Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Iraq 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
Iraqi 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 for Iraqi citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Apply at the nearest Bosnian embassy or consulate — processing takes 5–15 working days. Submit your passport, completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it covers your travel dates. Airlines may still ask for 6 months validity, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and entry | You need a confirmed return or onward ticket to show border officers and the embassy. Bosnia immigration checks this at the border — have a printed copy or digital version ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Bosnia. Border officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready speeds up the process if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay — roughly €50–€100 per day. Bosnia immigration rarely checks this for visa holders, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Iraqi passport holders cannot get a visa at the border or online. You must apply at a Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take weeks.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Bosnia and Herzegovina, not from your departure date. Double-check before you apply.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Bosnian embassy
Find the Bosnian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Call or email to confirm the exact list of documents, fees, and appointment availability. Some embassies require you to apply in person; others accept applications by mail.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements, and travel insurance. Make photocopies of everything. Check that your passport has at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page.
3
Submit your application
Attend your appointment at the embassy or visa application centre. Pay the visa fee (typically €35–€80 depending on nationality and processing speed). Submit your biometrics (fingerprints) if required.
4
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 10–15 working days. Some embassies offer expedited service for an extra fee. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, passport number, validity dates) are correct before leaving the embassy.
6
Arrive in Bosnia and Herzegovina
At the border (Sarajevo Airport, Mostar Airport, or land crossings), present your passport with the visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq 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, travel insurance, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers; must leave Schengen area after 90 days.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Work Permit and Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Bosnian employer. Requires work permit approval and residence permit application. Allows long-term stay and family reunification.
student visa
Student Visa (D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
~€120 (~$130 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Bosnia. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Temporary Residence for Investors
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$217 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of €50,000 in a Bosnian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visa for Iraq passport holders. | €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 €1,500 (~$1,630 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Iraq passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen, US, UK, or Irish visa 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
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or rural stays.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Foodborne illnessLow 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
Sector for Foreigners, Ministry of Security
Trg BiH 1, 71000 Sarajevo
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents and copies.
Banja Luka
Regional Office for Foreigners
Bulevar Vojvode Stepe 2, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for Republika Srpska region.
Practical information for IQ 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. There is no visa on arrival for Iraqi passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 10–15 working days. Some embassies offer expedited service for an additional fee. Always apply well in advance of your planned travel.
The visa fee varies by embassy and processing speed, but generally ranges from €35 to €80. Check with the specific embassy where you apply for the exact amount.
Yes. You typically need to show bank statements or other evidence that you have at least €50–€100 per day of your intended stay. The exact amount can vary, so confirm with the embassy.
No. The visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter with a new visa, or apply for a residence permit from within the country under specific circumstances.
You will be denied entry. Border officers strictly enforce the 6-month validity rule. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
If you are transiting through a Bosnian airport without leaving the international transit area, you generally do not need a visa. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), you must have a visa.
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.