Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go

Bosnia and Herzegovina, often referred to as Bosnia, has several major tourist attractions. Significantly, there are three cultural sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage List:

    • Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
    • Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad
    • Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards (with Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia)

 

Additionally, Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s old bazaar, is the historical and cultural center of the capital city.

U.S. citizens visiting Bosnia for tourism do not require visas if their stay is shorter than 90 days. However, your passport must be valid for three months after your departure date.

We spent a month in Mostar and a month in Sarajevo during our first year of full-time travel and we spent a month in Banja Luka during our second year.

Banja Luka

Banja Luka is the second-largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the largest city of Republika Srpska, which is also the de facto capital. Banja Luka is the traditional center of the densely forested Bosanska Krajina region of northwestern Bosnia.

Banja Luka

Mostar

Mostar is located in the southeast of Bosnia and Herzegovina, not too far from the Croatian border and the Adriatic coast. The Old Bridge (Stari Most) and the surrounding area of the Old City were included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2005.

Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is located along the Miljacka River and surrounded by the Dinaric Alps in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula. Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s old town, is the historical and cultural center of the city.

Sebilj Fountain in Sarajevo, Bosnia

Future Destinations

We have enjoyed our time in Bosnia and look forward to returning soon.

Trebinje

TBD

Bosnian Food

Local Food Products

According to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are 12 food products that have applied for a national geographical indication or designation of origin, but none of them have been granted so far.

These products reflect the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, influenced by various cultures and regions. The country is also working with FAO and other partners to improve the quality and competitiveness of its agri-food sector, as well as to enhance its resilience to climate change and other challenges.

Traditional Dishes

Coming Soon!

Check out our Bosnian Food page for more information.

Bosnian Wine

Wine Regions in Bosnia

  • Herzegovina Wine Region
  • Northern Bosnia Wine Region
Wine Bar in Mostar, Bosnia

Bosnian Wine Varietals

Red Wine

  • Blatina
  • Vranac
  • Trnjak

White Wine

  • Zilavka

Check out our Bosnian Wine page for more information.

Bosnian Architecture

The architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina is primarily influenced by four significant periods when political and social changes created distinct architectural styles in the region.

Architectural Styles

  • Medieval
  • Ottoman
  • Austro-Hungarian
  • Yugoslav

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad
  • Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
  • Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards
Old Bridge in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Check out our Bosnian Architecture page for more information.

FAQs About Bosnia and Herzegovina

What are the Regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Bosnia and Herzegovina, like many countries, is made of geographical, historical, and political regions.

Bosnia

  • Western Bosnia (Bosanska Krajina)
  • Bosnian Sava river basin (Bosanska Posavina)
  • Semberija
  • Eastern Bosnia (Bosnian Drina river basin) / Podrinje
  • Central Bosnia / Srednja Bosna
  • Tropolje

 

Herzegovina

  • West Herzegovina
  • East Herzegovina

 

What language is spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Bosnian is the official language of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Do I Need to Speak Bosnian to Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina?

No, speaking the local Bosnian language is not needed to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina. A very large percentage of locals speak English.

What Currency is Used in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark

Do I Need a Visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, check out our article on traveling visa-free.

Do I Need an Electrical Adapter for Visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s electrical outlets are Type C, F, and L. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter. It is the same adapter used for the rest of Europe.

If you have many items to plug in, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.

Is Bosnia and Herzegovina Safe?

Yes, we stayed for two months in Mostar and Sarajevo and felt very safe.

Is It Safe to Rent a Car and Drive in Bosnia?

Yes, it is very safe to rent a car and drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Be prepared for rural, narrow roads and the occasional herd of cows grazing on the side or standing in the road. Smaller is better when selecting your rental car as parking spots are tight.

What do I Need on My Bosnia and Herzegovina Packing List?

We recommend ladies bring their more conservative summer clothes for their stay in Bosnia. It’s not required, and you will be safe in a tube top and short skirt, but you will stick out.