Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Ivory Coast passport holders need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. You must apply at a Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option as of 2026. Plan ahead, as processing can take a couple of weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at the Bosnia and Herzegovina embassy or consulate | You need a visa before traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Apply at the nearest embassy or consulate — processing takes up to 15 working days. Check the MFA visa page for the application form and required documents.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce 3 months validity — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Sarajevo and Banja Luka airports routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host ready. This is rarely checked but saves time if questioned. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Officers can request evidence of sufficient funds — roughly €50–€100 per day of your stay. A recent bank statement or credit card is usually enough. | Recommended |
No visa-on-arrival — apply early
Bosnia does not offer visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Ivory Coast passport holders. You must get a visa from an embassy before you travel. Start the process at least 3 weeks in advance to avoid delays.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save scans of your passport, visa, flight tickets, and accommodation confirmations to your phone and email. If you lose the originals, digital copies can help at the embassy or with local authorities.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the embassy
Contact the Bosnian embassy or consulate in your region (or the nearest one that handles visa applications). Submit the completed application form, your passport, photos, and any supporting documents. Processing usually takes 7–14 days.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep all confirmations handy — you'll show them at passport control.
3
Arrive at the border
When you land at Sarajevo International Airport or another entry point, go to the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Get your entry stamp
If everything is in order, the officer stamps your passport. Check the stamp shows the correct entry date and the allowed stay (usually up to 90 days, as per your visa). Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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 (~$65 USD)
Requires invitation or hotel booking, proof of funds, and return ticket.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Work Visa (D Visa for Employment)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Bosnian employer. Requires work permit approval and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa (D Visa for Study)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For enrolment in a recognized Bosnian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For spouses, children, or parents of Bosnian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and accommodation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry visa, payable at embassy or consulate. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €500 (~$545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Transit visa required
Ivory Coast passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsSarajevo International Airport (SJJ) · Banja Luka International Airport (BNX) · Mostar International Airport (OMO)
Health & vaccines for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, as per WHO guidelines.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially from April to November. Vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and wooded areas. Use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions advised; tap water is generally safe in cities.
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 extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents.
Banja Luka
Banja Luka Immigration Office
Ul. Kralja Petra I Karađorđevića 79, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Serves the Republika Srpska region. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for CI 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. Ivory Coast passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Apply at a Bosnian embassy or consulate in advance.
Processing typically takes 7 to 14 days, but it can vary depending on the embassy. Apply at least 3 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around €35–€60 for a short-stay visa. Check the specific embassy's website for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
You'll need a completed application form, a passport valid for 6+ months, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds. The embassy may ask for additional documents like a bank statement or invitation letter.
Extensions are not available for short-stay visas. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit before traveling.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from entering Bosnia or other Schengen-area countries. Always leave before your visa expiry date.
If you're transiting through Bosnia (e.g., changing flights at Sarajevo Airport) and staying airside, you generally do not need a visa for short transits. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), you'll need a visa. Check with your airline.
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.