Explore volunteering opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including community projects, cultural exchanges, environmental initiatives, non-profit organisations, rural projects and other volunteering or hospitality exchange experiences.

Opportunities may be located in Sarajevo, Mostar, smaller towns or rural areas across the country. Some listings may be seasonal or archival, so always check the publication date and confirm current availability directly with the host or organisation.

How to use this page

Open the opportunity that interests you and read the complete announcement. Check the publication date, activity dates and any application deadline before contacting the host.

To apply or request more information, look for the contact details at the end of the listing. Depending on the project, these may include an official website, email address or application form.

Before accepting an opportunity, confirm the expected activities, weekly hours, days off, accommodation, meals, exact location, length of stay and any fees or contributions directly with the host.

Some projects may provide accommodation, meals or other forms of hospitality, while others may offer only part of these arrangements or request a contribution. Conditions should always be confirmed before travelling.

Voluntouring does not organise placements, select volunteers, arrange visas or residence permits, or mediate between volunteers and hosts. Older announcements may remain online for archival and informational purposes.

Visas and volunteering in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area and has its own immigration and residence rules. Entry conditions depend on your nationality, length of stay and purpose of travel.

Citizens of countries covered by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s visa-free regime can generally stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but visa-free entry should not automatically be interpreted as permission to undertake every type of volunteering or work exchange.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a specific temporary residence basis for foreign nationals participating in formal volunteering. The official procedure can require a volunteering contract and documentation describing the project, volunteer position, activities, duration, working hours and supervision.

The organisation engaging the volunteer may also have responsibilities relating to accommodation, subsistence, health insurance and return arrangements.

For current requirements, consult the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs information about residence in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Security information for foreign nationals.

Informal exchanges and paid work

Some opportunities on Voluntouring may be informal hospitality or work exchanges rather than organised volunteering programmes. These arrangements should not automatically be assumed to qualify for the formal volunteering residence route.

This is particularly relevant when the host is a commercial business or when volunteers perform regular agricultural, hospitality, cleaning, construction or other duties that resemble ordinary employment.

Paid employment in Bosnia and Herzegovina normally involves separate work permit and residence requirements. Accommodation or meals provided instead of wages do not by themselves determine the legal status of an exchange.

If you are unsure, describe the actual activities, hours and host organisation when requesting information from the competent authority rather than relying only on terms such as “volunteer” or “work exchange”.

Landmines and rural projects

Landmines and unexploded ordnance from the 1992–1995 war remain a safety concern in some parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Populated areas and major roads are largely cleared, but risks remain in certain rural, wooded and less frequently used areas.

This is particularly relevant for volunteering involving farming, forestry, hiking, environmental restoration, abandoned properties or work away from established paths.

Do not explore neglected land, woodland, abandoned buildings or unmarked rural areas without reliable local guidance. Follow marked roads and paths and respect all mine warning signs.

For current safety information, consult the current travel advice for Bosnia and Herzegovina and local guidance for the area where the project is located.

Registration and practical arrangements

Foreign visitors may have local residence registration obligations after arrival. Hotels and other registered accommodation providers may handle this automatically, while volunteers staying with private hosts should confirm who is responsible for registration.

Ask the host about this before arrival, particularly if you will be staying in a private home, farm, community or other accommodation that does not routinely host international visitors.

Make sure your insurance covers the activities you will actually perform. Farming, construction, animal care, hiking, driving and other practical activities may require additional coverage.

Before accepting an opportunity

Ask the host to confirm:

• the identity and legal status of the host or organisation;
• the exact volunteer activities and weekly hours;
• days off and supervision arrangements;
• accommodation and sleeping conditions;
• meals and other included expenses;
• any fees, deposits or contributions;
• insurance arrangements;
• local registration requirements;
• which immigration or residence arrangements apply to international volunteers;
• whether outdoor activities take place in areas known to be free from mines and unexploded ordnance.

Related volunteering opportunities

• Volunteering opportunities in the Balkans
• Cultural exchange volunteering opportunities
• Non-profit volunteering opportunities

For additional general guidance, read Voluntouring’s information about safety and legality in volunteering and work exchanges.

Important: project availability, immigration requirements, residence procedures, accommodation arrangements and local safety conditions can change. Confirm current information directly with the host and consult relevant official sources before making travel or financial commitments.

Last reviewed: August 2026.

Browse volunteering opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦

Browse the projects below and use the “Older Posts” navigation if available to continue exploring previous opportunities. Always check the publication date and confirm that the project is currently accepting volunteers before applying.

Do you host volunteers in Bosnia and Herzegovina? You can submit your opportunity to Voluntouring.org for editorial review.

Submit a volunteering opportunity in Bosnia and Herzegovina