your 90-day clock. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. If asked, just say 'nothing to declare'.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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€35 (~$38 USD)
For longer stays or if visa-free is not used; apply at embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€70 (~$76 USD)
Good for multiple trips; same application process.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
work visa
Work Permit (Boravak i rad)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$108 USD) application fee
For employed foreigners with a job offer from a Bosnian company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Dozvola boravka za studente)
1 year, renewable annually
~€50 (~$54 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Bosnian universities. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
family reunification
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$108 USD) application fee
For spouses, children, or parents of Bosnian citizens or residents. Requires proof of relationship and adequate housing.
investor visa
Temporary Residence for Investors
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$216 USD) application fee
For foreign investors who invest at least €50,000 in a Bosnian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. Must leave after 90 days. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayFine may be imposed upon departure; maximum cap unclear. Avoid overstaying. | ~€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
Belgium passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Bosnian airports, as they are visa-free for short stays.
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Ticks in forested areas can transmit this virus; vaccination recommended for hikers.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Also tick-borne; common in rural areas. Use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Tap water is generally safe in cities, but stick to bottled water in rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sarajevo
Sector for Foreigners, Ministry of Security
Trg BiH 1, 71000 Sarajevo
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa and residence issues; bring all documents.
Banja Luka
Regional Office for Foreigners
Bulevar Vojvode Stepe Stepanovića 33, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa and residence permits for Republika Srpska.
Practical information for BE 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 = 1.68 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 limited to 90 days within any 180-day period. You cannot extend it. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a temporary residence permit at the local police station in Bosnia before your 90 days expire. That process takes weeks and requires proof of purpose (work, study, family reunion).
No, Belgian passport holders do not need a visa for transit. You can stay up to 90 days visa-free, so even a short stopover is covered. Just make sure you have a valid passport and an onward ticket.
You must leave before your passport expires. Immigration will not let you stay beyond the passport's validity date, even if you're within the 90-day visa-free period. Contact the Belgian embassy in Sarajevo for an emergency passport if needed.
No, there is no arrival declaration or registration requirement for Belgian citizens staying up to 90 days. Just keep your entry stamp as proof of legal entry.
Technically, the visa-free regime is for tourism and business visits only. Remote work for a foreign employer is a gray area. If you're just checking emails and doing light work, it's usually fine. But if you're earning income from a Bosnian source, you'd need a work permit. For safety, keep your work to your laptop and don't tell immigration you're working.
Report the loss immediately to the local police and get a police report. Then contact the Belgian embassy in Sarajevo (address: Obala Maka Dizdara 1, 71000 Sarajevo, phone: +387 33 276 700). They can issue an emergency travel document, usually within 1-2 working days. You'll need a passport photo and the police report.
No mandatory vaccines are required for Belgian citizens entering Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, it's wise to be up-to-date on routine vaccines (MMR, DTP). No COVID-19 restrictions are currently in place.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.