Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Malta 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
Malta passport holders can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies across the entire country, including the Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and remains in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Maltese passport needs to be valid only for the period you plan to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Airlines sometimes enforce a 3-month validity rule — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina | Immigration officers at Sarajevo and Banja Luka airports 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 | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. Border officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. Officers rarely ask for it for Maltese passport holders, but they can request proof of at least €100 per day of stay. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines and border officers check this. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Renew your passport before booking.
Keep a copy of your entry stamp
The entry stamp shows your legal stay period. Take a photo of it and keep a paper copy. If you lose your passport, this helps prove you entered legally.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before travel
Print or save to your phone: passport info page, return ticket, first night accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance certificate. Keep them in a separate folder for quick access.
2
Arrive at the border
At Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) or any land border crossing, join the queue for non-EU/non-Schengen passports. Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity and may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the date of entry. Check the stamp is legible and the date is correct before leaving the counter. You're allowed to stay up to 90 days from that stamp.
4
Keep your documents handy during your stay
Carry a copy of your passport and entry stamp with you. Police can ask for ID at any time. Your original passport is safest in your hotel safe.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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
Cost~€60 (approx. $66 USD)
For those who need to stay longer than 90 days or have specific entry requirements.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~€90 (approx. $99 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity period.
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 (Boravak i rad)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Bosnian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the employment agency.
student visa
Student Visa (D visa for study)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Bosnia. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For spouses, children, or parents of Bosnian citizens or residents. Requires proof of relationship and adequate housing.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fineOverstaying may result in fines and future entry bans. | ~€50 per day (approx. $55 USD), max €1,500 (approx. $1,650 USD) |
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
Malta 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
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in rural and forested areas, especially from April to November.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions are sufficient; tap water is generally safe in cities.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Winter smog in urban areas can affect those with respiratory conditions.
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 and residence permit issues.
Banja Luka
Regional Office for Foreigners
Kralja Petra I Karađorđevića 79, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and residence permits for Republika Srpska.
Practical information for MT 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 not extendable for Maltese passport holders. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country before day 90 and re-enter after a period outside. Overstaying can result in fines, a ban, or deportation.
No. If you're transiting through Bosnia by air or land and don't leave the international transit area, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you need to follow the standard visa-free rules (90-day limit).
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If your passport expires during your stay, you're technically out of compliance. Contact your embassy immediately to get an emergency travel document. You may face fines or difficulties leaving.
Yes, you can work remotely for a foreign employer without a visa. But you cannot take a job with a Bosnian company or provide services locally. If you plan to work for a Bosnian employer, you need a work permit and residence visa.
If you're staying in a hotel, they register you automatically. If you're staying in a private residence, your host must register you with the local police within 48 hours of your arrival. Failure to register can result in a fine.
Same as at airports — no visa needed for up to 90 days. You'll need your passport (6+ months validity) and may be asked for your return ticket and accommodation. Land borders with Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro are open but expect occasional delays.
No, it's not legally required for Maltese passport holders. But it's strongly recommended. A basic policy covering medical expenses and repatriation costs around €30-50 for a week. Without it, a hospital visit could cost hundreds of euros.
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.