Bosnia and Herzegovina entry requirements for Nigeria 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
Nigerian passport holders need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. You must apply at the Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Nigerian citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | You need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. Apply at the nearest Bosnian embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa system. Processing takes 5–15 working days depending on the embassy. Submit your passport, completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation.Visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Nigerian passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule, but your passport must not expire before you leave. Airlines may still ask for 6 months validity — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina | Border officers may ask for a return or onward ticket to confirm you will leave before your visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. This is checked more often at Sarajevo Airport than at land borders. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter from a host in Bosnia ready. If staying with friends or family, they need to provide a notarized invitation letter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Officers may ask for bank statements or cash to prove you have enough money for your trip. There is no fixed minimum amount, but having around 100 BAM (~€50) per day in cash or on a card is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 3 weeks. Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until you have the visa in hand.
Travel insurance is mandatory for the visa
You must have travel health insurance covering at least €30,000. Bring the policy document and a copy when you apply.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed visa application form, return flight booking, hotel reservation, travel insurance, bank statements, and passport photos.
2
Submit your visa application
Visit the Bosnian embassy in Abuja or the consulate in Lagos (or the visa application centre they direct you to). Submit your application in person, pay the fee, and provide biometrics if required.
3
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 10–15 working days. You may be called for an interview. Track your application via the embassy or centre.
4
Collect your visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and number of entries.
5
Arrive in Bosnia and Herzegovina
At the airport or land border, present your passport with the visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Keep them handy.
Download Bosnia and Herzegovina Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria 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 date
Cost€60 (~$65 USD)
Requires invitation or hotel booking, travel insurance, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers; must show strong ties to home country.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional permits.
work visa
Work Permit and Temporary Residence
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Bosnia. Employer must obtain a work permit. Allows stay up to 1 year with possibility of renewal.
student visa
Student Visa (Temporary Residence for Study)
1 year, renewable annually
~€60 (~$65 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Temporary Residence
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For spouses, children, or parents of a legal resident or citizen of Bosnia. Requires proof of relationship and adequate housing.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visa, payable at embassy or consulate. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFor extension of stay beyond visa validity, subject to approval. | €30 (~$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €500 (~$545 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
Nigeria 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 or residence permit may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
- Holders of a valid UK 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
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (Nigeria is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or rural stays.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Circulates in winter months; consider annual flu vaccine.
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.
Banja Luka
Regional Office for Foreigners
Kralja Petra I Karađorđevića 79, 78000 Banja Luka
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa issues for the Republika Srpska region.
Practical information for NG 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 Nigerian passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Bosnian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Standard processing takes 10–15 working days. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned travel to allow for delays.
The visa fee is around €35–€60 depending on the type (single entry vs multiple entry). Check with the embassy for the exact amount in your local currency.
Yes. A confirmed return or onward flight booking is required as part of the visa application. Immigration may also ask to see it at the border.
Extensions are possible in exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergency). You must apply at the local police station before your visa expires. It is not guaranteed.
Your application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa.
If you are transiting through a Bosnian airport and staying airside, you generally do not need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., to switch airports), you 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.