Bosnia and Herzegovina

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks, possible targets include:

• public transport, including train stations and airports
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship or religious holidays
• public areas that attract large groups of people, such as tourist attractions, music and cultural events, festivals, Pride events, seasonal markets, sporting venues and shopping centres

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 a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism
• Police contacts
• State investigation and protection agency

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

Ethnic and religious tensions may result in demonstrations or conflict.

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

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid all protests and demonstrations
• monitor the media for updates
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

The crime rate 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
• leave the area if you think there may be danger
• avoid obvious displays of wealth and carrying large sums of cash

More information:

• Scams

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

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

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

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

• earthquakes
• floods
• 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.

For specific information on bringing medication into Bosnia and Herzegovina, visit the Embassy or consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina website.

Insect-borne diseases

West Nile virus (WNV) cases have been reported. 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

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.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

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

There’s no agreement between Australia and Bosnia and Herzegovina for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Medical facilities may not be to the same standard as Australia , especially outside of major cities.

More information:

• Medical assistance overseas

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

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 laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Bosnia and Herzegovina recognises dual nationality only in certain circumstances.

If you're a dual national, 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 nationality status
• local laws regarding access to consular help

More information:

•  Advice for dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are legal but aren't widely accepted. 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 within a six-month period.

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

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:

• Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Ministry of Security

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

The currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible 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.

Driving permit

To drive a vehicle, you'll need both:

• a current Australian driver's licence (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted)
• a valid international driving permit (IDP)

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

If you’re staying longer than 6 months, you’ll need to get a local driving licence. 

The minimum age for driving is 18 years old. 

Road travel

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

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

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

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

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

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

Always wear a helmet.

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.

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

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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

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