Welcome to Bosnia and Herzegovina

With a deep history and intriguing east-meets-west culture, Bosnia and Herzegovina draws in visitors seeking a well-rounded European experience.

Visit Sarajevo for its Ottoman architecture and appealing crafts bazaars. Embrace nature, whether it’s the beaches of the adriatic coastline or the rocky mountains and turquoise rivers of the interior.

Don’t miss charming Mostar, the hilltop town of Jajce or the Ottoman-era Pocitelj, some of the country’s most historic villages and cities.

Unique Facts

• One of Europe’s last primeval forests is in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s called Perucica and the trees here are 300 years old. The undisturbed forest dates back 20,000 years.
• Sarajevo was the first community city to host an Olympic winter games. You can visit several of the Olympic sites today, including the bobsled and luge track.
• The Sarajevo Film Festival is world renowned, drawing more than 100,000 visitors per year.
• The 16th-century Ottoman bridge, the Stari Most in Mostar, is one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.
• “Bosnia” comes from an Indo-European word that means water. Visitors quickly learn this is an apt name, given the country’s countless waterfalls, rivers and lakes.

Language

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s official languages are Bosnia, Serbian and Croatian.

When To Go

The best time to go to Bosnia and Herzegovina are May, June and early September for warm-weather activities and February and March for winter activities.

Airports

Sarajevo International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for three months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays under 90 days

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina: Measles and routine vaccinations. Most travelers should receive the Hepatitis A. Some travelers should receive the Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Bosnian Mark

Getting Around

Expect varying road conditions. Winter driving conditions are hazardous.

Public transportation includes bus and taxi service, train service and tram service (in Sarajevo). Water taxis run between Neum and neighboring cities on the Adriatic.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Sarajevo
1 Robert C. Frasure Street
71000 Sarajevo
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Telephone: +(387) (33) 704 000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(387) (33) 704-000. If after dialing you receive a recorded
message, press “0” and ask for the embassy duty officer.
Fax: +(387) (33) 221 837
SarajevoACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Info Centre
Onešćukova 39, Mostar 88000, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Tel: +387 61 561 451

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 124
Fire: 123
Police: 122

Safety and Security

The crime rate is moderate in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There are terrorist groups that continue to plot possible attacks within Europe, so all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks. The foreign community is rarely the target of violence, but collateral damage can occur.

There are a large number of unexploded ordinances, active landmines and minefields throughout the country. Stay on hard surfaced areas and out of abandoned buildings.

Soccer matches, which draw large crowds before and after, can be dangerous due to fights and significant traffic congestion.

Avoid stray dogs, as attacks are common.

The most common crimes are armed robberies, residential break-ins, vehicle break-ins and thefts and pickpocketing. Take normal safety precautions. Do not leave belongings unattended.