The temporary lifting of visas for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain is one of the most significant measures for improving tourist traffic in the Sarajevo Canton, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board told Fena news agency.
“These are markets that already have a strong emotional and tourist connection with our destination, and additional facilitation of entry sends a clear message of openness and welcome. We expect a strong effect already this season – a higher number of arrivals, longer stays of guests and significantly higher tourist spending,” the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board states.
They add that this is a concrete step towards strengthening the position of Bosnia and Herzegovina as one of the most desirable destinations for guests from that region.
The Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board emphasizes that based on current trends and new facilitations, they expect significant growth in tourist traffic from that region compared to last year.
A strong return of the Saudi Arabian market is especially expected, with continued growth from Oman and Bahrain.
“With improved air connectivity and intensive promotional activities, it is realistic to talk about double-digit growth in arrivals and overnight stays, which would further strengthen these markets’ position among the most important for our tourism,” emphasized the TZKS.
During 2025, according to statistical data from the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board, the Sarajevo Canton was visited by a significant number of tourists from the Persian Gulf countries, led by Saudi Arabia with 52,930 arrivals and 178,431 overnight stays, Oman with 2,928 arrivals and 9,877 overnight stays, and Bahrain with 1,240 arrivals and 5,272 overnight stays.
“These results clearly show that these are markets with great growth potential, especially in the context of measures such as visa liberalization and continuous investment in the promotion and accessibility of the destination,” said the TZKS.
