Important eligibility points to keep in mind for ETIAS
- Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina will have access to an online application system to apply for ETIAS
- Bosnia and Herzegovina is among the initial members of ETIAS
- Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizens will be able to apply for ETIAS starting in 2025
Additional ETIAS qualifications
- ETIAS is suitable for temporary leisure, business, transit and medical trips
- Travelers must possess a machine-readable electronic passport
- Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina are able to apply for ETIAS online
- ETIAS is valid for entry to Europe via air, land or sea
- Individuals below 18 or above 70 years old will get their ETIAS authorization for free.
As of 2025, Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizens will be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering any of the participating European countries for short-term stays of less than 90 days. This includes travel for general tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes.
The ETIAS program was approved in 2016 as a response to the global increase in terrorist activities. The goal of the program is to screen travelers arriving from overseas in order to increase security and mitigate potential risks. The program is expected to take four years to fully develop and implement, as it involves building systems that will integrate with existing immigration databases and other security data to provide a seamless and efficient screening process for all participating European countries.
Starting in 2025, citizens from Bosnia and Herzegovina will be required to complete an ETIAS application before they can board an aircraft, sea vessel, or coach for Europe. This applies to all travelers, even those who are only passing through Europe on their way to other destinations.
Any Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizen who wishes to enter Europe for more than 90 days, or for any other purpose not allowed under the ETIAS program, will need to apply for a Schengen visa. This includes activities such as studying, working, or conducting business in Europe. To find out more about the ETIAS program and its requirements, citizens can visit the official website at https://etias.co.uk/ and use the homepage assessment tool.
It is recommended that Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizens complete their ETIAS application at least 96 hours before their departure date. This will help ensure that there are no delays or issues with their travel plans. To learn more about the specific requirements for the ETIAS application, citizens can visit the ETIAS requirements page or the ETIAS FAQ’s. It is important to review these pages before starting an ETIAS application, as doing so will help reduce the risk of a denied application.
Starting in 2025, only full Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizens will be eligible to apply for an ETIAS for travel to Europe. Travellers who hold a passport or travel document with a different citizenship status may be required to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa, rather than an ETIAS. This is due to the fact that the ETIAS is only available for citizens of certain countries and is not a substitute for a traditional visa.
For Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizens who are eligible to apply for an ETIAS, the application process is fast and efficient. Applications are typically processed and approved within minutes, and the authorisation is sent by email in the form of a PDF document. There is no need to print or present any documents as the ETIAS is stored electronically against the passport details stored in the European Immigration system.
This means that Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizens can travel to Europe with ease, knowing that they have a valid ETIAS authorisation linked to their passport. They will not be required to carry any actual physical documents and can simply present their passport at the border. This simplifies the process of travelling to Europe and eliminates the need for additional documentation.
It’s important to note that even with an ETIAS, the traveller may be subject to further checks and questions at the border, the ETIAS is not a guarantee of entry and the final decision will be made by the immigration authorities.
The ETIAS offers several benefits for Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizens looking to travel to Europe, including:
- The ability to use the ETIAS for multiple entries over a 90-day duration, as it is valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
- Fast and efficient authorisation process with electronic delivery of the ETIAS, eliminating the need to print or present any documents
- Convenience of being able to apply for ETIAS on any device, whether it’s a desktop, tablet, or mobile.
When applying for the ETIAS, it’s important for Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizens to keep the following advice in mind:
- Submit the application at least 96 hours before the planned departure date to avoid any delays or issues.
- If the ETIAS application is denied, travellers can still apply for a full visitor visa.
- An ETIAS does not guarantee entry to Europe, as the final decision on entry is made by the border security personnel of the European country of arrival.