VISA & RESIDENCE PERMIT

Simplified Guide for Educational Visitors to Bosnia and Herzegovina

If you are coming to Bosnia and Herzegovina for educational purposes, here’s a straightforward guide to help you prepare:

1. Travel Documents

  • Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay.
  • Visa (if required): Check if your nationality requires a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. Apply for a visa before your arrival. The process may take up to two months, so start early.
    • No Visa Needed: Citizens of certain countries can stay visa-free for up to 90 days.

2. Visa Requirements

  • Without a Visa:
    Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact the nearest Bosnian embassy or consulate to confirm if you qualify for visa-free entry.
  • With a Visa:
    If you need a visa, follow these steps:
    • Obtain a verified invitation letter from the hosting member unit of the University of Sarajevo (UNSA).
    • Determine the appropriate visa type:
      • “C” Visa: For stays under 90 days.
      • “D” Visa: For stays longer than 90 days (most common for semester-based programs).
    • Start your application early, as the process can take several weeks.

3. Regulating Residence for Stays Over 90 Days

For stays longer than 90 days, such as for exchange students or staff, you’ll need to complete these steps after arriving in Bosnia and Herzegovina:

  1. White Card: Register your address with local authorities.
  2. Residence Permit: Apply for a temporary residence permit to cover your educational program’s duration.

Check our Guide for White Card and Residence Permit.

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Important Notes:

  • These steps are completed upon arrival; no need to handle them before traveling.
  • You may need supporting documents from your home country for the residence permit application.

4. Visiting the Foreign Affairs Office

To complete your residence permit process, visit the Foreign Affairs Office:

  • Address: A Transverzala-Michael Schumacher, Broj 8, Braće Mulić 38, Sarajevo 71000.
  • Landmark: A black glass building with Bosnia and Herzegovina flags nearby.

Getting There:

  • By Taxi: From Baščaršija (Old Town), it costs 20-25 KM. Ensure the taxi meter is on.
  • By Trolleybus: Take line 103 from Trg Austrije towards Dobrinja. Get off at second to last station and walk 800 meters back along the route.

Tips:

  • Buy trolleybus tickets at kiosks (1.60 KM) or from the driver (1.80 KM) and validate them on board.
  • Bring all necessary documents to avoid delays.