Traveling to BiH in 2023 – All you need to know before you go

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been named one of the world's must-see cities by the New York Times. But not only Sarajevo is worth seeing - in my 1.5 years here I have discovered many wonderful corners . There is hardly a country in Europe that is more diverse than the small, heart-shaped country in the Balkans. So let's dive in!

How to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina?

There are four international airports in Bosnia and Herzegovina if you travel by plane: Sarajevo, Tuzla, Banja Luka and Mostar. The first three are quite well connected to Europe and the Middle East, Mostar airport is only used for charter flights at the moment.

If you are planning a round trip through Bosnia and Herzegovina, a car is a good idea! If you are travelling with your own car, you will need an international insurance card (formerly known as a "green card") to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. This must contain an entry with the country code "BIH". Alternatively, you can rent a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina - make sure you have fully comprehensive insurance and in both cases - whether you are travelling with your own car or a rented one - park the car in guarded car parks.

There are bus connections to Bosnia and Herzegovina from most major European cities. In general, journey times are long and you can expect long waiting times at the borders. Nevertheless, the bus is a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative than the plane. Alternatively, you can take the night train to Split in Croatia and from there take the bus to Mostar or Sarajevo.

What documents do I need to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina?

EU and US citizens do not need a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days within a period of six months. If you want to stay longer, you need a valid residence permit.

Note that your travel document must still be valid for at least three months when you leave the country - and longer when you enter.

When is the best time to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The best time to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina depends on what you want to do. The country has several climate zones, from maritime to continental.

Herzegovina and the coast have a more Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. However, temperatures in Herzegovina and Sarajevo can occasionally reach 40 degrees in July and August. Temperatures are somewhat cooler in spring and autumn, but there are still plenty of sunny days.

For winter sports, the winter season between the beginning of December and the end of March is definitely a good choice;

What currency is used and do I need cash?

In Bosnia and Herzegovina you pay with the convertible mark - abbreviated KM or sometimes BAM. It has a fixed conversion rate: One euro is always equal to 1.95583 KM. So the conversion is super easy.

You can pay with Maestro, Master and Visa Card in all bigger restaurants and supermarkets. Smaller shops, taxis and cafés might only accept cash though, so it's best to always have a small amount of Marks on you.

I recommend you bring Dollars or Euros and exchange them here in one of the exchange offices. Never exchange money on the street and avoid the banks as they give you a worse exchange rate than exchange offices.

Do I have to tip?

There is no big tipping culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it is appreciated to round up the bill and if you go for dinner to a restaurant and enjoy the service, a 10 % tip is much appreciated.

Is Bosnia and Herzegovina a safe destination?

Yes, Bosnia and Herzegovina is an absolutely safe destination! Many people still only associate the country with the Bosnian war, but the small Balkan country is so much more!

The crime rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina is low, so you can start your holiday without any worries. At most, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in tourist hotspots like Sarajevo or Mostar.

If you are travelling in your own car, I recommend that you park it in a guarded car park and do not leave anything open in the back seat - it is possible that vehicles with foreign licence plates are the target of car theft and burglaries. But that's about it.

How is the driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, you drive on the right side of the road. Many cars are manual but all rental companies have automatic options as well. Be careful when driving around the city as there are many small streets and drivers don't have a lot of patience. When parking, pay attention to the parking signs – if you park at a wrong spot, your car might be towed.

When driving around the country side be aware of sheep and other animals that can wander into the road and stick to the speed limits as speed traps are quite common. In the winter time, the roads can also be slick or snowy, but all cars are equipped with winter tires in these times.

Gas station are plentiful in the country and you will most likely find one in even the smallest of villages so you shouldn't be worried about refueling.

For the highway, you have to pay a toll fee in cash or credit card – when you enter the highway, you take a ticket from the ticket machine and pay the distance you drove once you get off the highway again.

Try to stick to Google Maps' recommendations and the main roads as some road in Bosnia and Herzegovina are not in the best condition. If you want to travel to less accessible areas, a 4x4 might be a good idea.Kapitals rent a carin Sarajeco accepts all foreign drivers’ licenses as long as they are valid and in English.

How expensive is a holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Generally speaking, Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. You can book many activities for under 100 euros. A night in a middle-class hotel in a double room costs about 30 euros per person - in guesthouses or flats, of course, it's cheaper. A dinner with a drink will cost you 10 to 15 euros in the capital Sarajevo or in Mostar, elsewhere it is cheaper. As you can see, a holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be as cheap or as expensive as you like.

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I hope you are now well prepared for your next holiday in this underrated little Balkan country! Still looking for an itinerary? Then check out my Bosnia travel guide, where I suggest specific routes and share insider tips and the best restaurants.

Looking for something a bit more personal, perfectly suited to your travel wishes and needs? Submit a request for a personalized itinerary or book a 60-minute video call and receive a perfectly tailored itinerary for your trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I'm so excited for your trip to this beautiful heart-shaped country! Let me know on Instagram @kathi.daniela how you enjoyed your time here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I can't wait to hear from you!