Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for Bosnia and HerzegovinaEmergency Numbers
- General
- 112
- Police
- 122
- Ambulance
- 124
- Fire
- 123
Currency
- Name
- Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark
- Code
- BAM
- Symbol
- KM
Pegged to the Euro (1 EUR = 1.96 KM). ATMs widespread. Cards accepted in hotels and larger restaurants; carry cash for smaller towns, Stari Grad markets, and local ćevapi restaurants.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type F
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) — CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Best Time to Visit
May–June is perfect — warm, green, and uncrowded. September–October brings cooler weather and stunning autumn colours in Sutjeska National Park. July–August is hot and Mostar/Sarajevo are busy. Winter skiing is available at Jahorina and Bjelašnica.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | Leave cash — tip culture is casual but appreciated |
| Taxis | Round up | Agree fare or insist on the meter — unofficial taxis can overcharge |
| Hotels | KM 2–5 for porters | — |
| Tour guides | KM 10–20 per tour | War history tours deserve a generous tip |
Dress Code
- Modest dress in mosques — women cover hair and remove shoes; men cover knees
- Cover up in Sarajevo's Baščaršija (old bazaar) and in more conservative areas
- Casual in cities and tourist areas
- Mostar's old bridge area is relaxed
Social Etiquette
- Bosnia is multicultural — Bosniaks (Muslim), Serbs (Orthodox), and Croats (Catholic) coexist. Be sensitive to all perspectives
- The 1992–95 war is living memory for many — treat war history with appropriate gravity
- Bosnian coffee (kafa) is served in a džezva with a sugar cube — it is an experience, not just a drink
- Hospitality is strong — guests are treated with great generosity
- Stari Most (Mostar's bridge) was destroyed in 1993 and rebuilt in 2004 — understanding its history adds depth
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Bosnia has three administrative entities with different laws — Republika Srpska, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Brčko District. Generally consistent for tourists.
- Blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.03%
- War graves and memorial sites: treat with the utmost respect — do not walk on graves or disturb memorials
- Unmarked landmines still exist in some rural mountain areas — stay on marked paths
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Zdravo / Merhaba (Bosniak) | ZDRA-voh / mehr-HAH-bah |
| Thank you | Hvala | HVAH-lah |
| Please | Molim | MOH-leem |
| Cheers! | Živjeli! | ZHEE-vyeh-lee |
| Coffee (Bosnian style) | Domaća kafa | DOH-mah-chah KAH-fah — order this, not 'espresso' |
Plan Your Trip
Planning a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Traveller builds your personalised packing list, checklist, and travel brief in seconds.
Plan this trip with Traveller