Quick answer
Whether you need a visa depends on your passport, and the rules for several Gulf countries change from year to year. In 2026, Saudi, Bahraini and Omani citizens with ordinary passports could enter visa-free only from 1 June to 30 September — outside that window, as now, a visa is needed — and Kuwaiti citizens have needed a visa since 1 October 2025. Always confirm with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina or its embassy before you book.
This page is not legal advice
Visa rules are decided by the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and can change at short notice. We summarise what official and reputable sources said on the date at the top of this page. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassies are the only authoritative sources.
1. Do you need a visa?
Bosnia and Herzegovina is not in the EU or the Schengen area and sets its own visa rules. They differ by passport:
| Passport | What our sources said (checked 24 Oct 2026) |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman | Visa-free only in the summer window (1 June – 30 September 2026, ordinary passports; maximum stay given as 30 or 60 days — confirm); a visa outside that window |
| Kuwait | Visa required from 1 October 2025 |
| UAE, Qatar | Listed as visa-free for short stays — confirm, as the policy is being aligned with the EU |
| EU countries, UK, USA and many others | Visa-free for short tourist stays |
| Other passports | Check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest embassy |
Bosnia and Herzegovina has committed to bringing its visa policy closer to the EU's, which means some visa-free arrangements are being ended year by year. That is why we do not rely on older articles — and why you should not either.
2. Visas and residence permits from other countries
Some travellers who hold a valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit from Schengen countries or the United States (and some other countries) have been allowed visa-free stays of up to 30 days. The conditions are specific — check them with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before relying on this.
3. Documents to check
- Passport validity: the UK government advises that passports should be issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 90 days after departure. Requirements for other passports may differ — check yours.
- Return or onward ticket, accommodation and funds: border officers can ask about the purpose of your trip.
- Travel insurance covering medical costs is strongly recommended.
4. On arrival
- Police registration: foreigners must register within 72 hours. Hotels do it automatically; in apartments, the host usually does.
- Customs: declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to duty.
5. Travelling with children
A child travelling with only one parent, or with adults who are not the parents, may be asked for a notarised letter of consent from the absent parent(s), especially if surnames differ. Bring birth certificates when surnames differ.
6. Arriving via Croatia
If you fly into Dubrovnik, Split or Zagreb, you first enter Croatia, which is in the EU and Schengen area — so Schengen entry rules apply to you there, and you then cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina by road. Check both countries' requirements.
How we help
We cannot issue visas or invitations, but when you request a quote, list every passport in your group and we point you to the right official source before you pay for anything. Then read our first-trip guide for everything else.
Prices, timetables and entry rules change. We checked the facts on this page on the date shown; confirm time-sensitive details before you travel.
Sources and further reading
- Bosnia and Herzegovina renews summer visa-free entry for Saudi, Bahrain and Oman (2026 season) — Wego (updated 20 April 2026) (checked 24 October 2026)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina — consular information and visas — MFA of Bosnia and Herzegovina (checked 21 October 2026)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina — entry requirements — GOV.UK (checked 21 October 2026)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina abolishes visa requirements for tourists from Gulf countries (Council of Ministers decision, April 2025) — Sarajevo Times (checked 21 October 2026)
- Visa policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina (overview, may be out of date) — Wikipedia (checked 21 October 2026)
