VISA & RESIDENCE PERMIT

If you are coming to Bosnia and Herzegovina for educational purposes, here is an outline of the necessary steps and documents to regulate your stay:

1 Travel Documents: Ensure you have a valid passport and, if required, an appropriate visa for entry.

2 Visa to Enter Bosnia and Herzegovina:

    • Entering without a Visa: Nationals from certain countries can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa for stays up to 90 days.
    • Entering with a Visa: If your nationality requires a visa, obtain it before arriving. This is particularly important for those planning to stay longer for educational purposes.

    3 Regulating Residence for Stays Longer Than Three Months (such as for exchange students and staff):

      • White Card: Upon arrival, you must register your address with local authorities, a process that results in a document called the White Card.
      • Residence Permit: For stays longer than three months, apply for a temporary residence permit, which allows you to remain in the country for the duration of your educational program.
      • Foreign Affairs Office: The Foreign Affairs Office manages visa and residence applications. Visit their office as part of your residence permit application process.

      For further information and guidelines, refer to the relevant sections on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs page.

      1 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

      Entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina is regulated by the Ministry of Security. Citizens of European Union (EU) member states can enter the country for short stays of up to 90 days using a valid ID card or passport. For citizens of other countries, it’s essential to verify the specific entry requirements with the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as visa obligations vary based on nationality. Notably, citizens of non-EU countries who hold a valid EU visa and reside in the EU may enter Bosnia and Herzegovina for short stays without an additional visa. However, it’s important to note that obtaining a visa, if required, can be a lengthy process, potentially taking up to two months.

      For students entering Bosnia and Herzegovina for educational purposes, it is essential to travel with a passport rather than an ID card. This is because immigration authorities require entry and exit stamps in your passport to confirm your travel dates and duration of stay.

      For staff members entering Bosnia and Herzegovina for educational or professional purposes who do not require a visa and plan to stay less than three months, entry can be made using a valid ID card instead of a passport. This option is available to those eligible under the visa-free entry agreements and allows for short-term stays without the need for passport stamps.

      Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay, and ensure that it meets any additional requirements set by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s immigration authorities.

      2 VISA TO ENTER BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

      • Without visa

      To determine if you need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina, please follow these steps:

      1. Consult the Official Website: Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina for detailed visa information.
      2. Contact the Nearest Embassy or Consulate: If your country has a Bosnian embassy or consulate, reach out to them for personalized assistance. A comprehensive list of Bosnian diplomatic missions is available here.
      3. Identify Your Country’s Representation:
      • Countries with Bosnian Embassies or Consulates: These are marked with blue pins on the provided map.
      • Countries without Direct Representation: Marked with red pins, these countries are served by Bosnian embassies or consulates in neighboring nations.

      By following these steps, you can obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa requirements for your travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

      • With visa

      To enter or stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for educational purposes, international students and staff may need a verified invitation letter. Here’s what you need to know:

      1. Verified Invitation Letter: This is an official document, different from the standard invitation letter from the University of Sarajevo. It is prepared by a specific unit at UNSA (such as a faculty or institute) and confirmed by the Foreign Affairs Office. The letter specifies the purpose and duration of your stay and is required if you need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina.
      2. Visa Types:
      • “C” Visa: For stays less than 90 days.
      • “D” Visa: For stays longer than 90 days, typically up to one year (the most common visa for semester-long stays).

      Preparation Timeline: Start the visa process well in advance, ideally a few months before your planned arrival, as gathering and processing documents can take up to two months. Be mindful of nomination deadlines to avoid delays.

      Guidance for Local Staff: Local UNSA staff responsible for preparing the invitation letter can refer to the Instructions for the Verified Invitation Letter document (DOLAZNI – Uputstvo za pripremanje pozivnog pisma za vizu za inostrane studente), available through an internal link.

        This invitation letter, along with the proper visa type, ensures compliance with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s entry requirements for educational visitors.

        3 REGULATING YOUR RESIDENCE IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

        For international students or staff members planning to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for more than 90 days for academic or teaching purposes, it is essential to regulate your residence status. This involves obtaining two key documents:

        1. White Card: This document is required upon arrival to register your address with local authorities in Sarajevo.
        2. Residence Permit: This permit allows you to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the duration of your academic or teaching program.

        Important Notes:

        • Timing: These documents are obtained after your arrival in Sarajevo, so there is no need to secure them beforehand.
        • Supporting Documents: You will need to bring specific supporting documents from your home country to complete the residence permit application.

        By following these steps upon arrival, you can ensure your stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina is fully compliant with local residency regulations.

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        4 HOW TO GET TO THE FOREIGNER AFFAIRS OFFICE?

        The Foreign Affairs Office, where you will handle your residence permit and related formalities, is located at:

        Address: A Transverzala-Michael Schumacher, Broj 8, Braće Mulić 38, Sarajevo 71000.
        Landmark: Look for a black glass building with the official flags of Bosnia and Herzegovina next to it.

        Important Reminder:

        Before visiting, ensure you have all required documents prepared according to the guidance provided by the University of Sarajevo. This preparation will help streamline your experience at the office.

        To reach the Foreign Affairs Office at A Transverzala-Michael Schumacher, Broj 8, Braće Mulić 38, Sarajevo 71000, you have the following options:

        By Taxi:

        • From Baščaršija (Old Town): The taxi fare is approximately 20-25 KM. Ensure the taxi meter is running to avoid overcharging.

        By Trolleybus:

        • Route: Take the trolleybus line 103 from Trg Austrije towards Dobrinja.
        • Stop: Disembark at the second-to-last station, “Nedžarići.”
        • Walking Directions: After alighting, walk approximately 800 meters back along the route to reach the Foreign Affairs Office.

        Additional Tips:

        • Trolleybus Tickets: Purchase tickets at kiosks for 1.60 KM or from the driver for 1.80 KM. Validate your ticket upon boarding.
        • Landmark: Look for a black glass building with the official flags of Bosnia and Herzegovina displayed.

        Ensure you have all necessary documents prepared before your visit to the Foreign Affairs Office.