SchengenClock
Verified June 2026

Do Bosnians need ETIAS?

Yes

Yes. Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina with a biometric passport are visa-exempt for short stays, so once ETIAS launches they will need an ETIAS authorisation for the Schengen area.

Needs ETIAS?
Yes
Cost
€20
Validity
3 yrs
From
Q4 2026

Bosnia and Herzegovina's citizens gained visa-free Schengen travel in December 2010 with biometric passports, and that status brings them within ETIAS. ETIAS is an online authorisation tied to your passport rather than a visa.

The country is an EU candidate but is not in Schengen, so the 90/180 day count only begins once you enter the Schengen area. ETIAS does not change how long you may stay.

Biometric passport required

Visa-free access for Bosnia and Herzegovina depends on holding a biometric passport issued by the state-level authority. The 90/180 rule will govern your Schengen stays regardless of how often you travel, and your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure and issued within the previous 10 years.

How Bosnians will apply

When ETIAS launches, Bosnians will apply online on the official EU portal, pay €20 (free under 18 or over 70), and receive an authorisation linked to their passport for up to 3 years. It is not a visa - see what ETIAS is and how it differs from a visa.

ETIAS gets Bosnians to the border; it does not extend the stay. Check how many days are left with the free 90/180 calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Do Bosnians need ETIAS?

Yes. Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina with a biometric passport are visa-exempt for short stays, so once ETIAS launches they will need an ETIAS authorisation for the Schengen area.

How much will ETIAS cost Bosnians?

€20 per application, free for travellers under 18 or over 70. One authorisation lasts up to 3 years. See ETIAS cost.

When will Bosnians need ETIAS from?

From the launch of ETIAS, expected in the last quarter of 2026. No exact date is set yet - track it on the ETIAS start date page.

Does ETIAS change the 90-day limit for Bosnians?

No. ETIAS lets you travel, but the 90/180-day rule still caps short stays at 90 days in any 180. Plan it with the 90/180 calculator.

Sources