The Service for Foreigners’ Affairs (SFA) is an independent administrative unit within the Ministry of Security, responsible for the entry and stay of foreigners in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It also performs several duties related to asylum.
If you need international protection and wish to apply for asylum, the SFA handles the initial step in this process. The SFA will issue you an ‘Attestation of the Intention to Seek Asylum’ (also known as the ‘White Paper’) and will refer you to one of the available reception facilities, provided there is space. You can visit any of the 16 SFA offices in Bosnia and Herzegovina. If you initially express your intent to seek asylum with the Border Police, they will direct you to the nearest SFA office, which are open Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 16:00.
The SFA will also provide you with initial information on the asylum process and on your rights and obligations.