Destination:
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Overview

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a small, heart-shaped country in southeastern Europe steeped in history, with everything from Roman annexation and Slav invasion to 500 years of Ottoman empire playing a major role in its past. More recently, in the 1990s Bosnia and Herzegovina gained independence from socialist Yugoslavia in a violent upheaval that the country has now emerged from. Its tumultuous background has furnished Bosnia and Herzegovina with a culturally diverse and surprisingly hospitable population.

Travellers can enjoy the rich history of the capital city Sarajevo, the warm and sunny Mediterranean climate of Neum, a resort town on the Adriatic coast, or venture out to the fascinating Vetrenjica Caves. Other attractions to draw visitors are Medugorje, the Catholic pilgrimage site where visions of the Virgin Mary were reported in the 1980s, and the Kravica Waterfalls near Ljubuski. Bosnia and Herzegovina also offers great city breaks, winter sports and eco-adventures - the latter where this country is rapidly making its name.

As it proudly establishes itself as a new and exciting tourist destination, visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina will prove to be a remarkable and fulfilling vacation experience for those willing to explore the road less travelled on their European holidays.

Basics

Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Electricity
220 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

Language
Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian are the official languages. English and German are also widely spoken and understood.

Health
While there are no serious health risks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended, as well as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. A typhoid vaccination is also advisable for travellers who may eat or drink outside the main restaurants and hotels. Travellers should take out comprehensive medical insurance.

Tipping
Tipping in bars and restaurants is expected, usually 5 - 10% of the total bill.

Safety
A visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina should be trouble free but there is, however, an underlying threat from terrorism and attacks could occur in places frequented by travellers. Take normal precautions to avoid mugging, bag-snatching and pick-pocketing. Travellers are urged to avoid public demonstrations.

Customs
The local people observe very traditional hosting etiquette, offering guests cigarettes, coffee and sweets. The war and politics are not welcome topics of conversation, and alcohol should not be consumed in the company of Muslims.

Business
Business is conducted in quite a formal manner and shaking hands is a frequent practice. Business cards are required and translation facilities are available on request. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Communications
The international access code for Bosnia and Herzegovina is +387. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Public phones, cell phone reception and Internet connections are available in most places, with Internet cafés located in the main towns.

Duty Free
Travellers may import 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars or 200g of tobacco, 1litre of wine or spirits, one bottle of perfume and gifts to the value of EUR76.70 without incurring customs duty.

Currency

The currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Konvertibilna Marka (BAM), comprised of 100 pfeninga. Some Euro notes (but not coins) are accepted. The Euro and US Dollar are the preferred foreign currencies. Credit cards are not generally accepted but ATMs are available in the major cities. Travellers cheques can only be exchanged at select banks. Banking hours are from Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm.

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Health

Health Overview
While there are no serious health risks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended, as well as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. A typhoid vaccination is also advisable for travellers who may eat or drink outside the main restaurants and hotels. Travellers should take out comprehensive medical insurance.

Visa

Americans


UK nationals


Canadians


Australians


South Africans


Irish nationals


New Zealanders

Passport/Visa Note
Travellers are advised to hold return or onward tickets, as well as all documents required for next their destination and sufficient funds.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Contacts

Bosnia and Herzegovina Tourism
Tourism Association of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: +387 33 252 928.

Foreign Embassies in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassies

Regions and Cities