Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This has been the case since 2024 and applies for tourism, business, or family visits. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Airlines might 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 routinely 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 | Border officers sometimes ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready, even if you're just passing through. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers may ask for cash, bank statements, or credit cards. Have around €100 per day of stay available — they rarely check, but it's better to be prepared. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Border officers check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, you'll be turned away. Renew your passport before traveling if needed.
Keep your passport on you at all times
Police in Bosnia and Herzegovina can ask for ID at any time. Carrying a photocopy is not enough — you need the original passport. Keep it in a secure, zipped pocket or money belt.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before you travel
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Print or save to your phone: return ticket, first night accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance policy. No visa application needed.
2
Arrive at the border
At Sarajevo Airport, Mostar Airport, or any land border crossing, join the queue for non-Bosnian passports. Have your passport and any supporting documents ready.
3
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: purpose of visit, how long you're staying, where you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly. They rarely ask for proof of funds or return ticket, but have them accessible.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. Check the stamp is legible before walking away. That stamp is your permission to stay up to 90 days.
5
Keep your documents during your stay
Carry your passport with you at all times — police can ask for ID. Keep a copy of your return ticket and accommodation details on your phone in case of random checks.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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 date
Cost~€35 (approx. $38 USD)
For those who need a visa; not required for visa-free entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~€70 (approx. $77 USD)
Allows multiple entries; not required for visa-free entry.
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 and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $110 USD) for permit
For those with a job offer in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the employment agency. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Student Visa (D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with restrictions.
family reunification
Family Reunification Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For spouses, children, or parents of a Bosnian resident or citizen. Requires proof of relationship and adequate housing. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (not available)Visa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | N/A |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are enforced at border exit; avoid overstaying. | ~50 EUR per day (estimated, no official cap) |
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
France passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Bosnian airports, as they enjoy visa-free entry 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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural 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
Ul. Marsala Tita 48, 71000 Sarajevo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa and residence permit inquiries.
Banja Luka
Banja Luka Immigration Office
Ul. Kralja Petra I Karadjordjevica 1, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Serves the Republika Srpska region.
Practical information for FR 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 strictly 90 days within any 180-day period. Extensions are not available for visa-free visitors. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave Bosnia and Herzegovina and re-enter after 90 days outside the country. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, French citizens do not need to register with local police. Your hotel or accommodation host will handle any required registration on their end. If you're staying with friends or family, they may need to notify the local police station within 48 hours of your arrival.
You will likely be denied entry. Border officers strictly enforce the 6-month validity rule. If your passport is damaged (torn pages, water damage, etc.), replace it before traveling. A damaged passport can also be refused.
Technically, the visa-free regime is for tourism, business meetings, and family visits — not for remote work. In practice, short-term remote work is tolerated, but if you're planning to work for a Bosnian employer or stay long-term, you need a work permit. For digital nomads, there's no specific visa yet.
Go to the nearest police station to file a report, then contact the French Embassy in Sarajevo (address: Zmaja od Bosne 7-7a, 71000 Sarajevo, phone: +387 33 275 700). They can issue an emergency travel document. You'll need a police report and a passport photo. Processing usually takes 1-2 working days.
No, there is no departure tax for air travel. Land border crossings also have no exit fee. Just make sure you have your passport ready for the exit stamp.
No, the visa-free rule is based on your nationality, not your residence permit. You must travel on your French passport. If you hold a residence permit from another country, it doesn't change the entry requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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.