South Africa passport → Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina visa for citizens of South Africa

Embassy / VFSShort-stay visa (C) · Tourist (90 days)

Citizens of South Africa need a visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Short-stay visa (C) · Tourist (90 days)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Processing time	15 days
Government fee	€80
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for the last 3 months showing sufficient funds for the stay

How to apply

1
Prepare required documents
Gather all required documents as per the embassy checklist.
2
Complete the visa application form
Fill the official application form legibly and truthfully.
3
Book an appointment
Contact the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Pretoria (or consulate in Cape Town) to schedule a personal appearance.
4
Pay the visa fee
Pay the €80 fee (exact amount and method specified by the embassy).
5
Submit application in person
Visit the embassy on the scheduled date, submit documents and enroll biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
6
Wait for processing
Processing takes approximately 15 calendar days from the date of submission.
7
Collect passport
Return to the embassy to collect your passport with the visa decision (or arrange courier if offered).

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned departure from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Completed and signed visa application form
Available from the embassy website or in person.
Passport-size photographs (2 recent, 35x45 mm)
White background, not older than 6 months.

Travel

Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
Confirmed reservation for the entire stay.
Flight itinerary (round-trip or onward ticket)
Showing entry and exit from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Travel health insurance (valid for Schengen area, minimum €30,000 coverage)
Must cover the entire stay.

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds
Bank statements for the last 3 months.

Employment

Employment letter or proof of occupation
For employed: letter from employer stating position and salary; for self-employed: business registration; for students: enrollment letter.

Supporting

Copy of previous visas and entry stamps (if any)
Optional
To strengthen the application.
Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate of children)
Optional
If traveling with family.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Equivalent of €50 per day of stay

Bank statements
Credit card statements
Traveler's cheques

Funds must be demonstrably available for the entire intended stay.

Good to know

Holders of valid multiple-entry visas and residents of the EU, Schengen, and USA may enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Check if you qualify before applying.
Incomplete or incorrect applications can lead to delays or rejection.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient or unconvincing proof of funds

Provide bank statements showing consistent balance above the minimum required.

Failed to provide credible travel itinerary

Submit confirmed flight and accommodation bookings.

Passport validity too short

Ensure passport is valid at least 6 months beyond departure date.

Previous visa violations or overstay

Attach a written explanation if applicable and proof of compliance.

FAQ

Do citizens of South Africa need a visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Citizens of South Africa need a visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Short-stay visa (C) · Tourist (90 days).

How long can citizens of South Africa stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the Bosnia and Herzegovina visa cost for citizens of South Africa?

Government fee: €80.

How long does Bosnia and Herzegovina visa processing take?

Typically 15 days.

What documents do citizens of South Africa need for Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Completed and signed visa application form; Passport-size photographs (2 recent, 35x45 mm); Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter); Flight itinerary (round-trip or onward ticket); Travel health insurance (valid for Schengen area, minimum €30,000 coverage); and 4 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Bosnia and Herzegovina?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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