Bosnia and Herzegovina

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Bosnia and Herzegovina, your passport must:

• have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you plan to leave

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid, undamaged travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to Bosnia and Herzegovina for up to 90 days within a 6-month period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

For all other types of travel, check the conditions for temporary residence or contact the Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy in the UK.  

Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit. 

If you’re a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit. If you do not have a stamp, the Border Police may fine you when you leave.

Staying longer than 90 days in a 6-month period

If you want to stay longer than 90 days within a 6-month period, apply for a residence permit. You must provide a document showing that you have no criminal record in the UK. The British Embassy is not able to issue such a document. You can get a copy of your police records before you travel.

For more information, see the Bosnia and Herzegovina government’s page about residency and work permits.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bosnia and Herzegovina guide.

Registering your stay

All foreign nationals must register with the police within 72 hours of arrival. Hotels and some hostels will usually register their guests. If your accommodation is not arranging this, you need to contact the nearest field centre (‘terenski centar’) for the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs.

Travelling with children

Children aged 17 and under who are travelling unaccompanied or with an adult other than their parents, must carry a notarised letter giving permission for travel. The letter must be signed by a parent or guardian and give the name of the accompanying adult.

This also applies if only one parent is accompanying the child, particularly if they have a different surname to the child’s.  

For further information contact the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UK.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Bosnia and Herzegovina. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ambulance: 124

Fire: 123

Police: 122

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• dealing with a death in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• being arrested in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

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Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.