Kashlee KucheranLast Updated
On July 16, the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina lifted travel bans on several countries and started officially reopening the nation for tourism.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is now allowing select 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, plus all covid-related entry requirements below.
Update Sept 12:
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 tourists arriving into BiH must bring a negative PCR test taken no longer than 48 hours before arrival.
Reports have mentioned that citizens returning home, and residents of Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia do not need the test. As this can change very quickly and without notice, we still recommend travellers coming from those areas bring a test.
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.
In August, here are the cities that are currently flying to Sarajevo:
- 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, and while hotels are permitted to reopen, some are still closed due to lack of tourists. The Sarajevo Times reported on July 27 that because of the strict test requirement, Europeans are not entering BiH and many hotels can’t stay open because of extremely low occupancy.
The wearing of masks in most public indoor 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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