Registration of foreign tourists during visits and stays in Banja Luka

Banja Luka is becoming an increasingly popular destination year after year – from tourists exploring the city and its surroundings, to people who have changed their citizenship but originate from this region and come to visit family and friends.

If you're planning a visit to our city, you might be wondering: is there a requirement to register your stay, and who is responsible for it - especially if you're not staying in a hotel?

Below is a simple and clear guide to the rules for registering foreign nationals’ stay in Banja Luka.

Who is required to register their stay, and within what timeframe?

If you’re coming from abroad and staying in Banja Luka for more than three days, it’s important to know that the law requires you to register your stay.

If you’re staying at a hotel or registered accommodation:

No need to worry – the hotel or your host will take care of the registration on your behalf.

If you're staying with family, friends, or in private accommodation:

In this case, the host (property owner) is legally required to register your stay within 48 hours of your arrival.

If, for any reason, the host doesn’t do this, you are legally allowed (and required) to register your stay yourself.

Where do you register your stay?

Registration of stay for tourists or visitors to our city is done at: Foreigners’ Affairs Office – Field Office Banja Luka,

Address: Ivana F. Jukića 7/II
Working hours: weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00

Registration can be done in person, and in some cases through your host. We recommend bringing your passport and a copy of the entry stamp or document showing your entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina.

What about people of Bosnian origin who hold a foreign passport?

Many people who are originally from this region and have, due to war, economic or other reasons, moved abroad and now hold foreign citizenship, are often unaware that they are treated by law as foreign nationals.

Even if you are visiting "your own" - staying with your parents, relatives, or friends - if you enter the country with a foreign passport, the same registration obligation applies as for any other tourist.

Who is responsible for registering the stay of foreign nationals?

According to current regulations, the obligation to register applies to:

Hotels and legal entities providing accommodation
Private hosts where you are staying
You - if the host fails to register you in time
Institutions such as hospitals, care homes, student dormitories, etc.

Timeframes for registering persons arriving in the city of Banja Luka:

12 hours - for hotels and registered facilities
48 hours - if you are staying in a private arrangement

What happens if your stay isn’t registered?

Failure to register your stay can result in monetary fines – both for you and the person you are staying with.

It can also cause issues when re-entering the country, or when applying for a residence permit in the future.

Conclusion

If you’re planning to stay in Banja Luka - even if you’re visiting "your own" - keep in mind that registration of stay is not just a formality, but a legal requirement.

By following the rules, you avoid unnecessary complications and enjoy a stress-free stay in the city.

For more information about stay, registration, residence, and required documents, visit the page Information for Foreign Nationals or contact the Foreigners’ Affairs Office directly at Ivana F. Jukića 7/II, on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00.

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