Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue.

 

Crime

The level of crime is low, and crime against foreigners is particularly low. Beware of pickpockets on public transport, and in the tourist and pedestrian areas of Sarajevo and other cities. Excessive displays of wealth, including large quantities of cash or jewellery and luxury vehicles can make you a target for opportunist thieves. Be vigilant and make sure personal belongings including your passports are secure.

 

There have been a number of thefts from cars and from ‘locked’ compartments on trains. Make sure that all doors are properly locked and all valuables are placed out of sight.

 

Report all incidents of crime to the local police station and a get a written report.

 

Local travel

 

Landmines and other unexploded ordnance remain from the 1992-95 war. Highly populated areas and major routes are clear of mines and are safe to visit, but you should take special care near to the former lines of conflict. Although roads themselves may be clear on major routes, there are many landmines close to the edge of roads. Don’t stray from roads and paved areas without an experienced guide. Unless you have an experienced guide, you should avoid the open countryside and especially destroyed or abandoned buildings, neglected land, un-tarred roads, woods and orchards, private property and abandoned villages. Abandoned buildings, even in towns and cities may be booby trapped with mines. For further information, check the Mine Action Centre website.

 

English is not widely spoken, but getting around is not difficult. Local rail, bus and tram services are generally reliable if sometimes slow. Official taxis in Sarajevo and the major towns are well-regulated, metered and generally safe to use. Taxi drivers from the Republika Srpska might be unwilling to drive to a destination in the Federation, and vice versa. Don’t use unlicensed taxis.

 

Road travel

 

It is obligatory to have your Drivers’ Licence with you at all times when driving in/through Bosnia and Herzegovina. A UK driving licence is valid as long as you’re driving your own vehichle or a car hired outside of Bosnia. If you’re renting or using someone else’s vehicle within the country, an International Driving Permit is required. It should be obtained in the UK prior to travel.

 

If you are driving to, or through, Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the 9.5 km road section at Neum on the Dalmatian Coastal Highway, make sure your Green Card includes cover for Bosnia and Herzegovina. This cover is not automatically included by many UK insurers, but can often be added to the policy for an additional fee. Alternatively, you can buy temporary third-party insurance at the main border posts, or in Split and other large Croatian cities. You can’t get insurance at the Neum border.

 

Make sure you have original vehicle registration and ownership papers with you as border guards, customs or the insurance company may want to see them.

 

Contact the Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy in London if you have more detailed questions about bringing a vehicle in to the country. The British Embassy won’t be able to help if you don’t have the correct documentation on arrival at the border.

 

Take care when travelling outside the main towns and cities, especially in winter when road conditions can worsen quickly.

 

Between 15 November and 15 April you are legally required to use winter equipment on your vehicle. This means:

 

all tyres must have an MS, M+S or M&S mark and a stylised symbol of a snowflake; the thread should be at least 4 mm deep

snow chains should be carried as their use is compulsory in winter conditions or if the relevant sign is displayed

You must drive with dipped headlamps at all times, not just after dark. Apart from the outskirts of Sarajevo there are no dual carriageways in the country. Take great care when driving at night as many roads are badly lit or have no lighting at all. Avoid long-distance travel at night. Take care when overtaking and when approaching traffic lights as local drivers have a habit of braking suddenly when traffic lights change to amber. If you are involved in an accident, stay at the scene until the police arrive. The police may breathalyse those involved. Traffic police can impose on the spot fines for any traffic offence.

 

See the AA andRAC guides on driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 

Air travel

 

Sarajevo (Butmir) International airport is prone to fog from October to March and particularly during December and January. If you are travelling into or out of Sarajevo during winter, make sure you have enough money if you are forced to extend your stay, as many airlines won’t take responsibility for accommodation due to delays caused by adverse weather.

 

Political situation

 

Protests, often at short notice, can be expected across major cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 7 February 2014 some demonstrations turned violent. Since then protests have remained peaceful but can cause disruption to traffic and limit access to public buildings. Keep up to date with developments, be vigilant, and avoid protests.

 

There is a small risk of isolated violence linked to the return of displaced persons or the arrest of war crimes suspects. This can occur without any warning anywhere in the country.

 

Health

 

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

Medical and dental facilities, particularly outside Sarajevo and major towns are limited.

 

Most European states and Bosnia and Herzegovina have a reciprocal healthcare agreement which entitles British passport holders to free hospital treatment and some dental treatment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although European nationals are entitled to free treatment, in practice the healthcare authorities in Bosnia might not have the immediate resources to provide treatment without charging you.

 

The healthcare agreement will not cover you for any medical costs if you are injured during dangerous sporting activities. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Your insurance should also include cover for evacuation by air ambulance.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 124 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Money

 

Most transactions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are in cash. The local currency is the Bosnian Mark. Cashing travellers’ cheques is possible at some banks. ATMs are available in the larger cities. Credit and debit cards may be accepted outside Sarajevo, but you should make sure you have enough cash with you when travelling outside major cities.

 

Registration

 

All foreign nationals must register with the police within 48 hours of arrival. Hotels will usually arrange this for their guests.

 

Foreing Citizens who wish to remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina for longer than 90 days must apply to the Border Police for a Residency Permit. In addition to a valid passport the Border Police require a Police document showing that you have no criminal record in your home country.

 

Travelling with children

 

Children under 18 years of age who are not Bosnian nationals and who are travelling unaccompanied or accompanied by an adult person other than their parents must carry a notarised letter from their parents giving permission for the child to travel. The name of the accompanying adult must be clearly stated. If the child is accompanied by one parent, particularly if the parent has a different surname to the child’s, the accompanying parent should carry a notarised letter from the other parent giving permission to travel. 

 

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