Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a small, heart-shaped country in southeastern Europe steeped in history, with everything from Roman annexation and Slav invasion to 500 years of Ottoman empire playing a major role in its past. More recently, in the 1990s Bosnia and Herzegovina gained independence from socialist Yugoslavia in a violent upheaval that the country has now emerged from. Its tumultuous background has furnished Bosnia and Herzegovina with a culturally diverse and surprisingly hospitable population.

Travellers can enjoy the rich history of the capital city Sarajevo, the warm and sunny Mediterranean climate of Neum, a resort town on the Adriatic coast, or venture out to the fascinating Vetrenjica Caves. Other attractions to draw visitors are Medugorje, the Catholic pilgrimage site where visions of the Virgin Mary were reported in the 1980s, and the Kravica Waterfalls near Ljubuski. Bosnia and Herzegovina also offers great city breaks, winter sports and eco-adventures - the latter where this country is rapidly making its name.

As it proudly establishes itself as a new and exciting tourist destination, visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina will prove to be a remarkable and fulfilling vacation experience for those willing to explore the road less travelled on their European holidays.

Climate

The best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina is from May to October, when it is warmer and drier. Winters are very cold and often there is a lot of rain, snow and wind. The climates are different for each province, with Bosnia experiencing much higher rainfall than Herzegovina. Average temperatures in Sarajevo range from -.5ºC (31ºF) in January to 19ºC (66ºF) in July.

Money

The currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Konvertibilna Marka (BAM), comprised of 100 pfeninga. Some Euro notes (but not coins) are accepted. The Euro and US Dollar are the preferred foreign currencies. Credit cards are not generally accepted but ATMs are available in the major cities. Travellers cheques can only be exchanged at select banks. Banking hours are from Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm.

Passport Visa

Travellers are advised to hold return or onward tickets, as well as all documents required for next their destination and sufficient funds.

Entry Requirements

• US nationals require a passport. A visa is required for visits exceeding 90 days.
• UK nationals require a passport. A visa is required for visits exceeding 90 days.
• Canadians require a passport. A visa is required for visits exceeding 90 days.
• Australians require a passport. A visa is required for visits exceeding 90 days.
• South African nationals require a passport and a visa.
• Irish nationals require a passport. A visa is required for visits exceeding 90 days.
• New Zealand citizens require a passport. A visa is required for visits exceeding 90 days.

Health

While there are no serious health risks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended, as well as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. A typhoid vaccination is also advisable for travellers who may eat or drink outside the main restaurants and hotels. Travellers should take out comprehensive medical insurance.

Embassy Consulates

• Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 337 1500.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7373 0867.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 0028.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6232 4646.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Sarajevo: +387 33 704 000.
• British Embassy, Sarajevo: +387 33 282 200.
• Australian Embassy in Vienna, Austria (also responsible for Bosnia and Herzegovina): +43 (0)1 506 740.
• South African Embassy, Athens, Greece (also responsible for Bosnia and Herzegovina): +30 210 610 6645.
• Embassy of Ireland, Ljubljana, Slovenia (also responsible for Bosnia and Herzegovina): +386 (0)1 300 8970.
• New Zealand Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for Bosnia and Herzegovina): +39 06 853 7501.