Here's what awaits you when entering EU countries

A large number of BiH citizens have relatives or friends in European Union countries they could visit for a shorter or longer period. However, given the recent events (riots, terrorist attacks, anti-Islamic protests) in France, Belgium, Sweden, security measures have been increased, and here are the basic notes for all those traveling to Schengen countries, writes the BiH news agency Patria.

The basic requirement is that BiH citizens have a biometric passport that is valid for at least three months after the end of the trip. The visa-free regime applies exclusively to short-term stays and therefore does not allow permanent residence or employment in any of the Schengen countries. You can stay in the Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days within a 6-month period (180 days). The six-month periods are calculated from the date of the first entry into the Schengen countries.

- These 90 days can be used during one visit or as part of multiple trips, but it is important to keep track of the number of days spent in the Schengen countries. It is important to leave the Schengen zone after 90 days of stay until the 6-month period from the date of the first entry has passed. When these 6 months have passed, the next six-month cycle begins, during which you can again spend 90 days in the Schengen countries – explain the BiH Ministry of Security.

Staying without a visa for more than 90 days is illegal and can result in a permanent ban from entering Schengen countries. Only with an appropriate long-term visa, residence permit, or work permit is it possible to reside permanently in one of the Schengen countries.

The general conditions for entry into Schengen countries for citizens who are not EU citizens remain in effect, so citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina may be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds for their stay in the country or information about their accommodation address.

- Also, border services have the right to refuse entry to those citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina whom they consider a threat to public order, health, or international security. They may be asked to justify the purpose and conditions of their stay and prove they have sufficient funds for sustenance during their stay in the Schengen zone, as well as for their return.

FINANCIAL CHECK

Financial resources are calculated based on average food and accommodation costs multiplied by the number of days, or there is a specific reference amount. How the check can be performed:

  A check of sufficient financial means for sustenance is carried out for third-country nationals, during the duration and for the stated purpose of stay in the Schengen zone, for return to their home country or transit to a third country, or that these funds can be legally provided. When determining the means of sustenance, the reference amounts set by each Schengen country must be taken into account;
The check of sufficient financial means for sustenance can be carried out based on cash, traveler's checks, and credit cards held by the third-country national. Sponsorship declarations, in cases where such declarations are provided for by national legislation, and guarantee/invitation letters from hosts, as prescribed by national legislation, in cases where the third-country national stays with a host, can also serve as proof of sufficient financial means for sustenance;

-       The validity of a credit card can be checked by contacting the card issuer or by using other options available at the border crossing (e.g., currency exchange offices);

An invitation letter from a host can be verified by direct contact with the host or by confirming that the invitation was given in good faith through national contact information in the member states related to the host's residence;

If you plan to visit a friend or relative living in the Schengen zone, you may be asked at the border for detailed information about that person. It is recommended that you have at least the address and phone number in that country. Also, it is highly recommended to have a return ticket if traveling by plane/train/bus. However, this is not mandatory.

- A BiH citizen who stays in Schengen countries for more than three months (without a residence permit or long-term visa) is illegally staying in that country/countries, which can result in a ban from re-entering the Schengen zone. Working in the Schengen zone without a work permit is also illegal (even for a period of less than three months) and can also result in a ban from re-entering the Schengen zone.

The Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Netherlands, Iceland, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Norway, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.