How to Apply Bosnia Visa For UAE Residents in 2025
If you’re planning a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina, you need to apply for a visa through the Embassy of Bosnia & Herzegovina in Abu Dhabi, which handles visa applications for UAE residents.
Keep in mind that the standard processing time is up to 30 days, so you’ll need to plan your trip accordingly and not book any appointments within that period before your departure.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for a Bosnia visa as a UAE resident. You’ll also find details about the required documents, current visa fees, and additional tips to help ensure a smooth application process.
If you’re a UAE resident planning to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, you might be wondering whether you need a visa. The good news is that nationals of the United Arab Emirates are exempt from visa requirements for short stays.
This means that UAE citizens can enter, exit, or transit through Bosnia and Herzegovina for up to 90 days without needing a visa.
However, if you’re a foreign national residing in the UAE, the visa requirements may vary. If you hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, a European Union residence permit, or a USA visa, you’re allowed to stay in Bosnia for up to 30 days without applying for a separate visa. If you don’t meet these criteria, you will need to apply for a Bosnia visa before your trip.
If you’re a UAE resident with a valid U.S. visa, you’re in luck—you don’t need a separate visa to visit Bosnia. The same applies if you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa. With either of these visas, you can enter Bosnia without any issues.
In fact, I’ve personally traveled to Bosnia using a multiple-entry Schengen visa without any problems.
This option is especially convenient because instead of applying for a separate Bosnian visa, it’s much easier to obtain a U.S., Schengen, or U.K. visa.
These visas not only allow you to visit Bosnia but also open doors to other nearby countries like Albania, Serbia, and Montenegro, all without the hassle of additional visa applications. It’s a smarter and more flexible way to travel in the region!
Documents Requirements for Bosnia Visa As UAE Residents
If you are applying for a tourist visa, I recommend getting an invitation letter from a tourism agency in Bosnia, which will strengthen your case. Bosnia does not issue visas easily, and their process is similar to Schengen visa requirements.
You’ll need to provide travel insurance, hotel bookings, flight reservations, employment or business documents, your passport, and a visa application.
Along with these, if you have an invitation letter, it’s even better as it increases your chances of getting the visa. If you don’t have an invitation, you can submit paid hotel bookings instead.
If you’re a UAE resident applying for a Bosnia visa, it’s important to have all the required documents ready before your interview at the Embassy. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process.
Basic Document Requirements:
Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is up-to-date and provide a photocopy of it.
Passport-Size Photo: One recent photo (35×45mm) is needed.
Completed Visa Application Form: You’ll need to fill out and sign the form. You can download it from the embassy’s website.
UAE Residence Permit: A copy of your valid UAE residency (Emirates ID) is required.
Flight Itinerary or Round-Trip Ticket: Show proof of your travel dates with a flight ticket or travel plan.
Travel Insurance: You must have standard travel insurance that covers up to 30,000 EUR or 50,000 USD.
Additional Documents for Short-Term Visa (Visa C):
If you’re applying for a short-term (tourist) visa, you’ll need to provide extra documents based on the purpose of your visit:
Tourist Travel:
A travel agency voucher or proof of paid accommodation and transport, signed and stamped.
Payment confirmation showing the trip has been fully paid.
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer or sponsor.
Bank statement from the last three months for financial proof.
For Children (Under 18):
A birth certificate must be presented to verify the child’s identity.
How to Apply Bosnia Visa For UAE Residents?
Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment
First, you need to book an appointment at the Embassy of Bosnia & Herzegovina in Abu Dhabi. This can be done easily through their official website here. Make sure to schedule your appointment at least 30 days before your planned travel date.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
On the day of your appointment, you’ll need to bring all the necessary documents. These include your valid passport, a passport-size photo, completed visa application form, UAE residency proof, round-trip flight ticket or travel itinerary, and travel insurance. Ensure everything is in order before your interview.
Step 3: Attend the Visa Interview
During your appointment, you’ll have an interview at the embassy. Be prepared to answer questions about your trip and provide additional details if needed.
The interview is a critical part of the process, so being organized and confident will help. I’ve shared some helpful interview tips at the end of this article.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
Once your documents are submitted, you’ll need to pay the visa fee. The payment is done electronically, so make sure you have a valid card for the transaction. The fees are as follows:
Single Entry-Exit Visa (Visa C): 238 AED
Multiple Entry-Exit Visa (up to 90 days) (Visa C): 238 AED
Multiple Entry-Exit Visa (over 90 days) (Visa D): 376 AED
Important Tips for Bosnia Visa Interview
When preparing for your Bosnia visa interview as a UAE resident, there are some key points to keep in mind to make a positive impression. Based on personal experience, I will share with you some important tips that will help you feel confident and well-prepared.
1. Know the Basics About Bosnia
One common question in the interview is about Bosnia’s capital. The capital is Sarajevo (pronounced “Sar-a-ye-vo,” with a silent “J”). Mispronouncing it is a common mistake, so practice saying it correctly.
Another important detail is knowing Bosnia’s full name, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the fact that the country has three presidents at any given time, representing different ethnic groups. Understanding this aspect of Bosnia’s political structure will show the interviewer that you have done your homework.
2. Be Clear About Your Purpose of Visit
The interviewers will likely ask why you want to visit Bosnia. Make sure to express your interest in its natural beauty and cultural richness.
Mention that you’ve researched the country, watched videos, or read blogs that highlighted Bosnia’s landscapes, cities like Sarajevo, and nearby attractions. Being specific about your travel intentions and showing a genuine interest in tourism will work in your favor.
3. Know Basic Facts About Bosnia
Some factual questions may come up, such as knowing that Bosnia is not part of the European Union and its currency is the Bosnian Mark (BAM), which is quite strong compared to the UAE Dirham. It’s also helpful to mention Bosnia’s neighboring countries like Montenegro, Serbia, and Croatia.
4. Outline Your Travel Plans
Be prepared to explain your itinerary. A good response would be that you plan to stay for 5 to 7 days and visit both Sarajevo and nearby areas, possibly mentioning the surrounding mountains if you enjoy outdoor activities.
You don’t need an overly detailed plan, but showing that you have thought about your trip demonstrates seriousness.
5. Know Your Work and Background
Be ready to answer questions about your work in the UAE. Providing details about your employment will help reinforce your ties to your home country, which is important for visa officers when assessing the likelihood that you’ll return after your visit.
6. Understand a Bit of Bosnian History and Culture
A little knowledge about Bosnia’s history, such as its time under Ottoman rule or famous historical figures like Gazi Husrev-beg, can help set you apart as a well-prepared applicant. It’s not necessary to know everything, but these small details can make a big difference.
By following these tips, you’ll feel more confident walking into your Bosnia visa interview. Be clear, calm, and concise, and you’ll be well on your way to securing your visa!
I'm Haris Ali. I am resident of United Arab Emirates. I've been working with identification documents in UAE for over 8 years. I've gained valuable experience from working with various government authorities in the region, especially with documents like the Emirates ID.
In my free time, I enjoy playing cricket and exploring new destinations around the world.
