Bosnia and Herzegovina | Europe

Bosnia and Herzegovina is situated in the western Balkans, bordering Croatia to the north, west, and south, and Serbia and Montenegro to the east. The country is defined by the Dinaric Alps and its complex political division into two entities, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska; the capital city is Sarajevo.

Visa & Entry Policy

Citizens of the US, UK, and EU do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Passports must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the date of entry. While not part of the Schengen Area, travelers with a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa or residence permit may enter for up to 30 days.

Language & Communication

There are three official languages: Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian, which are linguistically mutually intelligible. English proficiency is medium in Sarajevo and Mostar but low in rural areas. Both Latin and Cyrillic scripts are official, with Cyrillic being more prevalent in Republika Srpska.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the Convertible Mark (BAM), which is pegged to the Euro (1 EUR = 1.95583 BAM). Cash is the primary medium of exchange, especially outside the capital. Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants, but smaller vendors and markets remain cash-only. ATMs are widely available in urban centers.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is primarily served by an extensive bus network; major stations include Sarajevo Main and East. The rail network is limited, with the Sarajevo-Mostar line being the primary functional and scenic route. Domestic flights do not exist due to the country's size and terrain.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are BH Telecom, m:tel, and HT Eronet. 4G coverage is robust in cities and along main transit corridors, but signal is often lost in mountainous regions. As of early 2026, 5G deployment is limited to trials in major urban hubs.

Climate & Seasonality

The interior has a moderate continental climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The southern Herzegovina region has a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters. The wettest months are typically November and December, while August is the driest.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccinations are required. Specific environmental risks include unexploded landmines in remote, non-cleared rural areas-marked with red signs-and high air pollution levels in valley cities like Sarajevo during winter. Emergency numbers are 122 (Police), 123 (Fire), and 124 (Ambulance).

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Sarajevo Canton: Primary hub is Sarajevo.

Herzegovina: Primary hub is Mostar.

Republika Srpska: Primary hub is Banja Luka.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 1.50 BAM ($0.85 USD)

1 Domestic Beer: 4.00 BAM ($2.25 USD)

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): 20.00 BAM ($11.25 USD)

Facts & Legends

In 1914, the Latin Bridge in Sarajevo was the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, an event that triggered World War I. According to local legend, anyone who drinks from the Gazi Husrev-beg fountain in Sarajevo's Baščaršija district is destined to return to the city in the future.