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: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 5.423907
AAVE 0.003155
ADA 2.127963
AED 2.105837
AFN 37.048545
AKT 0.749282
ALGO 4.464829
ALL 47.033265
AMD 207.445286
AMP 894.246896
ANG 1.031111
AOA 525.248128
APE 3.578965
APT 0.698415
AR 0.127201
ARB 2.812696
ARS 871.533726
ATOM 0.314942
ATS 7.035530
AUD 0.822824
AVAX 0.050502
AWG 1.026399
AXS 0.437838
AZM 4,874.026559
AZN 0.974805
BAKE 2,233.994328
BAT 5.436024
BBD 1.146814
BCH 0.001814
BDT 70.488922
BEF 20.625463
BGN 1.0000
BHD 0.215601
BIF 1,722.756596
BMD 0.573407
BNB 0.000734
BND 0.733663
BOB 6.878525
BRL 2.866302
BSD 0.573407
BSV 0.028716
BSW 1,393.462396
BTC 0.000007
BTCB 8.206805
BTG 0.869165
BTN 55.286792
BTT 1,542,376.102550
BUSD 0.573310
BWP 7.891940
BYN 1.749307
BYR 11,240.333082
BZD 1.153177
CAD 0.818171
CAKE 0.234473
CDF 1,325.141268
CELO 5.513590
CFX 10.450075
CHF 0.476933
CHZ 34.279092
CLP 557.941738
CNH 3.843559
CNY 3.844789
COMP 0.023394
COP 1,834.122236
CRC 262.383543
CRO 8.443936
CRV 1.555438
CSPR 224.794498
CUC 0.573486
CUP 13.735283
CVE 56.380156
CVX 0.259038
CYP 0.299246
CZK 12.508230
DAI 0.573640
DASH 0.010115
DCR 0.031094
DEM 1.0000
DFI 627.394151
DJF 102.009667
DKK 3.821418
DOGE 6.047456
DOP 34.364916
DOT 0.463445
DYDX 3.924543
DZD 77.081067
EEK 8.0000
EGLD 0.128297
EGP 30.062626
ENJ 17.320957
EOS 5.642550
ERN 8.601105
ESP 85.071811
ETB 93.271481
ETC 0.064618
ETH 0.000212
EUR 0.511292
EURC 0.511223
FEI 0.573657
FIL 0.480373
FIM 3.040003
FJD 1.290220
FKP 0.433940
FLOW 18.123093
FLR 79.550323
FRAX 0.579212
FRF 3.353855
FTT 2.219735
GALA 236.667751
GBP 0.433940
GEL 1.488271
GGP 0.433940
GHC 67,413.493298
GHS 6.741349
GIP 0.433940
GMD 42.438453
GMX 0.065308
GNF 5,041.491298
GNO 0.004722
GRD 174.222709
GRT 19.693025
GT 0.051222
GTQ 4.375912
GUSD 0.574589
GYD 119.698400
HBAR 5.696019
HKD 4.499784
HNL 15.375240
HNT 1.105050
HOT 1,252.090617
HRK 3.852329
HT 15.721126
HTG 74.928231
HUF 187.824637
ICP 0.164456
IDR 10,272.724781
IEP 0.402675
ILS 1.753567
IMP 0.433940
IMX 3.127190
INJ 0.075647
INR 55.286792
IQD 749.637085
IRR 1,031,287.656221
ISK 70.011875
ITL 989.999131
JEP 0.433940
JMD 90.739091
JOD 0.406546
JPY 90.662192
KAS 13.365829
KAVA 8.271240
KCS 0.075533
KDA 58.731636
KES 74.433340
KGS 50.149420
KHR 2,322.931468
KLAY 13.767813
KMF 251.539116
KNC 4.003200
KPW 516.137926
KRW 769.778318
KSM 0.111923
KWD 0.177243
KYD 0.476681
KZT 261.060103
LAK 12,866.525869
LBP 51,711.343606
LDO 1.251761
LEO 0.064482
LINK 0.041458
LKR 189.128179
LRC 55.850523
LRD 97.851280
LSL 9.546592
LTC 0.008231
LTL 1.765389
LUF 20.625463
LUNA 11.228769
LUNC 10,844.416049
LVL 0.359336
LYD 3.679042
MAD 5.722989
MANA 5.544896
MBX 19.387780
MDL 10.276669
MGA 2,539.300378
MGF 12,696.501889
MINA 4.256005
MKD 31.458012
MKR 0.000285
MMK 1,203.681501
MNT 2,061.498991
MOP 4.634778
MRO 229.574709
MRU 22.957471
MTL 0.219498
MUR 27.180771
MVR 8.864680
MWK 992.469805
MXN 10.364469
MXV 1.178236
MYR 2.342742
MZM 36,600.139310
MZN 36.600139
NAD 9.546592
NEAR 0.109731
NEO 0.226241
NEXO 0.674295
NFT 2,402,956.100111
NGN 758.069739
NIO 21.080257
NLG 1.126739
NOK 5.503480
NPR 88.500332
NZD 1.024436
OKB 0.004398
OMR 0.220681
ONE 3.915001
OP 4.265536
ORDI 0.126026
PAB 0.573407
PAXG 0.000139
PEN 1.974311
PEPE 132,584.770434
PGK 2.583357
PHP 36.036526
PI 6.568801
PKR 158.547204
PLN 2.239780
POL 5.243520
PTE 102.504819
PYG 3,349.837747
QAR 2.087202
QNT 0.002217
QTUM 0.584962
ROL 27,330.335315
RON 2.733034
RPL 0.299869
RSD 60.053487
RUB 48.647762
RUNE 0.738567
RVN 233.707750
RWF 845.185261
SAND 8.719894
SAR 2.150276
SBD 4.626644
SCR 8.121588
SDD 34,414.780686
SDG 344.147807
SEK 5.759683
SGD 0.733663
SHIB 97,955.446173
SHP 0.433940
SIT 122.525986
SKK 15.403179
SLE 13.219836
SLL 13,219.836243
SNX 2.290187
SOL 0.004779
SOS 326.241326
SPL 0.095568
SRD 21.620781
SRG 21,620.781391
SSP 3,283.693274
STD 12,615.423323
STN 12.615423
STX 1.530167
SUI 0.480456
SVC 5.017312
SYP 7,456.470081
SZL 9.546592
THB 19.300682
THETA 2.476308
TJS 5.277432
TMM 10,061.509827
TMT 2.012302
TND 1.716106
TOP 1.381021
TRL 28,197,630.377634
TRX 1.706389
TRY 28.197630
TTD 3.882391
TUSD 0.573861
TVD 0.822824
TWD 18.223937
TWT 1.004446
TZS 1,512.869877
UAH 25.825848
UGX 2,305.179824
UNI 0.064723
USD 0.573407
USDC 0.573563
USDD 0.573815
USDP 0.576816
USDT 0.573697
UYU 23.163401
UZS 6,745.047260
VAL 989.999131
VEB 49,927,958,884.0022
VED 499.279589
VEF 49,927,958.884002
VES 499.279589
VET 65.707951
VND 14,905.926941
VUV 68.930442
WAVES 1.922044
WEMIX 2.994203
WOO 41.890096
WST 1.595902
XAF 335.385489
XAG 0.009477
XAU 0.000139
XAUT 0.000139
XBT 0.000007
XCD 1.552168
XCG 1.031111
XCH 0.366397
XDC 17.063137
XDR 0.423839
XEC 71,905.873734
XEM 913.317402
XLM 2.656899
XMR 0.001022
XOF 335.385489
XPD 0.000491
XPF 61.013351
XPT 0.000335
XRP 0.381641
XTZ 1.716209
YER 135.437431
ZAR 9.546592
ZEC 0.000428
ZIL 157.137124
ZMK 11,336.458292
ZMW 11.336458
ZWD 207.516005
ZWG 15.350983
ZWL 38,357.872408

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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.