Frequently asked questions

Yes. Violent crime against visitors is rare. Take the usual care with bags in crowded places and agree taxi fares in advance if there is no meter.

Some rural areas still hold mines from the 1992–95 war. Cities, main roads and the sights in this guide are not affected, but outside paved surfaces no one can guarantee that an area is clear. Stay on tarmac and well-used paths, respect red warning signs, never enter abandoned buildings or overgrown fields, and do not hike off paved surfaces in rural or mountain areas without an experienced local guide. BHMAC, the national demining centre, publishes maps of suspected areas at bhmac.org.

Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can stay up to 90 days in 180 without a visa. Check the current rules for your passport before you travel.

The currency is the convertible mark (KM), fixed at 1.95583 KM to the euro. Many places accept euros at a rounded rate, but you get change in KM. Cards work in cities; carry cash elsewhere. ATMs are easy to find.

Tap water is safe to drink in cities and most towns. In the mountains, drink from springs only where locals do.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is home to Muslims, Orthodox and Catholic Christians and Jews. Alcohol is widely available, and dress is relaxed in cities. Dress modestly in religious buildings.

Yes. Restaurants stay open, and the evenings are lively. Be considerate about eating in front of people who are fasting, especially near mosques.

Yes, but with care. Many people lived through it and some will talk openly; let them lead the conversation and avoid taking sides.

Type C and F sockets, 230 V, as in most of continental Europe.

Prices are lower than in Western Europe. A comfortable trip with a guesthouse, meals out and some entrance fees often costs 50–100 euros per person per day.

The country has two entities, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, plus the Brčko District. There are no border checks between them; you will notice the Cyrillic script in Republika Srpska.

Central European Time (CET), with summer time from late March to late October.