How do I travel without visas?

Since 15.12.2010., all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are in possession of a valid biometric passport, will not need visas for entry to the Schengen area.

The visa-free regime is valid strictly for short-term trips, and therefore it cannot provide you permanent stay or employment in the Schengen area.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Schengen visa-free regime for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina 

Which countries are visa-free?

The Schengen countries and EU countries where one can travel visa free are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Check Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Island, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

                                                                          

Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to require visas for entry to the United Kingdom and Ireland, because these two countries are outside the Schengen area.

What if I do not possess new biometric passport?

The Visa-free traveling to the Schengen area with old passports, which are not biometric, is not possible. If you possess old, non-biometric passport, you can continue traveling with it after 15.12.2010., but you will need a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen area.

What does it mean that visa-free regime is valid only for short-term trips?

The Visa-free regime allows you to stay 90 days in the Schengen are within a six months period.

The six months period is counted form the date of first entry into the Schengen area. For example, if your first entrance into the Schengen zone was 1 February, then you can spend a total of 90 days in the Schengen area over the following six months, until 31 July.

You can use these 90 days during single visit or multiple visits, but you must carefully calculate days of your stay in the Schengen area. It is important that you leave the Schengen area after 90 days stay, until six months from your first entrance do not pass. After this period, a new six months cycle starts, and you can stay 90 days in the Schengen area, again.

What if I need to stay in a certain country beyond 90 days?

The Visa-free presence beyond 90 days is illegal and could result in a permanent entry ban to the Schengen area. It is possible to stay permanently in the Schengen area only with appropriate long-term visa, residence or work permit.

Therefore, if you want to stay in the Schengen area longer than 90 days in the six months period, it is recommended to consult the Embassy/Consulate OD the country you intend to stay in order to get information on extended stay possibilities.

Are there any other requirements for entry to the Schengen area visa-free?

Besides the possession of biometric passport and respect the limitations in duration of the stay, there are no special requirements for entry to the Schengen area.

General requirements for entry to the Schengen area for non-EU citizens remain in force, and a single border control could require verification of the means of subsistence for stay in that country or information about the address where you are going to stay.

Also, a border control has the right to reject entry to those citizens that are considered a threat to public order, health or international security.

For additional information contact glasnogovornik@msb.gov.ba. 

Brochures for the visa-free travel to the Schengen area are available on local Bosnia and Herzegovina languages.