Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. You must apply at a Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel — there's no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Malagasy citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. Apply at the nearest Bosnian embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa option. Processing takes 5–15 working days, so start at least 3 weeks before your trip.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 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 3–6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Border officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host with their address and contact details ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement, credit card, or cash equivalent to roughly 100 EUR per day of your trip. | Recommended |
No embassy in Madagascar — plan ahead
You'll need to apply at a Bosnian embassy in another country (e.g., Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Paris). Factor in travel time and courier delays. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip.
Visa-free travel for short stays? Not yet
As of 2026, Madagascar passport holders still need a visa. There's no visa waiver or e-visa program. Always check the latest rules before booking.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Bosnian embassy
Find the nearest Bosnian embassy or consulate (e.g., in Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Paris). Submit your application, passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and visa fee. Processing takes 5–15 working days.
2
Pack your documents
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at a Bosnian border checkpoint
You'll enter through Sarajevo Airport, Banja Luka Airport, or a land border from Croatia, Serbia, or Montenegro. At immigration, present your passport and visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly and calmly.
4
Receive your entry stamp
Once approved, you'll get an entry stamp in your passport. Check the stamp shows the correct date. You're allowed to stay for the duration specified on your visa (usually up to 90 days).
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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€35 (~$38 USD)
Standard visa for tourism; must apply at embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€70 (~$76 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple stays.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$108 USD) application fee
For employment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Requires a job offer and work permit from the employer. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$108 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a recognized institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$108 USD) application fee
For spouses, children, or parents of legal residents. Requires proof of relationship and residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Madagascar passport holders applying for a single-entry visa. | €35 (~$38 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within visa validity. | €70 (~$76 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €1,500 (~$1,620 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
Madagascar 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 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)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions advised; tap water is generally safe.
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 extensions and residence permits.
Banja Luka
Banja Luka Immigration Office
Ul. Kralja Petra I 12, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the Republika Srpska region.
Practical information for MG 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 Malagasy citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5 to 15 working days, but can take longer during peak seasons. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure.
There is no Bosnian embassy in Madagascar. You can apply at the Bosnian embassy in Nairobi (Kenya), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), or Paris (France). Some applicants use a visa service or apply by mail — check the specific embassy's website for instructions.
You'll need a completed application form, a passport valid for 6+ months, two passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and the visa fee. Requirements can vary slightly by embassy — check their website.
The visa fee is typically around €35–€60 for a short-stay visa, depending on the embassy and type of visa. Some embassies charge in local currency. Check the specific embassy's fee schedule.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban from re-entering.
If you're transiting through a Bosnian airport and not leaving the international transit area, you generally do not need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), you'll need 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.