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: 2026-08-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 6.901487
AAVE 0.006241
ADA 3.208258
AED 2.193436
AFN 39.091100
AGIX 10.496403
AKT 1.161791
ALGO 7.255154
ALL 47.389160
AMD 216.802044
AMP 1,556.937784
ANG 1.069822
AOA 548.513954
APE 4.644285
APT 1.067697
AR 0.321342
ARB 6.828616
ARS 894.145546
ATOM 0.400219
ATS 7.035530
AUD 0.840232
AVAX 0.088170
AWG 1.069095
AXS 0.662629
AZM 5,076.586382
AZN 1.015317
BAKE 858.622485
BAT 9.551892
BBD 1.194519
BCH 0.002828
BDT 72.672848
BEF 20.625463
BGN 1.0000
BHD 0.224570
BIF 1,776.445358
BMD 0.597260
BNB 0.000956
BND 0.759435
BOB 6.860082
BRL 3.092889
BSD 0.597260
BSV 0.037303
BSW 1,648.025928
BTC 0.000009
BTCB 10.090582
BTG 1.361141
BTN 57.110786
BTT 2,195,300.138715
BUSD 0.596863
BWP 8.033618
BYN 1.805818
BYR 11,704.554980
BZD 1.199694
CAD 0.824374
CAKE 0.370618
CDF 1,369.163231
CELO 9.543639
CFX 13.636401
CHF 0.477024
CHZ 46.721771
CLP 550.422665
CNH 4.016822
CNY 4.017026
COMP 0.032409
COP 1,823.306316
CRC 268.892592
CRO 11.986232
CRV 2.289166
CSPR 223.626824
CUC 0.597171
CUP 15.825036
CVE 56.380156
CVX 0.369235
CYP 0.299246
CZK 12.357714
DAI 0.597187
DASH 0.018796
DCR 0.050554
DEM 1.0000
DFI 600.230886
DJF 106.080081
DKK 3.822306
DOGE 7.955365
DOP 34.881485
DOT 0.754615
DYDX 5.429462
DZD 79.264737
EEK 8.0000
EGLD 0.210237
EGP 30.252120
ENJ 23.603276
EOS 9.049573
ERN 8.958895
ESP 85.071811
ETB 97.064143
ETC 0.090529
ETH 0.000265
EUR 0.511292
EURC 0.514917
FEI 0.596503
FIL 0.887208
FIM 3.040003
FJD 1.314186
FKP 0.438949
FLOW 20.657232
FLR 92.891259
FRAX 0.602360
FRF 3.353855
FTT 2.877565
GALA 414.494082
GBP 0.438949
GEL 1.556104
GGP 0.438949
GHC 66,088.607303
GHS 6.608861
GIP 0.438949
GMD 44.259336
GMX 0.087781
GNF 5,241.365726
GNO 0.004927
GRD 174.222709
GRT 42.685874
GT 0.085820
GTQ 4.546058
GUSD 0.598243
GYD 124.233170
HBAR 8.427387
HKD 4.683747
HNL 15.967269
HNT 3.445811
HOT 1,768.627098
HRK 3.852329
HT 5.259069
HTG 77.681000
HUF 186.065329
ICP 0.257533
IDR 10,632.380864
IEP 0.402675
ILS 1.778879
IMP 0.438949
IMX 5.708984
INJ 0.128585
INR 57.110786
IQD 777.896332
IRR 820,871.493648
ISK 72.711207
ITL 989.999131
JEP 0.438949
JMD 93.825455
JOD 0.423457
JPY 94.579695
KAS 22.398478
KAVA 14.510432
KCS 0.081879
KDA 127.197077
KES 77.310542
KGS 52.286642
KHR 2,405.396166
KLAY 24.298699
KMF 251.539116
KNC 5.643865
KPW 537.454231
KRW 832.344181
KSM 0.193977
KWD 0.184102
KYD 0.496140
KZT 275.499495
LAK 13,390.082544
LBP 53,385.115355
LDO 1.762647
LEO 0.064234
LINK 0.056984
LKR 196.524007
LRC 75.074729
LRD 108.140734
LSL 9.616312
LTC 0.012713
LTL 1.765389
LUF 20.625463
LUNA 13.508025
LUNC 11,821.826091
LVL 0.359336
LYD 3.779310
MAD 5.527429
MANA 8.908946
MBX 28.881573
MDL 10.238219
MGA 2,558.168683
MGF 12,790.843416
MINA 13.976071
MKD 31.533664
MKR 0.000411
MMK 1,253.919484
MNT 2,148.592290
MOP 4.824260
MRO 237.877602
MRU 23.787760
MTL 0.219498
MUR 28.053270
MVR 9.232862
MWK 1,030.901579
MXN 10.122121
MXV 1.155440
MYR 2.414587
MZM 38,113.724100
MZN 38.113724
NAD 9.616312
NEAR 0.342588
NEO 0.328136
NEXO 0.799796
NFT 2,120,690.097177
NGN 804.329811
NIO 21.914708
NLG 1.126739
NOK 5.571252
NPR 91.420091
NZD 1.004777
OKB 0.005833
OMR 0.229882
ONE 827.835901
OP 6.724592
ORDI 0.162233
PAB 0.597260
PAXG 0.000133
PEN 2.001272
PEPE 206,180.325903
PGK 2.681393
PHP 36.802373
PI 6.646138
PKR 165.110777
PLN 2.208198
POL 7.316738
PTE 102.504819
PYG 3,573.769585
QAR 2.174025
QNT 0.010108
QTUM 0.827434
ROL 26,824.318629
RON 2.682432
RPL 0.384066
RSD 59.998905
RUB 50.164117
RUNE 1.400334
RVN 229.109996
RWF 875.802050
SAND 14.459921
SAR 2.239724
SBD 4.778296
SCR 8.663646
SDD 35,845.285641
SDG 358.452856
SEK 5.636544
SGD 0.759435
SHIB 126,052.002264
SHP 0.438949
SIT 122.525986
SKK 15.403179
SLE 13.684672
SLL 13,684.671622
SNX 2.913760
SOL 0.007040
SOS 338.723823
SPL 0.099543
SRD 22.579698
SRG 22,579.698256
SSP 3,385.843129
STD 12,608.371004
STN 12.608371
STX 4.578660
SUI 0.846288
SVC 5.226022
SYP 7,764.419529
SZL 9.616312
THB 19.610370
THETA 3.973766
TJS 5.478345
TMM 10,449.861570
TMT 2.089972
TND 1.730902
TOP 1.422753
TRL 28,641,296.757205
TRX 1.788059
TRY 28.641297
TTD 4.037338
TUSD 0.598157
TVD 0.840232
TWD 19.014857
TWT 1.493414
TZS 1,580.795135
UAH 26.675294
UGX 2,219.135900
UNI 0.163105
USD 0.597260
USDC 0.597126
USDD 0.597526
USDP 0.597891
USDT 0.597482
UYU 23.896614
UZS 7,015.010931
VAL 989.999131
VEB 46,363,467,997.6659
VED 462.596252
VEF 46,259,625.232133
VES 462.596252
VET 123.047535
VND 15,601.942943
VUV 70.643421
WAVES 3.028672
WEMIX 3.086115
WOO 54.145927
WST 1.608516
XAF 335.385489
XAG 0.008928
XAU 0.000133
XAUT 0.000133
XBT 0.000009
XCD 1.616746
XCG 1.069822
XCH 0.421581
XDC 21.471102
XDR 0.436157
XEC 85,181.209585
XEM 1,275.688843
XLM 3.477396
XMR 0.001398
XOF 335.385489
XPD 0.000449
XPF 61.013351
XPT 0.000331
XRP 0.538257
XTZ 2.741690
YER 141.592951
ZAR 9.616312
ZEC 0.001064
ZIL 245.708072
ZMK 11,188.436377
ZMW 11.188436
ZWD 216.148276
ZWG 15.929102
ZWL 39,802.433612

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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.