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: 2026-05-19
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 6.503551
AAVE 0.006684
ADA 2.367359
AED 2.185898
AFN 37.205646
AKT 0.738367
ALGO 5.542895
ALL 48.848925
AMD 219.055686
AMP 711.386568
ANG 1.072348
AOA 546.742215
APE 4.127235
APT 0.630442
AR 0.278609
ARB 5.092640
ARS 830.964161
ATOM 0.289302
ATS 7.035530
AUD 0.833966
AVAX 0.064491
AWG 1.065421
AXS 0.506893
AZM 5,059.279992
AZN 1.011856
BAKE 805.026181
BAT 6.143539
BBD 1.190414
BCH 0.001567
BDT 73.141292
BEF 20.625463
BGN 1.0000
BHD 0.223798
BIF 1,773.165933
BMD 0.595207
BNB 0.000927
BND 0.761893
BOB 4.125289
BRL 2.981865
BSD 0.595207
BSV 0.039564
BSW 695.391806
BTC 0.000008
BTG 1.547264
BTN 57.371488
BTT 1,850,041.776917
BUSD 0.595509
BWP 8.091872
BYN 1.636813
BYR 16,368.133552
BZD 1.197994
CAD 0.818281
CAKE 0.421035
CDF 1,365.970624
CELO 7.396797
CFX 10.107948
CHF 0.467725
CHZ 12.105594
CLP 536.297205
CNH 4.049798
CNY 4.048403
COMP 0.027017
COP 2,261.274848
CRC 269.459915
CRO 8.517368
CRV 2.522729
CSPR 201.487213
CUC 0.595207
CUP 14.282021
CVE 56.380156
CVX 0.342937
CYP 0.299246
CZK 12.429859
DAI 0.595502
DASH 0.013876
DCR 0.035360
DEM 1.0000
DFI 606.135357
DJF 105.910473
DKK 3.820765
DOGE 5.706719
DOP 35.233791
DOT 0.476632
DYDX 4.115030
DZD 79.018520
EEK 8.0000
EGLD 0.151853
EGP 31.737909
ENJ 13.858180
EOS 7.357930
ERN 8.928106
ESP 85.071811
ETB 93.724478
ETC 0.066832
ETH 0.000279
EUR 0.511292
EURC 0.510893
FEI 0.597478
FIL 0.616790
FIM 3.040003
FJD 1.312483
FKP 0.443756
FLOW 16.494774
FLR 71.254093
FRAX 0.599395
FRF 3.353855
FTT 1.842184
GALA 177.023121
GBP 0.443756
GEL 1.590087
GGP 0.443756
GHC 68,091.202533
GHS 6.809120
GIP 0.443756
GMD 43.969961
GMX 0.089960
GNF 5,221.029148
GNO 0.005032
GRD 174.222709
GRT 23.665418
GT 0.083899
GTQ 4.537490
GUSD 0.596535
GYD 124.485554
HBAR 6.612427
HKD 4.661237
HNL 15.833845
HNT 0.722723
HOT 1,500.130111
HRK 3.852329
HT 4.104600
HTG 77.905255
HUF 184.368814
ICP 0.230461
IDR 10,550.116881
IEP 0.402675
ILS 1.727486
IMP 0.443756
IMX 3.496486
INJ 0.114198
INR 57.371488
IQD 779.876414
IRR 784,578.597284
ISK 73.318804
ITL 989.999131
JEP 0.443756
JMD 94.118219
JOD 0.422002
JPY 94.598614
KAS 17.223427
KAVA 10.334927
KCS 0.074303
KDA 71.555840
KES 76.971243
KGS 52.066799
KHR 2,387.194141
KLAY 11.442867
KMF 251.539116
KNC 4.145517
KPW 535.674727
KRW 895.891342
KSM 0.119533
KWD 0.183229
KYD 0.495065
KZT 279.289206
LAK 13,055.570233
LBP 53,359.078405
LDO 1.671216
LEO 0.059003
LINK 0.061410
LKR 198.226807
LRC 36.726317
LRD 109.088835
LSL 9.909780
LTC 0.010961
LTL 1.765389
LUF 20.625463
LUNA 9.404024
LUNC 7,572.693455
LVL 0.359336
LYD 3.779495
MAD 5.477678
MANA 6.753627
MBX 15.200272
MDL 10.300112
MGA 2,490.551715
MGF 12,452.758572
MINA 10.419297
MKD 31.507956
MKR 0.000345
MMK 1,249.485753
MNT 2,130.234074
MOP 4.801075
MRO 237.978194
MRU 23.797819
MTL 0.219498
MUR 28.143198
MVR 9.192725
MWK 1,035.932520
MXN 10.299911
MXV 1.165540
MYR 2.365550
MZM 38,016.121576
MZN 38.016122
NAD 9.909780
NEAR 0.368878
NEO 0.205864
NEXO 0.669178
NFT 2,104,469.325296
NGN 816.066530
NIO 21.878391
NLG 1.126739
NOK 5.519724
NPR 91.837409
NZD 1.016633
OKB 0.007279
OMR 0.228957
ONE 290.375574
OP 4.636022
ORDI 0.142997
PAB 0.595207
PAXG 0.000131
PEN 2.036935
PEPE 161,625.902854
PGK 2.629697
PHP 36.730900
PI 3.921258
PKR 165.828290
PLN 2.169088
POL 6.547923
PTE 102.504819
PYG 3,622.694042
QAR 2.166554
QNT 0.007955
QTUM 0.659170
ROL 26,635.509624
RON 2.663551
RPL 0.342954
RSD 60.010079
RUB 43.137610
RUNE 1.329965
RVN 107.696801
RWF 870.260593
SAND 8.265021
SAR 2.232027
SBD 4.765326
SCR 8.737999
SDD 35,726.170977
SDG 357.261710
SEK 5.600343
SGD 0.761893
SHIB 103,263.120132
SHP 0.443756
SIT 122.525986
SKK 15.403179
SLE 13.633142
SLL 13,633.141834
SNX 1.921503
SOL 0.007003
SOS 340.122742
SPL 0.099201
SRD 22.156468
SRG 22,156.467551
SSP 2,806.180546
STD 12,661.690568
STN 12.661691
STX 2.491677
SUI 0.562541
SVC 5.208062
SYP 65.791608
SZL 9.909780
THB 19.415841
THETA 3.014860
TJS 5.540373
TMM 10,437.616254
TMT 2.087523
TND 1.728546
TON 0.295793
TOP 1.415952
TRL 27,131,610.648407
TRX 1.668744
TRY 27.131611
TTD 4.037317
TUSD 0.595932
TVD 0.833966
TWD 18.831026
TWT 1.245638
TZS 1,548.741225
UAH 26.273368
UGX 2,243.155189
UNI 0.168571
USD 0.595207
USDC 0.595407
USDD 0.595816
USDP 0.596014
USDT 0.595752
UYU 23.858061
UZS 7,161.547807
VAL 989.999131
VEB 30,791,618,521.7397
VED 307.902448
VEF 30,790,244.807282
VES 307.902448
VET 88.360758
VND 15,672.045544
VUV 70.671281
WAVES 1.566037
WEMIX 2.203369
WOO 35.244173
WST 1.604116
XAF 335.385489
XAG 0.007820
XAU 0.000131
XAUT 0.000131
XBT 0.000008
XCD 1.611433
XCG 1.072348
XCH 0.214447
XDC 19.147185
XDR 0.435431
XEC 81,141.842627
XEM 894.328657
XLM 4.054312
XMR 0.001540
XOF 335.385489
XPD 0.000425
XPF 61.013351
XPT 0.000302
XRP 0.430618
XTZ 1.740762
YER 142.028276
ZAR 9.909780
ZEC 0.001040
ZIL 151.391780
ZMK 11,249.412726
ZMW 11.249413
ZWD 215.405449
ZWG 15.421948
ZWL 38,535.194426

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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.