Bosnia and Herzegovina: do South Africans need a visa?
South Africans need to apply for a visa before travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Under the reported visa-holder exemption: up to 30 days, within 90 days in 6 months. On a Bosnian visa: as issued.
Visa required. South Africa is not on Bosnia and Herzegovina's visa-free list, which covers only EU and Schengen states and eight European countries. Wikipedia reports that holders of a valid multiple-entry visa from a Schengen state, Cyprus, Ireland, Monaco or the US, or a residence permit from those places and some neighbours, can enter without a visa for up to 30 days. That exemption was not found on any official page checked.123
Before you travel
Length of stay
Under the reported visa-holder exemption: up to 30 days, within 90 days in 6 months. On a Bosnian visa: as issued.2
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Purpose of visit
Not published by official sources
Passport validity
A visa is issued only if the passport is valid at least 3 months beyond the visa's expiry (Service for Foreigners' Affairs).1
Confirmed on an official government source
How to apply
Apply at a Bosnia and Herzegovina embassy or consulate before travel. Fee and processing time not published in sources checked.4
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Where South Africans apply
No Bosnia and Herzegovina mission in South Africa. GSA directs South Africans to the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in London (5-7 Lexham Gardens, London W8 5JJ, tel +44 20 7373 0915, embassy@bhembassy.co.uk). Confirm the competent mission before applying.4
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Travel insurance
Not published by official sources
Return or onward ticket
Not published by official sources
Proof of funds
Foreigners must show at least BAM (KM) 150 per day of intended stay, or the equivalent in a convertible foreign currency.1
Confirmed on an official government source
Accommodation or invitation
All foreigners must register with the police within 72 hours of arrival; hotels and hostels usually do it (UK FCDO).5
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa
Bosnia and Herzegovina publishes no yellow fever rule for South Africans in the sources checked. It is not a yellow fever risk country, so no certificate is needed to return to South Africa from there, unless you transited a risk country.
Confirmed by other governments' official advice
Arrival forms
Border guards check entry and exit stamps; missing stamps can lead to fines on departure (UK FCDO).5
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Extending your stay and overstaying
Stays over 90 days need a residence permit (UK FCDO).5
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Transit
Not published by official sources
Travelling with children
UK FCDO: children under 18 travelling without both parents need a notarised letter of parental permission.5
Not yet confirmed by an official source
Sources
Official
The destination's own government
Other government
Official advice from other governments
- 5UK FCDO gov.uk
Reference
Used to find official sources, never the final word
Commercial
Visa agencies, law firms and travel companies
- 4The GSA (South African visa agency) thegsa.co.za
Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book.