Skip Global Navigation to Main Content
Skip Breadcrumb Navigation
Skip Left Navigation
Non-Immigrant Visas

General Information

Changes in MRV Fees

The Department increased the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) and Border Crossing Card (BCC) fees to ensure sufficient resources to meet the increasing cost of processing nonimmigrant visas (NIVs). The new MRV fee for H, L, O, P, Q and R visas will be $150; for E visas $390, and K visas $350. All other categories, including B-1/B-2, F, J, and adult BCCs, will increase to $140.

More information can be found on:


Customer Service

The Department of State manages the visa process strictly but fairly in order to best protect the United States. We are committed to the essential openness for which the United States has always been known. Travel to the United States is welcomed and encouraged. At U.S. Embassy Sarajevo, Consular officers and staff are committed to providing fair and respectful service to all visa applicants. Your visa application will be given every consideration consistent with U.S. immigration law.


Location

All U.S. visas for residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina are processed at U.S. Embassy Sarajevo, at 1 Robert C. Frasure Street. Visa interviews are conducted by appointment only in the embassy’s Consular Section. When you arrive for your visa interview, Embassy guards will direct you to the consular waiting room.


How to Apply for a Visa

Here are the basic steps you should follow throughout your visa application process:

  1. Schedule appointment via the Embassy’s Visa Information Service
  2. Have your photo taken
  3. Complete and submit the application form DS-160
  4. Pay Visa Application Processing Fee
  5. Gather Supporting Documents


Step 1: Schedule Appointment via Embassy’s Visa Information Service

Obtain PIN (Personal Identification Number) from any branch office of the Raiffeisen Bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina to get access to the Embassy’s Visa Information Service (VIS). The Visa Information Service is the only official source of general visa information and the only authorized method to schedule a personal interview for a non-immigrant visa interview. The Visa Information Service can be accessed by calling the following number: (387) 33 295 375

The Visa Information Service will provide Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian speaking agents who will:

  • Schedule appointment for a nonimmigrant visas!
  • To view typical wait times (the time between when you attempt to schedule an interview and the time when an interview slot is first available), visit Visa Wait Times Results Page.
  • Answer caller’s questions on how to apply for a non-immigrant visa.
  • Inform non-immigrant applicants about the types of visas available and the documents required for each type.


How to Access the Visa Information Service

  • Obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from any branch office of the Raiffeisen Bank for the US $13 (in the KM equivalent).
  • Wait one business day after obtaining the PIN to call the Visa Information Service.
  • Applicants can make multiple calls on one PIN for the calls lasting up to 7 minutes.
  • The service is available to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Bosnian Holidays.

Schedule up to 5 members of the same household using one Pin Code and on one call (examples: husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother and father)

Note: The Pin code is non-refundable and in the event that it is lost or stolen, the applicant will need to obtain a new one.  Please note that if the time allowed for the PIN runs out, the applicant must obtain a new PIN and call the service again.


Step 2: Have Your Photo Taken

The form DS-160 also requires a digital photo, less than 1MB, to be uploaded as part of the application process. The applicant will require one picture, 5x5cm, taken within the last 6 months in accordance with U.S. visa photo guidelines. Follow the instructions at Department of State Travel website - Photograph Requirements for further information on photo requirements.

Note: Although uploading a photo is a part of the application process, we still require visa applicants to bring one photo with them to the interview in the event that the system will not accept the uploaded version.


Step 3: Complete and Submit the Application Form DS-160

There is no longer a written application form. After completing the new DS-160, the applicant will electronically submit the application and will be provided with a confirmation page that includes only limited biographical information, their photo and a bar code. Applicants must bring this confirmation page with them to the interview along with one (1) photograph.

Important Note: Most of the text displayed on the form DS-160 will be translated to Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian. You may view the translation by positioning your mouse cursor over any group of text displayed on the page. The questions on the form DS-160, however, must be answered completely and accurately in English. Otherwise, we will not be able to process the visa application and a new interview appointment will be required.


Step 4: Pay Visa Application Processing Fee

Pay the visa application processing fee at any branch office of the Raiffeisen Bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bring one copy of the receipt to your interview.

Note: This is a non-refundable processing fee that is required regardless of whether or not you are issued a visa.


Step 5: Gather Supporting Documents

Supporting documents to prove that you have compelling family, economic and social ties to Bosnia and Herzegovina -- ties which would compel you to return to Bosnia and Herzegovina upon completion of your temporary visit.

All nonimmigrant visa applicants must submit the following documents in order to formally apply for a visa:

  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond the planned visit to the United States and must have at least one blank visa page.
  • DS-160 Confirmation Page (the actual form DS-160 must be submitted on-line).
  • One photograph submitted according to the Photo Requirements.
  • Proof of payment for the non-refundable application fee.
  • For applicants under the age of 14, original birth certificate issued within the last six months.

Note: Minor children travelling accompanied by only one parent or other adults have to provide a written “parental consent”, signed by the non-travelling parent(s), and officially notarized.


General Information

Presumption of Immigrant Intent. According to U.S. Law, applicants for most classes of non-immigrant visas are considered to be intending immigrants until the applicant can convince the consular officer that they have compelling family, economic and social ties to Bosnia and Herzegovina – ties which would compel them to return to Bosnia and Herzegovina upon completion of their temporary visit to the United States.

Representatives from the State-Level Government and International Organizations on Official Travel. If you are traveling on behalf of the State-level government of Bosnia and Herzegovina or an International Organization recognized by the U.S. (UN, World Bank, etc.), your visa will be processed through normal diplomatic procedures, and you do not have to pay the visa application fee or appear for a visa interview.

The Visa Information Service Call Center can answer most questions regarding your visa class, required documents, required fees, and preparation for the interview. Procedures for contacting the Call Center are above.

Information on the Web. Due to the volume of requests for information, it is not possible to respond to individual email inquiries other than congressional correspondence.


FAQs: Also, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

This site is managed by the U.S. Department of State.

External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.