Please note: the asylum procedure and obtaining international protection in Bosnia and Herzegovina ARE FREE OF CHARGE. You should never be asked for any form of compensation (financial or otherwise) in exchange for assistance. Any similar request should be reported immediately.
The information below was accurate and relevant at the time of the last update. For the most current details please consult the websites of the relevant institutions.
UNHCR in Bosnia and Herzegovina does not receive and/or process asylum applications. This responsibility lies with the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nevertheless, UNHCR and its free legal aid partner, Vaša Prava BiH, can inform you of how and where to apply for asylum with the relevant authorities and assist you during the procedure.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the asylum process is administered by the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs and the Sector for Asylum of the Ministry of Security. Once a final decision has been made and international protection is granted, the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees becomes the competent authority.
If you are in need of international protection, you must first express your intent to seek asylum to the Border Police or the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs. If you express your intent to the Border Police, you will be referred to the nearest field office of the Service for Foreigners Affairs where you will receive an Attestation on your expressed intent to seek asylum (AISA). This is the first step in the asylum procedure. You must then approach the Ministry of Security – Sector for Asylum to officially apply for asylum and get registered as an asylum-seeker. For more details, ask the Service for Foreigners Affairs or consult the “Information brochure for asylum seekers in Bosnia and Herzegovina” available in multiple languages.