Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Laos 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
Laos passport holders need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. Apply at a Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Lao citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply at the Bosnia and Herzegovina embassy or consulate | You need a visa before traveling. Submit your application at the nearest Bosnia and Herzegovina embassy or consulate with your passport, photos, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Processing takes up to 15 working days — apply at least 3 weeks before your trip.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. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce 3 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Border officers ask for a return or onward ticket at passport control. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this at Sarajevo and Banja Luka airports. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number. A printed copy works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Officers can request proof you have enough money for your trip. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing at least €50 per day of your stay. Cash is less common — cards are fine. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply in advance
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Lao passport holders. You must apply at a Bosnian embassy before you travel. Start the process at least 3 weeks before your departure.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in Bosnia, not from when you apply. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Bosnian embassy
Find the nearest Bosnian embassy or consulate (e.g., in Bangkok, Thailand, or Hanoi, Vietnam). Submit your application, passport, photos, flight booking, accommodation proof, and insurance. Pay the visa fee (around €35–60). Wait 10–15 working days for processing.
2
Fly into Bosnia and Herzegovina
Arrive at Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) or Banja Luka Airport. Go to the 'All Passports' queue. Present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your bags from the carousel. Walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're free to enter.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos 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)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Multiple entries allowed; suitable for frequent travellers.
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)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD)
For employment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Requires a job offer and work permit from the employer.
student visa
Student Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD)
For full-time study at a recognized institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$218 USD)
For investors making a significant economic contribution. Minimum investment amount required.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visa. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstay. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Laos 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 may transit without a visa.
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)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard precautions with food and water hygiene advised.
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 Affairs
Trg Bosne i Hercegovine 1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Banja Luka
Regional Office Banja Luka
Kralja Petra I Karađorđevića 79
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for Republika Srpska.
Practical information for LA 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 Lao citizens. You must get a visa from a Bosnian embassy before you travel.
Processing usually takes 10–15 working days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The visa fee is typically around €35–60, depending on the embassy. Check the specific embassy website for exact amounts.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need more time, apply for a longer visa before you travel.
Yes. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy ready.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's shorter, renew it before applying for the visa.
No. Laos passport holders need a separate Bosnian visa. A Schengen visa does not allow entry to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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.