Bosnia and Herzegovina

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals,  concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• be aware while in places known to be possible targets
• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the affected area as soon as it's safe to do so.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

The crime rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina is moderate. Home and vehicle break-ins are common, particularly in Sarajevo. Pickpocketing and bag snatching is common. Take extra care in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.  

Firearms are widely available. Travellers may not be targets, but you risk being in the wrong place at the wrong time, especially late at night.

To protect yourself from crime:

• keep your accommodation and car doors locked at all times
• don't go out alone after dark or to isolated places
• pay close attention to personal belongings, especially on public transport and in crowds
• use ATMs inside banks, shops and shopping centres and avoid ATMs on the street
• monitor the media for updates on areas with gun violence
• avoid known trouble areas
• avoid obvious displays of wealth and carrying large sums of cash

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Unexploded and unmarked landmines remain dangerous, particularly in the countryside and isolated mountainous areas. 

To protect yourself:

• stay on main roads and paved surfaces
• avoid abandoned houses and buildings
• travel only during daylight hours
• do not touch war relics and unknown items - report these to local authorities. 
• use an experienced guide if travelling off-road in rural areas

More information:

•  Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Centre.

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

 Ethnic and religious tensions may result in demonstrations or conflict.

 Events can happen with little or no warning and may target foreigners.

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• monitor the media for updates
• avoid areas where protests may occur
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Bosnia and Herzegovina experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• earthquakes
• flooding
• landslides
• bush and forest fires

Fires can happen during summer but are usually limited to uninhabited areas.

To protect yourself if there's a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities

If you can, access the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.

Wildlife

Visitors in mountain areas occasionally encounter bears and wolves. Take care if you’re in an area where bears have been sighted.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave and read the fine print. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers,  especially if you plan to undertake high-risk activities such as mountaineering or skiing
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered)
• what may void your coverage, such as consuming alcohol or driving a class of vehicle you aren’t licenced to drive. 

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication
• Embassy or consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Insect-borne diseases

West Nile virus (WNV) cases have been reported in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There's no vaccine to prevent it.

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forested and rural areas. 

They're active from spring to autumn.

To protect yourself from illness:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• check your body for ticks during and after visiting forests
• remove ticks as soon as possible, making sure to remove the whole tick
• monitor the tick site for signs of infection

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Measles

Measles cases can routinely occur. Bosnia and Herzegovina has experienced significant outbreaks in the past. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.

More information:

• Measles immunisation service (Department of Health)

Other health risks

Outbreaks of foodborne and other infectious diseases sometimes occur. These include:

• hepatitis
• trichinellosis
• brucellosis
• rabies

To reduce your risk of illness:

• drink boiled or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't consume unpasteurised dairy products
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you develop symptoms.

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
• World Health Organization 

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina aren't up to Australian standards, especially outside of major cities.

If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

More information:

• Arrested or jailed

Drugs

Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe. Possessing even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to prison sentences. This includes marijuana.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

You must carry your ID at all times.

It's illegal to photograph military and police:

• personnel
• buildings
• vehicles
• equipment

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Bosnia and Herzegovina recognises dual nationality only in certain circumstances.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina for advice on:

• your citizenship status
• local laws regarding access to consular help

More information:

•  Dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are legal but aren't widely tolerated. Avoid public displays of affection with someone of the same sex.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visa-free travel for short stays

You don't need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

You'll need a temporary residence permit if you plan to stay longer than 90 days.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina for details about visas, currency, customs and other travel requirements.

Other formalities

Ensure your passport is stamped when you enter the country. If it isn't stamped, you could face difficulties leaving.

For a stay of 3 days or more, you must register with the local police within 48 hours of arrival. Hotels can organise this for you and will confirm when you check in.

Children aged younger than 18 years old travelling alone or with one parent may need to produce the following:

• a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent or parents
• a copy of their birth certificate

Check with an embassy or consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina before you travel.

More information (not all links are available in English):

• Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Ministry of Civil Affairs

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnian Mark (KM or BAM).

You'll find ATMs in major centres.

While credit and debit card use is increasing, you'll still need cash outside Sarajevo.

Some banks will cash traveller's cheques for KM, but many won't accept them.

Driving permit

To drive a vehicle, you'll need both:

• a current Australian driver's licence
• a valid international driving permit (IDP)

Driving without an IDP could void your travel and vehicle insurance. Get your IDP before departing Australia. 

The minimum age for driving is 18 years old. 

Road travel

The road traffic death rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina is significantly higher than in Australia. 

Driving can be dangerous due to:

• bad roads
• poor road lighting
• poorly maintained vehicles
• drivers ignoring road rules or driving under the influence of alcohol

Black ice, fog and landslides can make roads hazardous in winter and spring.

Avoid driving off-road in rural areas in case of landmines. 

Driver's insurance

You need the correct insurance cover to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina in a vehicle. If you don't, border police will direct you to an insurer at the border crossing to buy insurance. 

If travelling by car, research and prepare before entry.

Not all border crossings have an insurer's office, and credit card payments aren't always possible.

Local traffic laws

You must always have your headlights on (even during the day).

From 1 November to 1 April, you must use winter tyres or tyres with snow chains. 

The blood alcohol limit is 0.03%. For drivers younger than 21 or with less than 3 years of driving experience, the limit is 0%.

Police can collect traffic fines on the spot.

More information:

• Driving or riding
• Bosnia and Herzegovina auto club (Bosnian)

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer if your policy covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Taxis are available in most towns and for inter-city travel.

Use only registered taxis with licence plates beginning with 'TA'.

Ensure the meter is running throughout your trip. Pay particular attention at the airport.

Public transport

Public transport is usually reliable but can be crowded, and standards vary. Be wary of pickpockets. 

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Bosnia and Herzegovina's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurer
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 123.

Medical emergencies

Call 124.

Police

Call 122.

Roadside Assistance

Call 1282/1285/1288.

For non-emergency criminal issues, contact the local police.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Sarajevo headed by an Honorary Consul. The office provides some consular assistance but can't issue emergency passports or perform notarial acts.

Get in contact before you visit.

Australian Consulate, Sarajevo

Strossmayerova 1/1
71000 Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Tel: +387 33 209 202
Email: auconsulate.bih@gmail.com 

Australian Embassy, Vienna

The Icon, Gertrude-Fröhlich-Sandner-Str. 2
1100 Vienna, Austria

Phone: +43 1 506 740 
Email: consular.vienna@dfat.gov.au
Website: austria.embassy.gov.au
X: @AusAmbVIE
Facebook: @AusEmbassyVie

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia