Bosnia Transit Visa – Application, Duration and Fees

If you need to go via Bosnia to another nation, make sure you apply for a Bosnia transit visa ahead of time.

This visa is not the same as a tourist visa or business visa. As a result, having the proper form of a transit visa for your trip plans is essential.

However, a transit visa is valid for up to three months in Bosnia and can be given for single, double, or multiple entries.

To minimize delays, it is essential to be informed of the procedures for obtaining a Bosnia transit visa. 

Hence, this blog post will walk you through the procedures of applying for a Bosnia transit visa, the papers needed, and the application fee.

About Bosnia

Bosnia and Herzegovina, officially the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a country in Southeast Europe. 

The country has an area of over 61,000 square kilometers, making it the eighth-smallest country in the European Union by area. 

Bosnia shares borders with Croatia to the north, Serbia to the east, Montenegro to the south, and Kosovo to the west. The capital and largest city are Sarajevo.

In addition, the country has a population of around three million people. The majority of Bosnian citizens are Muslim, with a minority of Serbs, Macedonians, and Croats.

Bosnia has a diverse culture and history and is known for its natural beauty, including its mountains, lakes, and rivers.

What is a Bosnia transit visa?

A Bosnia transit visa is a travel document that allows travelers to transit through Bosnia and Herzegovina while on their way to another country. 

The visa is valid for a maximum of three months. All applicants must apply for the visa at the appropriate embassy or consulate. 

Holders of a Bosnia transit visa cannot work or stay in the country for more than ninety days.

In addition, the visa can be issued at the border or airport if the traveler has a valid passport and an onward ticket.

Bosnia transit visa processing fees

Bosnia is a transit country for nationals of many countries. A transit visa is required for visitors wishing to transit through Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Depending on your origin country and the type of transit visa you choose, you may need to pay a different sum to receive a Bosnia transit visa.

However, the Bosnia transit visa fee for most countries costs €50, valid for up to three months.

Who needs a Bosnia transit visa?

You need a transit visa if you pass through the Bosnia Republic en route to another country. You can stay in Bosnia for up to three months with this visa. 

In addition, you must obtain a valid visa or a permanent residence permit from the country you are traveling to apply for a transit visa.

The requirements for a Bosnia transit visa vary depending on your country of residence. Citizens of these countries need a transit visa to enter Bosnia. They include:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Aruba
• Bahamas
• Belize
• Barbados 
• The British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands 
• Cuba
• Dominican Republic 
• Haiti
• Jamaica
• Martinique
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Lucia
• Trinidad and Tobago
• South America, among others.

Most importantly, check the Bosnia embassy or consulate in your country of residence to get the latest information regarding your application.

Bosnia transit visa requirements

To get a transit visa to travel via Bosnia airport to another country, all applicants must fulfill several conditions.

The paperwork needed to submit transit visa requests for Bosnia is provided below.

• A completed and signed visa application form for a Bosnia transit visa
• Two photographs in passport size
• An international passport or other travel authorization that is still valid three months after entering Bosnia
• Proof of accommodation or letter of confirmation for hotel reservations
• Return tickets
• An accounting record demonstrating that you have funds put aside for your living expenditures
• Proof of travel health insurance
• A valid visa of the country you are heading to
• Police clearance certificate, documentation that is useful for proving your criminal history
• Parental endorsement

Steps to apply for a Bosnia transit visa

Suppose you want to transit through Bosnia on your journey to another country; you must apply for a transit visa. 

The application process is simple, and the visa validates for up to ninety days. Follow these steps to apply for your transit visa:

1. Schedule an appointment with a Bosnian diplomatic mission abroad
2. Complete and sign the application form for the Bosnian transit visa
3. Pay your Bosnia transit visa fee
4. Visit the diplomatic mission for the interview
5. Await the decision of the diplomatic mission

Step 1: Schedule an appointment with a Bosnian diplomatic mission abroad

To get a Bosnian transit visa, you must first contact a Bosnian embassy or consulate in your country via email or phone. 

This is very important because visiting a diplomatic mission without an appointment is impossible.

The diplomatic mission is a great place to find out more about the country you are visiting. 

Many officials can help you with your questions and better understand the country and its people.

However, scheduling an appointment allows you to meet with an immigration official at the diplomatic post. 

You will be assigned a day and time for your appointment, which you must adhere to.

Step 2: Complete and sign the application form for the Bosnian transit visa

The second step in getting a Bosnia transit visa requires you to use the online pre-application system to fill out a form.

While filling out the application form, you must provide accurate answers to all questions, such as your name, date of birth, country of origin, and reasons for applying for the transit visa.

Step 3: Pay your Bosnia transit visa fee

If you are a foreigner traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina, you must pay a transit visa fee. 

The transit visa is mandatory for all foreigners traveling through Bosnia’s port of entry, including those coming in by air and sea. 

However, the fee is €50 and must be paid before your visa is approved. 

If you do not pay the visa fee, your visa may be canceled, or you may be refused entry into the Republic of Bosnia.

Step 4: Visit the diplomatic mission for an interview

If you are planning to visit Bosnia, you must attend your visa interview at a Bosnia diplomatic mission. 

Appearing in person will demonstrate that you are serious about traveling to Bosnia and will help speed up the visa process. 

Hence, the interview involves a review of your travel documents and an assessment of your eligibility for a visa.

Step 5: Await the decision of the diplomatic mission.

Oftentimes, there is a lot of excitement in the air as applicants wait to hear whether their visa applications will be approved or not.

The Embassy or Consulate will contact you as soon as they have a decision or provide an update on when you can expect the decision. 

Although the wait may seem long, you must remember that each application is carefully reviewed and takes time to process.

Make sure to keep up with the embassy’s website or social media page to stay updated on the progress of your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the processing time for a Bosnia transit visa?

The processing time can vary depending on the applicant’s country but is typically within five to ten working days.

Can I get a Bosnia transit visa at the airport?

Yes, depending on your nationality and the airport you are flying to. For example, if you are a U.S. citizen, you can get a Bosnia transit visa at Sarajevo International Airport.

Is a transit visa required for connecting flights?

If you are traveling between two countries by air, it is generally a good idea to have your transit visa in advance. 

However, the reason is that many countries require travelers to have a transit visa if they intend to stay for more than 24 hours. 

Many airlines also require transit visas for connecting flights, so it is important to check with your airline before you travel.

Can I enter Bosnia and Herzegovina with my Schengen visa?

Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a Schengen member country, but citizens of the country can still travel to the European Union with a visa.

Is Bosnia safe?

Bosnia is a safe country to visit, with low crime rates and few incidents of violence.

However, there are still some risks to be aware of, especially in Sarajevo and other large cities. 

The country is also subject to occasional terrorist threats, so keep your eyes and ears open when you get there.

Do I need to take a COVID test to transit in Bosnia?

Yes. You must take a COVID test if you want to travel through Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Do Albanian citizens need a visa to transit through Bosnia?

According to the Bosnia and Herzegovina Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citizens of Albania do not need a visa to transit through Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Albanian nationals can stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for up to ninety days without a visa. 

However, visitors must have a valid passport and visa for their destination country.

Is the English language widely spoken in Bosnia?

English is one of the official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, only about a third of the population can speak English well. 

The other two official languages are Bosnian and Croatian.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the article has provided information on Bosnia transit visa applications, duration, and fees. 

It is important to note that the process can be lengthy, so applicants should plan accordingly. 

The fees for a transit visa are also relatively low, making this option a cost-effective solution for those seeking to travel through Bosnia.