A Saudi family was denied entry into the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday for not having a visa, though they were told before departure that a Schengen visa was enough for entry. Fahd, the head of the family, whose full name has not been revealed, said he was encouraged to spend the Eid holidays in Bosnia by ads published by a tourist and travel company. The ads announced that Saudis flying to Bosnia from Saudi Arabia on direct flights did not need a separate visa if they had a valid Schengen visa. Fahd booked seats for himself and his family on a direct flight from Riyadh to Sarajevo on the evening of June 24. On arrival at Sarajevo airport, Fahd and his family were denied entry and were told to return on the same flight they had come in. He was completely shaken by the experience. He said that as per international regulations, no air carrier can issue a boarding card before ensuring the passenger's papers are in order. Fahd has asked the air carrier, the Saudi Civil Aviation Authority, and the competent tourism authorities to help him recover all costs incurred on tickets, etc. He has also asked for compensation for the traumatic experience due to a mistake of the travel company.
