Bosnia and Herzegovina: Travel Requirements, Health & Medical Insurance
Bosnia and Herzegovina is not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area, although numerous nationalities can enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Sarajevo, the capital, blends Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and modern influences visible in its architecture, the result of a complex history that included the conflict of the 1990s.
A practical detail rarely mentioned in other guides: some rural and forested areas of the country, especially near former conflict lines, still have marked areas with landmine risk; it is best to stick to marked trails when hiking. The currency is the convertible mark (BAM) and the general emergency number is 112.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area; many nationalities can enter without a visa for up to 90 days, but the requirement depends solely on the traveler's passport.
Health & travel insurance: Care in Sarajevo and Mostar is adequate, but limited in rural areas; travel insurance with 24-hour medical assistance is recommended.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Nationalities exempt from a visa may stay up to 90 days for tourism purposes. Everyone else must apply for a visa at the corresponding consulate before traveling, since the country manages its immigration policy independently of the Schengen Area.
- Passport valid at the time of entry.
- Check whether your nationality is on the visa exemption list.
- When hiking in rural areas, always respect signage marking areas restricted due to remnants of the 1990s conflict.
Health, Hospitals, and Medical Insurance
Sarajevo and Mostar have hospitals of adequate quality, while medical services are more limited in rural areas. Care for foreigners is billed directly, with no broad reciprocity agreements.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Bosnia and Herzegovina; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote for the plan.
Transportation and Currency
The currency is the convertible mark (BAM), with a fixed exchange rate against the euro. Buses connect Sarajevo well with Mostar (about 2-3 hours) and with neighboring countries such as Croatia and Montenegro.
When to Travel
Spring and fall offer mild weather for touring Sarajevo and Mostar. Summer can be hot in the south, near Herzegovina, while winter brings snow to the mountains near Sarajevo, host of the 1984 Winter Olympics.
Travel checklist for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Check the visa requirement for Bosnia and Herzegovina based on your passport: Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area; many nationalities can enter without a visa for up to 90 days, but the requirement depends solely on the traveler's passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Care in Sarajevo and Mostar is adequate, but limited in rural areas; travel insurance with 24-hour medical assistance is recommended.
- Save Bosnia and Herzegovina's emergency number: 112 (also 122 police, 123 fire, and 124 ambulance), along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Convertible mark (BAM)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina?
It depends on your passport: many nationalities enter without a visa for up to 90 days and others must apply in advance.
What is the emergency number in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
112 works as the general number, along with specific lines such as 124 for ambulances.
Is there a risk of landmines in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
In some remote rural and forested areas there are still marked zones with risk from remnants of the 1990s conflict; it is best to stick to marked trails.
What currency should I use in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The convertible mark (BAM), with a fixed exchange rate against the euro.
