Essential Travel Information for Bosnia and Herzegovina

​Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) offers a unique blend of history, culture, and scenic landscapes, far removed from its war-torn past. While the country was deeply affected by the Yugoslav Wars and the Siege of Sarajevo, it has since stabilized, making it safe for travelers. Visitors won’t need to exercise more caution than they would in most other countries.

In order to gain legal entry into Bosnia, most nationalities can get a 90-day in every 180 visa on arrival. Each visitor only needs to confirm their eligibility before planning a trip. Because it’s a multi-ethnic country, there are three official languages in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These include Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian. English is commonly spoken by young people and in commercial areas.

The country uses the Bosnia and Herzegovina mark as its official currency, though near the Bosnian-Croatian borders euros and Croatian kuna are also accepted. For tourists, though, paying in euros or US dollars comes at an unfavorable exchange rate.

Due to the economic effects of the war, Bosnia's financial system is still developing. Cash remains the primary method of payment, as cashless transactions are rare. ATMs are available but conversions, fees, and commissions can reach a significant 7 percent. Bosnia is not a part of the European Union (EU), so there are trade restrictions with other countries, making imported good cost higher. Some shops offer Western European prices for inexpensive lower-quality items.

In addition, weather extremes are normal in BH. It can get very cold in winter and summers temperatures are unpredictable, sometimes only reaching a high of 10 degrees Celsius. Despite its history, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina display warmth and resilience, welcoming visitors with open arms as they continue moving beyond the difficult times of the past.

James W Murphy Tucson AZ

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