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We handle only U.S. citizen emergency requests via telephone: +387 33 704 000. We are unable to handle non-emergency inquiries by phone. For all routine inquiries not answered by information on this webpage, please email us at SarajevoACS@state.gov.
The emergency medical/ambulance dispatcher (local equivalent of 911) in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 124.
International Parental Child Abduction
International parental child abduction is the removal or retention of a child outside their country of habitual residence in breach of another parent or guardian’s custody rights.
One of the highest priorities of the Department of State and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad is to provide assistance to U.S. citizens incarcerated abroad. The Department of State is committed to ensuring fair and humane treatment for U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas. We stand ready to assist incarcerated citizens and their families within the limits of our authority in accordance with international, domestic, and foreign law. More information available at Travel.State.gov.
When an U.S. citizen dies abroad, the Bureau of Consular Affairs assists the family and friends. The Bureau of Consular Affairs attempts to locate and inform the next-of-kin of the U.S. citizen’s death. The Bureau of Consular Affairs provides information on how to make arrangements for local burial or return of the remains to the United States. The disposition of remains is subject to U.S. and local (foreign) law, U.S. and foreign customs requirements, and the foreign country facilities, which are often vastly different from those in the United States.
When a U.S. citizen is the victim of a crime overseas, he or she may suffer from physical, emotional or financial injuries. It can be more difficult because the victim may be in unfamiliar surroundings, and may not know the local language or customs.
Emergency Financial Assistance
U.S. consular officers, in certain situations, can assist U.S. citizens abroad who are temporarily destitute because of unforeseen circumstances. U.S. citizens who find themselves in these circumstances should contact the Embassy or the State Department’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 or (from overseas +1 (202) 501-4444) (during business hours) or 202-647-5225 (after hours). Consular officers can help destitute U.S. citizens contact family, bank, or employer to arrange for transfer of funds. In some cases, these funds can be wired through the Department of State. More information available at Travel.State.gov.
Consular Affairs (CA) is the public face of the Department of State for millions of people around the world. We provide many services, and the most common are listed below.
U.S. Citizens overseas can renew passports, replace passports, or apply for new passports.
U.S. embassy and consulate personnel cannot perform marriages in foreign countries. Depending on the law of the foreign country, local civil or religious officials generally perform marriages. Marriages performed overseas are considered valid in the country where they take place if they are entered into in accordance with local law. Recognition of the validity of marriages performed abroad depends on the laws of the place in which the marriage is to be recognized.
A child born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent or parents may be eligible for U.S. citizenship if the parent(s) meets the requirements for transmitting U.S. citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act. U.S. citizens eligible to transmit citizenship are required to file for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).
Adoptions from BiH by foreign citizens are rare and subject to different rules and procedures than adoptions by local citizens. While Bosnian law does not specifically prohibit foreigners from applying to adopt a Bosnian child, the process requires foreign prospective adoptive parents to provide compelling justification for the adoption. Country Adoption Information for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
BiH Entry Requirements for Minors
Minor children (under 18) not accompanied by parents need to have a written consent from both parents in order to enter and leave BiH.
The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.
Legal Assistance Medical Assistance Health & Safety ConsiderationsVisit this page for a list of local attorneys who speak English and to learn more about Attorney/Third Party Attendance at Passport and CRBA Appointment Interviews.
Visit this page for information on emergency medical assistance, medical insurance information, shipping medications from the U.S., local COVID-19 testing options, and lists of local doctors, dentists & hospitals
Health & Safety Considerations
Health and safety information for American Citizens visiting Bosnia & Herzegovina including information on food and water quality and information about risk from mines.
If you reside in Bosnia & Herzegovina and have questions regarding services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece. For comprehensive information on SSA’s services abroad, visit SSA’s webpage Service Around the World. If you are already receiving SSA benefits payments, there will be no change in the method of distribution of those payments.
Service members, Veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits services on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website at www.va.gov. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece, can also be of assistance if Veterans and beneficiaries have questions about benefits and services.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not have an office in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the U.S. Embassy cannot provide tax advice. You will find useful information on the IRS website, such as Frequently Asked Questions about taxes or how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are a U.S. government employee working overseas, you cannot claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder), you are responsible for filing U.S. federal income tax returns while abroad. Links to further tax-filing guidance for U.S. taxpayers living abroad are available on the Federal Benefits and Obligations website.
U.S. embassies and consulates overseas assist the Selective Service System with its registration program abroad.
Now all U.S. citizens can receive their blank ballots electronically. Depending on the state in which you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, go to fvap.gov to complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), print and sign the form then return it to your local election office in the United States. We recommend overseas U.S. citizens get in the habit of completing FPCAs each January. You should include your email address on the form so it’s easier for your election officials to reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, be sure to include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you’ll receive your blank ballot 45 days before general and mid-term elections and generally 30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections for federal offices.
Event: Bomb threats have been reported at Sparkasse Bank, Importanne Centar, and Raiffeisen Bank in Sarajevo. U.S. personnel are advised to avoid these areas and follow local authority directions.
Please call: +387 33 704 000
Outside of Office Hours, contact: +387 33 704 000
Outside of Bosnia-Herzegovina: +387 33 704 000
Emergency Contact – All Locations Get Travel Alerts International Parental Child Abduction Arrest of a U.S. Citizen Death of a U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime Emergency Financial Assistance
