Bosnia and Herzegovina Reopening For Tourism Guide

Last Updated 3 years ago

On July 16, 2020 , the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina lifted travel bans on most countries and started officially reopening the nation for tourism. Now as of mid-2021, entry for tourism is easier.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is now allowing all countries and passengers to visit, but there are some important entry requirements every traveler needs to be aware of before arriving.

We go over the countries currently permitted to enter BiH, plus all covid-related entry requirements below.

Update Sept 12, 2020:

Since the original publishing of this article back in July, major updates have been made to entry rules. Originally, only EU, Schengen and neighboring nations were permitted to enter. Now, as of September 12, ALL nations are permitted to enter under normal visa rules, providing they have a negative PCR test. More info below.

Who Can Currently Travel To Bosnia and Herzegovina?

All nations.

All nations can once again visit BiH under normal visa/immigration rules. 97 countries can visit BiH without a visa.

Entry Requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina

PCR Test

All EU tourists arriving into BiH must bring a negative PCR test taken no longer than 48 hours before arrival.

All non-EU travelers have 72 hours for their PCR test.

Citizens returning home, and residents of Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia do not need the test.

Starting June 11, 2021, BiH will allow proof of recovery and proof of vaccination instead of testing. Proof of vaccination is 14-days after the last/final shot of an approved vaccine, while proof of recovery includes a certificate from a doctor between 14-180 days old proving recovery.

We spoke directly with the BiH Ministry of Tourism, confirming that as of September 12, all covid-related country bans had been removed. They confirmed:

“That is correct, the borders are now open. All are welcome to visit our country. But yes, the test is obligated – 48 hour PCR test.”

Travelers should also expect requiring masks worn on the inbound flight and at the airport, temperature screenings done upon arrival, and having valid travel health insurance that covers covid.

Flights into Bosnia and Herzegovina

The airport in Sarajevo (SJJ) has reopened, although not all normal routes have resumed yet.

Many cities have already resumed regular flights into Sarajevo, incuding:

Vienna
Budapest
Cologne
Belgrade
Zagreb
Istanbul
Stuttgart
Dubai
Kuwait City

What’s Open in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tourists will find many businesses open, although working hours might be reduced, as well as lowered capacity limits. Cafes and restaurants started reopening in May.

Throughout the fall/winter, many services and businesses have stayed open without lockdowns like some of Europe has seen, but instead, a nightly curfew of 11:00 pm to 5:00 am has been in effect.

The wearing of masks in indoor and outdoor public spaces is required.

Read More: See all countries in Europe that are open for travel, what companies have travel insurance policies that cover covid, and countries that are now allowing American and Canadian tourists.

Sources: ba.usembassy.gov / Sarajevo Times / Bosnia border police / 2nd Sarajevo Times article / fmoit.gov.ba / Direct interview with the consulate

Disclaimer: Bosnia Herzegovina’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.

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Originally published August 6, 2020 with updates

Albert-Jan

Sunday 27th of June 2021

Hi! Thanks for all the research and all the very useful COVID-related travel information on your website! I was wondering whether any distinction is made between distinct vaccins with regard to the entry requirements. Are all EU-accepted vaccins 'valid' for the entry requirements for Bosnia? (and actually I have the same question for Montenegro and Kosovo). Since I seem to read some contradictory information on the internet. Many thanks!

Wednesday 30th of June 2021

Thanks Kashlee! Do you know whether there is a website which mentions which country does accept which vaccines? I'll have the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccin. I read your article with the countries which accept vaccinated people, but that made me wondering whether it matters which vaccin is used, and specifically whether the Janssen vaccin is accepted by the countries mentioned in my previous question :)

Kashlee Kucheran

Each country has different vaccines they will accept and there is no global standard right now.

andrewevenstar

Friday 22nd of January 2021

i went to bosnia for 2 weeks. it was so amazing. great people, amazing food and very interesting culture. i went to mostar, sarajevo, bjelašnica, and travnik. thank you and your blog for everything!

That is so great to hear! :)

Friday 18th of December 2020

Now that Croatia is closed and Serbia seems very limited --- I have chosen Bosnia :) --- as of today, the requirements for a USA visitor is still negative PCR test done within 48 hours, correct?! Mostar looks beautiful!

With the info we have, yes, that seems to still be the valid entry requirement! Bon voyage!

Gam

Saturday 7th of November 2020

Is it required to have health insurance that covers covid to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina? Will entry be refused if you have no health insurance at all?

Sunday 8th of November 2020

No, it is not mandatory for entry, just suggested

Alex

Saturday 31st of October 2020

Hi Kashlee, Could you tell me if it's compulsory to have a negative PCR test if I'm Russian citizen who spent last 28 days in Serbia, but now is willing to move to BiH for a couple of days? Thanks in advance! Best regards, Alex

Hi Alex, like I said in the article, I have heard reports of Serbia not needing one for BiH, but not having done it myself I can't know for sure ;)