Applicants are required to have a documented personal identification number (JMB). The JMB must be registered in the BiH electronic database before the passport application process begins. BiH citizens who have a valid identity card from the BiH issued after 2003 are eligible to apply directly with the BiH Consulate General in Chicago.
Citizens with an identity card issued before 2003 must have their personal identification number documented before applying. The JMB-7 form is used to request documentation of the personal identification number. A birth certificate issued by BiH must accompany the JMB-7 form. The birth certificate must have been issued 6 months or earlier prior to application for JMB documentation.
The applicant must submit the JMB-7 and valid birth certificate to the BiH consulate by fax or by using the form on the consulate website.
The consulate will send the forms to the applicant's district or township of birth. After the JMB has been successfully documented, the Consulate will notify the applicant to arrange an appointment to begin the passport application.
Consulate General of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chicago Illinois
500 N. Michigan Ave.
Suite 750
Chicago, IL 60611
312-951-1245
cgbhchicago.com
The BiH consulate recommends applying for the passport or passport renewal 60 to 90 days before travel dates or the expiration of the current passport. The requirements include proof of identity in the form of a BiH passport, a Bosnian or Yugoslavian--issued driver's license or an identity card. Proof of citizenship is also required. Acceptable documents include a BiH-issued passport or other form of BiH citizenship verification. Passports issued to adults are valid for five years. Passports issued to children age three or younger are valid for seven years.
Passports issued to minors age 18 and younger require written consent by both parents. Consent by both parents is required even if the minor is traveling with only one parent. Additionally, the BiH electronic database must contain JMB documentation for both parents.
Passport fees are determined by the Bosnian Ministry of Treasury. Fees are also based on the euro, which frequently fluctuates. The consulate recommends checking for updates regarding passport fees before applying. As of 2010, passport fees ranged from $153 to $266 for an adult passport and from $96 to $149 for a child's passport.
