Europe · Southeast Europe

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+01:00
🏛️ Capital
Sarajevo
👥 Population
3,422,000
📐 Area
51,209 km²
💱 Currency
Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (KM)
🗣️ Languages
Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
📞 Calling Code
+387
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+01:00
🌐 Region
Europe / Southeast Europe

About Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that rewards the curious traveler with a rare blend of Ottoman elegance, Austro-Hungarian grandeur, and raw Balkan wilderness. Nestled in the heart of the Western Balkans, this compact nation packs an extraordinary range of experiences into its rugged terrain. From the moment you arrive in Sarajevo, the capital city straddling East and West, you sense the layered history that gives this destination its unique soul.

Traveling through Bosnia and Herzegovina means wandering cobblestone bazaars where the scent of freshly brewed Bosnian coffee mingles with the smoke of cevapi grills, then turning a corner to find Gothic cathedrals and Sephardic synagogues standing in quiet harmony. The iconic Stari Most bridge in Mostar, rebuilt after wartime destruction, arches gracefully over the turquoise Neretva River as a testament to resilience and reconciliation.

Beyond the cities, the countryside opens up into some of Europe's most dramatic and unspoiled landscapes. The Una, Neretva, and Tara rivers carve through deep gorges ideal for rafting, while rolling meadows bloom with wildflowers in spring. Whether you are exploring medieval fortresses, soaking in thermal springs, or sharing stories over a slow home-cooked meal, Bosnia and Herzegovina leaves a lasting impression far greater than its modest size would suggest.

History & Background

Bosnia and Herzegovina's recorded history stretches back to Illyrian tribes and later Roman settlement, but it was the medieval Bosnian Kingdom — with its enigmatic Bogomil tombstones called stećci — that forged an early distinct identity. Ottoman conquest in 1463 transformed the region profoundly, introducing Islam, distinctive architecture, and a new administrative culture that shaped Sarajevo into one of the great cities of the early modern Islamic world.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914 lit the fuse of the First World War, forever linking this small city to global history. Decades of Yugoslav federation followed, until the violent dissolution of the early 1990s brought devastating conflict and the Siege of Sarajevo — the longest siege of a capital city in the history of modern warfare. From those ashes, a resilient nation rebuilt itself, emerging as a compelling destination defined as much by its hard-won peace as by its ancient heritage.

Culture & People

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a tapestry of three major constituent peoples — Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs — whose intertwined histories have produced a culture of remarkable depth. Islam, Catholicism, and Orthodox Christianity coexist within the same neighborhoods, creating a mosaic visible in the architecture, cuisine, and daily rituals of its people. You will find the muezzin's call echoing alongside church bells in Sarajevo, a harmony that speaks to centuries of shared life.

Hospitality sits at the core of Bosnian society. Guests are received with immediate warmth, often welcomed with thick Bosnian coffee served in traditional džezvas alongside a cube of sugar. Folk traditions thrive in rural areas, where epic oral poetry, embroidery, and sevdalinka — a hauntingly beautiful form of urban folk song — continue to define local identity. Music festivals and cultural gatherings throughout the year celebrate this diversity, making every visit feel like a window into a genuinely living culture.

Food & Cuisine

Bosnian cuisine is hearty, aromatic, and deeply connected to both Ottoman and Central European traditions. The quintessential street food is cevapi — small grilled minced-meat sausages served in a pillowy somun flatbread with raw onion and kajmak, a creamy clotted dairy spread. Burek, a flaky phyllo pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach, is the beloved morning staple, best enjoyed fresh from a pekara (bakery) with a glass of plain yogurt.

Slow-cooked dishes such as bosanski lonac, a rich meat-and-vegetable stew simmered in a clay pot, and japrak (grape-leaf dolma) reflect the Ottoman culinary legacy. Desserts lean heavily toward baklava, tufahija (walnut-stuffed poached apple), and halvah. The meal typically concludes with Bosnian coffee, a ritual in itself: the grounds steep slowly in the džezva, and time slows down with every sip. Local rakija, a fruit brandy, is the social lubricant at nearly every gathering.

Top Attractions

  • Stari Most, Mostar — The iconic 16th-century Ottoman bridge rebuilt after wartime destruction, arching over the jade-green Neretva River in one of Europe's most photogenic settings.
  • Baščaršija, Sarajevo — The historic Ottoman bazaar at the heart of the capital, lined with copper workshops, carpet stalls, and traditional coffee houses.
  • Una National Park — A pristine river wilderness in northwest Bosnia where waterfalls, rapids, and emerald pools make for superb kayaking and hiking.
  • Počitelj — A remarkably preserved medieval Ottoman village perched on a hillside above the Neretva, featuring a fortress, mosque, and clocktower.
  • Jahorina Ski Resort — One of the Balkans' finest ski destinations, just 30 km from Sarajevo, offering quality slopes at a fraction of Alpine prices.
  • Tunnel of Hope, Sarajevo — A deeply moving museum preserving the 800-metre tunnel dug beneath the airport during the 1992–1995 siege, essential for understanding modern Bosnian history.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Carry local convertible marks (BAM) as many smaller establishments and rural vendors do not accept cards.
  • Learn a few phrases in Bosnian — "hvala" (thank you) and "molim" (please) go a long way with locals.
  • Book accommodation in Mostar well in advance during July and August, as the city fills quickly with summer visitors.
  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques — bring a scarf to cover your head and remove shoes at the entrance.
  • Take minibus or shared taxi (kombi) between Sarajevo and Mostar for an affordable and scenic 2.5-hour journey.
  • Tap water is safe and of excellent quality throughout most of the country.
  • Respect war memorial sites — the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial and Cemetery is a place of solemn significance.

Visa Overview

Citizens of the European Union, United States, Canada, Australia, and most other Western nations can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. No prior visa application is necessary — simply present your valid passport at the border. Travelers from countries not on the visa-free list must apply for a visa through the nearest Bosnian embassy or consulate before departure. Always confirm current entry requirements with official sources before travel, as regulations may change.

Getting Around

Getting around Bosnia and Herzegovina is straightforward on the main corridors but can require patience on rural roads. Intercity buses are the backbone of public transport, with frequent and affordable services linking Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka, and Tuzla. Train services exist but are slower and less frequent. Within Sarajevo, trams and trolleybuses cover the main routes efficiently. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring national parks and villages at your own pace, though mountain roads can be narrow and steep.

Safety Notes

Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally safe for travelers, with low rates of violent crime toward tourists. The main hazard to be aware of is the presence of landmines in some rural and forested areas left over from the 1990s conflict — always stick to marked paths and heed warning signs. Petty theft can occur in busy tourist areas of Sarajevo and Mostar; keep valuables secure. Politically sensitive topics around the recent war should be approached with care and empathy.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM) KM
Updated: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 8.154738
AAVE 0.006615
ADA 3.113936
AED 2.146733
AFN 37.164599
AGIX 7.492240
AKT 0.931986
ALGO 6.529917
ALL 47.915846
AMD 215.094268
AMP 1,310.513130
ANG 1.054130
AOA 536.840594
APE 4.169836
APT 0.934667
AR 0.292835
ARB 7.308182
ARS 872.467344
ATOM 0.369664
ATS 7.035530
AUD 0.843823
AVAX 0.084667
AWG 1.046331
AXS 0.578885
AZM 4,968.611478
AZN 0.993722
BAKE 777.941829
BAT 6.637281
BBD 1.169085
BCH 0.002422
BDT 72.058610
BEF 20.625463
BGN 1.0000
BHD 0.219788
BIF 1,740.187332
BMD 0.584543
BNB 0.001000
BND 0.755526
BOB 4.049220
BRL 3.020965
BSD 0.584543
BSV 0.039592
BSW 1,746.494250
BTC 0.000009
BTCB 11.030363
BTG 2.025756
BTN 55.692204
BTT 2,204,065.896557
BUSD 0.584045
BWP 7.889414
BYN 1.697467
BYR 11,458.141865
BZD 1.177307
CAD 0.830623
CAKE 0.403657
CDF 1,348.681794
CELO 8.700635
CFX 13.065568
CHF 0.470230
CHZ 32.378573
CLP 538.480492
CNH 3.969848
CNY 3.968275
COMP 0.034878
COP 1,953.851432
CRC 266.368312
CRO 9.779508
CRV 2.734349
CSPR 300.981243
CUC 0.584599
CUP 15.491876
CVE 56.380156
CVX 0.486021
CYP 0.299246
CZK 12.366232
DAI 0.584819
DASH 0.016617
DCR 0.052659
DEM 1.0000
DFI 703.580008
DJF 104.102877
DKK 3.821864
DOGE 7.564129
DOP 34.643681
DOT 0.670086
DYDX 4.426224
DZD 77.740635
EEK 8.0000
EGLD 0.211494
EGP 28.713885
ENJ 20.198004
EOS 8.070228
ERN 8.768139
ESP 85.071811
ETB 93.500821
ETC 0.082303
ETH 0.000329
EUR 0.511292
EURC 0.511664
FEI 0.584750
FIL 0.740312
FIM 3.040003
FJD 1.312595
FKP 0.438100
FLOW 20.858450
FLR 84.095776
FRAX 0.590907
FRF 3.353855
FTT 2.454037
GALA 255.156727
GBP 0.438100
GEL 1.535328
GGP 0.438100
GHC 66,409.752567
GHS 6.640975
GIP 0.438100
GMD 43.106702
GMX 0.098640
GNF 5,124.999894
GNO 0.005560
GRD 174.222709
GRT 30.809939
GT 0.086223
GTQ 4.461841
GUSD 0.585314
GYD 122.353710
HBAR 7.741278
HKD 4.584591
HNL 15.649508
HNT 2.439267
HOT 1,619.851256
HRK 3.852329
HT 16.314883
HTG 76.513498
HUF 180.794379
ICP 0.265170
IDR 10,517.381094
IEP 0.402675
ILS 1.755770
IMP 0.438100
IMX 4.230806
INJ 0.119648
INR 55.692204
IQD 766.448690
IRR 804,379.096666
ISK 73.626820
ITL 989.999131
JEP 0.438100
JMD 92.604748
JOD 0.414441
JPY 94.608071
KAS 19.055774
KAVA 12.955621
KCS 0.080967
KDA 100.291363
KES 75.576001
KGS 51.126569
KHR 2,343.917277
KMF 251.539116
KNC 5.243994
KPW 526.139372
KRW 896.021879
KSM 0.165887
KWD 0.181383
KYD 0.486293
KZT 276.338447
LAK 13,215.950939
LBP 52,493.920905
LDO 2.163914
LEO 0.062453
LINK 0.073205
LKR 195.760478
LRC 47.575742
LRD 106.166947
LSL 9.501032
LTC 0.012950
LTL 1.765389
LUF 20.625463
LUNA 11.902987
LUNC 9,520.987129
LVL 0.359336
LYD 3.749471
MAD 5.473449
MANA 8.400673
MBX 23.242624
MDL 10.288608
MGA 2,480.522468
MGF 12,402.612341
MINA 12.329852
MKD 31.496471
MKR 0.000408
MMK 1,227.145850
MNT 2,095.081678
MOP 4.722129
MRO 233.448969
MRU 23.344897
MTL 0.219498
MUR 27.477405
MVR 9.036671
MWK 1,013.968829
MXN 10.217407
MXV 1.158559
MYR 2.383331
MZM 37,332.692829
MZN 37.332693
NAD 9.501032
NEAR 0.293375
NEO 0.295521
NEXO 0.759838
NFT 2,205,652.468392
NGN 800.986594
NIO 21.517521
NLG 1.126739
NOK 5.749810
NPR 89.149296
NZD 1.027422
OKB 0.007329
OMR 0.224978
ONE 467.664455
OP 5.437234
ORDI 0.180073
PAB 0.584543
PAXG 0.000141
PEN 1.990533
PEPE 214,309.941833
PGK 2.571572
PHP 35.956913
PI 5.167294
PKR 162.625446
PLN 2.194803
POL 7.948387
PTE 102.504819
PYG 3,555.554895
QAR 2.127735
QNT 0.008731
QTUM 0.822322
ROL 26,720.162703
RON 2.672016
RPL 0.288708
RSD 59.970434
RUB 45.043492
RUNE 1.413435
RVN 153.378557
RWF 856.864007
SAND 11.715826
SAR 2.192035
SBD 4.730154
SCR 8.352994
SDD 35,086.890311
SDG 350.868903
SEK 5.642492
SGD 0.755526
SHIB 133,509.612571
SHP 0.438100
SIT 122.525986
SKK 15.403179
SLE 13.350924
SLL 13,350.924117
SNX 2.552738
SOL 0.007245
SOS 333.797640
SPL 0.097424
SRD 22.004883
SRG 22,004.882990
SSP 2,776.101529
STD 12,619.604824
STN 12.619605
STX 3.418462
SUI 0.782422
SVC 5.114748
SYP 64.616962
SZL 9.501032
THB 19.430358
THETA 4.166813
TJS 5.418291
TMM 10,256.356300
TMT 2.051271
TND 1.723196
TOP 1.407758
TRL 27,365,623.252623
TRX 1.779955
TRY 27.365623
TTD 3.960853
TUSD 0.585767
TVD 0.843823
TWD 18.758112
TWT 1.700385
TZS 1,535.949396
UAH 26.050487
UGX 2,136.220030
UNI 0.184956
USD 0.584543
USDC 0.584723
USDD 0.585137
USDP 0.586311
USDT 0.585173
UYU 23.527293
UZS 6,995.687489
VAL 989.999131
VEB 37,670,177,888.4467
VED 376.668241
VEF 37,666,824.121640
VES 376.668241
VET 123.910339
VND 15,373.593744
VUV 70.257303
WAVES 2.199766
WEMIX 2.257820
WOO 49.367692
WST 1.616735
XAF 335.385489
XAG 0.009467
XAU 0.000140
XAUT 0.000141
XBT 0.000009
XCD 1.582283
XCG 1.054130
XCH 0.370905
XDC 20.803355
XDR 0.431151
XEC 110,043.795286
XEM 1,365.460722
XLM 2.928005
XMR 0.001806
XOF 335.385489
XPD 0.000460
XPF 61.013351
XPT 0.000357
XRP 0.510620
XTZ 2.349207
YER 138.532762
ZAR 9.501032
ZEC 0.001283
ZIL 189.491205
ZMK 10,725.953211
ZMW 10.725953
ZWD 211.545970
ZWG 15.679524
ZWL 39,178.806765

No currencies match your search.

Cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina 183
Browse all cities and towns
Banja Luka Banovići Bihać Bijeljina Bileća Bosanska Krupa Bosanski Petrovac Bosansko Grahovo Bratunac Brčko Breza Brod Bugojno Busovača Bužim Čajniče Čapljina Cazin Čelić Čelinac Čitluk Derventa Doboj Donji Vakuf Drvar Foča Fojnica Gacko Glamoč Goražde Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje Gračanica Gradačac Gradiška Grude Hadžići Han Pijesak Ilidža Ilijaš Jablanica Jajce Kakanj Kalesija Kalinovik Kiseljak Kladanj Ključ Kneževo Konjic Kostajnica Kotor Varoš Kozarska Dubica Kreševo Kupres Laktaši Livno Ljubinje Ljubuški Lopare Lukavac Lukavica Maglaj Milići Modriča Mostar Mrkonjić Grad MZ Avenija Kralja Tomislava MZ Bačevići MZ Bijeli brijeg II MZ Bišćani MZ Bistrica MZ Bjelimići MZ Bogodol MZ Božići MZ Brezičani MZ Bulozi MZ Busnovi MZ Čarakovo MZ Centar II MZ Cernica-Šantićeva MZ Cikote MZ Cim MZ Čirkin Polje MZ Donja Ljubija MZ Donji Volar MZ Gomjenica MZ Goranci MZ Gornja Dragotinja MZ Gornja Ravska MZ Gornji Jelovac MZ Gornji Orlovci MZ Gornji Petrov Gaj MZ Gradina MZ Hambarine MZ Hreša MZ Ilići MZ Jasenica MZ Jutrogošta MZ Kamičani MZ Kevljani MZ Kozarac MZ Kozaruša MZ Kruševo MZ Lamovita MZ Ljeskare i Kalajevo MZ Marićka MZ Miljkovići MZ Miska Glava MZ Omarska MZ Orlovača MZ Petrov Gaj MZ Petrovo MZ Podhum MZ Polog MZ Prijedor centar MZ Prijedor II MZ Rakelići MZ Rakovčani MZ Rasavci MZ Raškovac MZ Raštani MZ Rizvanovići MZ Rodoč II MZ Rondo MZ Rudnik MZ Slipčići MZ Šurkovac MZ Trebević MZ Trnopolje MZ Tukovi MZ Vihovići MZ Vrdi MZ Vučija Luka MZ Zahum MZ Zecovi MZ Zgoni Neum Nevesinje Novi Grad Novi Travnik Odžak Olovo Orašje Pale Posušje Prijedor Prnjavor Prozor Rogatica Rudo Šamac Sanski Most Sarajevo Šekovići Šipovo Široki Brijeg Sokolac Srbac Srebrenica Srebrenik Stanari Stolac Tešanj Teslić Tomislavgrad Travnik Trebinje Trnovo Tuzla Ugljevik Vareš Velika Kladuša Višegrad Visoko Vitez Vlasenica Vogošća Zavidovići Zenica Žepče Živinice Zvornik МЗ Čejreci

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sarajevo.
What currency does Bosnia and Herzegovina use?
Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (KM) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The official language(s) of Bosnia and Herzegovina include Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian.
What is the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a population of approximately 3,422,000 people.
What region is Bosnia and Herzegovina in?
Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in Europe, specifically in the Southeast Europe subregion.
What is the international calling code for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The international dialing code for Bosnia and Herzegovina is +387.
What time zones does Bosnia and Herzegovina observe?
Bosnia and Herzegovina observes the following time zone(s): UTC+01:00.
What is the current time in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The local time in Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina covers a total area of 51,209 km².
How many states or provinces does Bosnia and Herzegovina have?
Bosnia and Herzegovina is divided into 4 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Visa requirements for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.