Bosnia & Herzegovina Visa Guide (2025)

Planning a trip from the UAE to Bosnia and Herzegovina? Whether you are an Emirati national enjoying visa-free travel or a UAE resident who needs a Bosnia tourist visa, this complete and SEO-optimized guide gives you everything you need in simple language. Here you will find detailed information about Bosnia & Herzegovina visa requirements for UAE nationals, Bosnia & Herzegovina tourist visa for UAE residents, the application process, fees, processing time, entry rules, best time to visit Bosnia, and important travel tips. This long and easy-to-read format is ideal for travel websites, blogs, and online guides targeting UAE-based travelers.

Bosnia & Herzegovina
Visa
📄 Appointement Types
Early / Urgent,
🧳 Stay Duration
30 – 90 Days
⏱️ Processing Time
5-7 Days

Gulliver Travels offers the best service for the Bosnia & Herzegovina Visa, helping you complete your application with ease and confidence.

Bosnia & Herzegovina Visa

🇦🇪 Do UAE Nationals Need a Visa for Bosnia?

✔ No, Emirati passport holders travel visa-free

If you hold an Emirati passport, you can enter Bosnia & Herzegovina without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa exemption was introduced under the 2023 UAE–Bosnia bilateral agreement, which allows visa-free entry for tourism, business, and short visits. Thanks to this rule, Bosnia has become one of the most popular European destinations for travelers from the UAE.

Entry Requirements for Emirati Travelers

Even though no visa is required, Emirati citizens must show:

  • A valid passport (recommended validity: 6 months)
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Hotel booking or accommodation details
  • Travel insurance (recommended for emergencies)

This visa-free policy makes Bosnia one of the easiest and most convenient European countries for Emiratis to visit.


Bosnia Visa for UAE Residents (Expatriates)

UAE residents with non-Emirati passports may need a visa depending on nationality. Having a UAE residence visa does not guarantee Bosnia visa-free entry.

✔ Visa-Free Entry if You Have:

If you hold any of these, you can enter Bosnia without a Bosnia & Herzegovina visa for 30 days:

  • Valid multiple-entry Schengen visa
  • Valid multiple-entry US visa
  • Valid multiple-entry UK visa
  • EU residence permit

Example:
An Indian passport holder living in Dubai with a valid US B1/B2 visa can enter Bosnia without applying for a separate Bosnia & Herzegovina visa.

Nationals Who Usually Need a Visa

Travelers from countries like:

  • India
  • Pakistan
  • Philippines
  • Egypt
  • Nepal
  • Sri Lanka
  • African nations

…must apply for a Bosnia tourist visa (Visa C) unless they hold the Schengen/US/UK visas mentioned above.


How to Apply for a Bosnia Tourist Visa from UAE

UAE residents can apply through one of two official channels:


1. Bosnia Embassy in Abu Dhabi

The primary authority for visa processing in the UAE.

  • Address: Al Nahyan Camp, Villa 60, Abu Dhabi
  • Appointment required (online scheduling)
  • Working hours: Mon–Thu, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • Payment: Card only
  • Phone: +971 2 644 4164
  • Email: abhad@bhmc.ae

2. VFS Global – Dubai (Easy & Popular Option)

Convenient for applicants in Dubai and Northern Emirates.

  • Location: VFS Global, Wafi Mall
  • Appointment required
  • Additional service fee (approx. AED 146)
  • VFS forwards applications to the embassy

Required Documents for Bosnia Visa (Tourist Visa C)

To avoid rejection, bring all documents complete:

  • Passport valid for 6+ months
  • UAE residence visa valid for 3+ months after return
  • Emirates ID copy
  • Bosnia visa application form (signed)
  • Passport photo (35×45 mm)
  • Round-trip flight reservation
  • Hotel booking or invitation letter
  • Travel medical insurance (€30,000 coverage)
  • Last 3 months’ bank statements
  • NOC letter from employer/sponsor
  • Trade license (if self-employed) or sponsor letter (if dependent)

For business, family visits, medical travel, or events, certified invitations or extra documents might be required.


Bosnia Visa Fees & Processing Time

Visa Fees

  • Tourist Visa (C): €60 (~AED 238)
  • Via VFS: + service fee ~AED 146

Processing Time

  • Official: up to 30 days
  • Typical: 5–7 working days if all documents are correct

Apply 4 weeks before travel to avoid delays.


Entry Rules for Bosnia (For UAE Travelers)

Duration of Stay

  • Emiratis: Up to 90 days (visa-free)
  • UAE residents with Schengen/US/UK visa: Up to 30 days
  • Visa holders: Duration as approved on your visa

Always check your passport for an arrival stamp.

Registration Within 72 Hours

All foreign visitors must register their stay:

  • Hotels register you automatically
  • Airbnb/private stays must be registered at police offices

Failure to register may result in fines.


🌤 Best Time to Visit Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnia is a beautiful destination all year:

🌸 Spring (March–May)

Perfect weather, green landscapes, ideal for hikers and photographers.

☀️ Summer (June–August)

Peak season with festivals, outdoor adventures, and warm weather.

🍂 Autumn (September–November)

Cool temperatures, golden scenery, fewer crowds — best for sightseeing.

❄️ Winter (December–February)

Great for skiing in Jahorina, Bjelašnica, and Vlašić.

Top recommended months: May, June, September.


🧳 Travel Tips for UAE Travelers in Bosnia

✔ Safety

Bosnia is safe, but avoid isolated rural areas due to old landmine zones (stick to marked trails).

✔ Currency

  • Local currency: Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM)
  • 1 EUR = 1.95583 BAM
  • Cash is needed in small towns
  • ATMs and cards widely accepted in cities

✔ Halal Food

Easily available in Sarajevo, Mostar, and touristic areas.

✔ Language

English widely understood in major cities.

✔ Transport

Taxis, trams, buses, and Bolt ride-hailing are cheap and convenient.


Final Thoughts: Why Bosnia Is a Perfect Destination for UAE Travelers

Bosnia & Herzegovina offers an incredible mix of natural beauty, European charm, affordable prices, friendly locals, and easy visa processes for UAE residents. Whether you want historical cities, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, halal food, or cultural experiences, Bosnia is one of the best and most value-for-money destinations for UAE-based travelers. With proper preparation and understanding of the visa requirements, your trip will be smooth, enjoyable, and full of unforgettable memories.

For expert help and the best service in the UAE, Gulliver Travels is your trusted partner for Bosnia & Herzegovina Visa assistance.

Top Bosnia & Herzegovina Visa FAQs (UAE Travelers)

  1. 1. Do UAE nationals need a visa to visit Bosnia & Herzegovina?

    No. Emirati passport holders can enter Bosnia visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

  2. 2. Do UAE residents need a visa for Bosnia?

    It depends on your passport nationality. Many nationals need a visa, but some countries are visa-exempt.

  3. 3. Can UAE residents enter Bosnia without a visa if they have a Schengen, US, or UK visa?

    Yes. If you have a valid multiple-entry Schengen, US, or UK visa, you can enter Bosnia visa-free for up to 30 days.

  4. 4. Which nationalities in the UAE need a Bosnia visa?

    Most expats from India, Pakistan, Philippines, Egypt, Nepal, and African countries require a Bosnia tourist visa unless they hold a valid Schengen/US/UK visa.

  5. 5. How can I apply for a Bosnia visa in the UAE?

    You can apply through:
    Bosnia Embassy in Abu Dhabi, or
    VFS Global Dubai (most convenient for Dubai & Northern Emirates)

  6. 6. What documents are required for a Bosnia tourist visa?

    You need: passport, UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, photo, bank statements, NOC letter, hotel booking, flight ticket, and travel insurance.

  7. 7. How long does the Bosnia visa take to process?

    Official processing time is up to 30 days, but most UAE residents receive approval in 5–7 working days.

  8. 8. What is the Bosnia visa fee?

    The tourist visa (Visa C) costs €60 (~AED 238).
    VFS charges an additional AED 146 service fee.

  9. 9. How long can I stay in Bosnia with a tourist visa?

    Visa holders and visa-free visitors can stay up to 90 days (depending on visa type).
    Schengen/US/UK visa holders get 30 days visa-free.

  10. 10. Do I need travel insurance for Bosnia?

    Yes. Travel medical insurance with coverage of €30,000 is mandatory for visa applicants.

  11. 11. Do I need to register my stay in Bosnia?

    Yes. All foreigners must register their stay within 72 hours. Hotels usually do it for you, but Airbnb/private stays must be registered manually.

  12. 12. Can I extend my tourist stay in Bosnia?

    No. Tourist visas and visa-free stays cannot be extended inside Bosnia. To stay longer, you must apply for temporary residence.

  13. 13. Is Bosnia safe for tourists?

    Yes. Bosnia is generally safe, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Avoid unmarked rural areas due to old landmine zones.

  14. 14. Is Bosnia a good destination for Muslim travelers?

    Yes. Bosnia is Muslim-friendly with halal food, mosques, and culturally welcoming communities.

  15. 15. What is the best time to visit Bosnia from the UAE?

    The best months are May–June and September, offering ideal weather and fewer crowds.