Austria Visa RequirementsFor Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders
Bosnian citizens can travel to Austria visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, thanks to BiH's Schengen visa waiver agreement.
Great news! Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders can enter Austria without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa application is required. Bosnian citizens need only a valid biometric passport to enter Austria. The 90-day limit applies across all Schengen countries combined, not just Austria. ETIAS authorization will be required once the system launches.
Austria is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Bosnia and Herzegovina to Austria: What You Need to Know
Bosnia and Herzegovina has enjoyed visa-free access to the Schengen Area since December 2010, when the EU lifted visa requirements for BiH citizens holding biometric passports. Austria, as a full Schengen member, is included in this arrangement. Bosnian travelers can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the entire Schengen zone combined.
Bosnia is an official EU candidate country since 2022, marking a significant milestone in its path toward European integration. While this does not yet grant EU membership rights, it underscores the close relationship between BiH and the EU, including freedom of movement for short stays.
Note that the EU's ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is expected to apply to BiH citizens once fully operational. This will require a simple online pre-travel authorization, similar to the US ESTA system.
Practical Tips
Carry your biometric passport (the standard burgundy BiH passport with the chip symbol). Keep track of your 90-day Schengen allowance if visiting multiple countries. You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds and onward travel at the border. Health insurance covering the full Schengen area is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bosnian citizens travel to Austria without a visa?
Yes. Bosnian citizens holding a valid biometric passport enjoy visa-free access to Austria and the entire Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Does Bosnia's EU candidate status grant any extra travel rights in Austria?
Not at this stage. EU candidate status is a political milestone but does not grant EU membership rights or additional travel freedoms. The existing Schengen visa-free arrangement remains the basis for travel.
Will Bosnian citizens need ETIAS to visit Austria?
Yes, once the EU's ETIAS system becomes operational, Bosnian citizens will need to obtain a pre-travel authorization online before visiting Austria and other Schengen countries. It is a simple fee-based step, not a visa.
How many days can Bosnian citizens spend in Austria?
Up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period, counting all days spent in any Schengen country combined, not just Austria.