Europe
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Cheap, hospitable and full of history, from Sarajevo's old town to Mostar and river rafting. Slow internet, winter smog, leftover landmines in the countryside and patchy transport are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa99 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyBAMUS$1 ≈ KM1.74Details
- Price level40%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency122Police 122 · Ambulance 124 · Fire 123
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is generally safe and often spring-fed; public drinking fountains are common in Sarajevo and Mostar.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalSocially conservative; most LGBTQ+ people are discreet and discrimination is reported.Details
- Internet37 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 26 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightCarry a 1968 IDP with a non-EU licence, especially when renting locally. Buy border insurance if yours doesn't cover BiH.
Where to go in Bosnia and Herzegovina
3 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SarajevoCapital city | 4/5 | $1,040–1,500 | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | 70/100 |
| MostarCity | 4/5 | $920–1,320 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | 82/100 |
| Banja LukaCity | 4/5 | $863–1,270 | May–Jun, Sep | 79/100 |
When to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina
May–June and September–October for cities, hiking and rafting; July–August is very hot in Mostar. Ski Jahorina and Bjelašnica January–March, when Sarajevo gets smoggy.
Good to know
Entry
- Outside Schengen: Bosnia's own 90-days-in-180 rule applies. Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- Register with police or the Service for Foreigners' Affairs within 2–3 days of arrival; hotels and most hostels do it for you.
- EHIC and UK GHIC aren't valid here, so arrive with travel insurance.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Always carry your passport; police and hotels can ask for ID
- Photographing military or police sites can lead to detention
Etiquette
- Accept coffee when offered; Bosnian coffee is a slow ritual
- Remove shoes and cover up when visiting mosques
- Leave wartime and ethnic debates alone unless locals raise them
Tipping
Round up in cafés and taxis; about 10% in sit-down restaurants for good service.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Service for Foreigners' Affairs (SPS)
- UK FCDO travel advice: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Speedtest Global Index: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- EF English Proficiency Index 2025: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.