Bosnia and Herzegovina Travel Information

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful country located in the heart of the Balkans, known for its rich history, diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. From exploring ancient Ottoman architecture to hiking in the scenic mountains, there are plenty of things to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here are the top 10 things to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina:

1. Visit Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina and a fascinating destination to explore. The city has a rich history and is known for its mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslavian architecture.

2. Explore Mostar

Mostar is a charming city located in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, famous for its iconic Stari Most bridge and the old town area.

3. Discover Kravice Waterfalls

The Kravice waterfalls are a natural wonder located near Mostar. The waterfalls are surrounded by lush greenery and make for a perfect spot for swimming and picnics.

4. Go hiking in the mountains

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country with stunning mountain ranges, including the Dinaric Alps, the Jahorina, and the Bjelašnica mountains, offering endless opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures.

5. Visit the Blagaj Tekke

The Blagaj Tekke is a 15th-century Ottoman monastery located on the banks of the Buna river. The stunning site is a popular destination for visitors to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

6. Try traditional Bosnian cuisine

Bosnian cuisine is a delicious fusion of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslavian influences, with dishes such as cevapi, burek, and baklava.

7. Visit the Sutjeska National Park

The Sutjeska National Park is a stunning nature reserve located in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, home to diverse flora and fauna and stunning landscapes.

8. Explore the town of Jajce

Jajce is a historic town located in central Bosnia and Herzegovina, famous for its impressive waterfalls, ancient fortress, and rich history.

9. Visit the Krupa Waterfalls

The Krupa waterfalls are a stunning natural attraction located in the Una National Park, with cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear pools.

10. Go rafting on the Una River

The Una River is one of the most beautiful and cleanest rivers in Europe, offering visitors the chance to enjoy rafting, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, with significant variations depending on the region. The best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina is during the summer months from June to August, when the weather is warm and dry, and outdoor activities are in full swing. Here are more details on the climate and the best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Climate

The climate in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally continental, with hot summers and cold winters. The coastal regions have a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers, while the mountain regions have an alpine climate with snowfall during the winter months.

Spring (March - May)

Spring is a lovely time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the weather is mild, and the countryside is in full bloom. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and it may rain frequently.

Summer (June - August)

Summer is the most popular time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the weather is warm and dry, and outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and swimming are in full swing. The coastal regions are particularly busy during this time.

Autumn (September - November)

Autumn is a good time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the weather is mild, and the crowds have thinned out. The fall foliage is particularly stunning in the mountain regions.

Winter (December - February)

Winter is a quiet time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the weather can be very cold, and many of the outdoor activities are closed. However, the mountain regions offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

In summary, the best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina is during the summer months from June to August, but spring and autumn can also be pleasant, depending on the region. Winters can be cold, but the mountain regions offer winter sports opportunities.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a range of hotels, from luxury five-star hotels to smaller, more affordable options. Hotels are located in most major cities, as well as in popular tourist destinations.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a popular option in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in rural areas. These accommodations offer a more intimate, home-like atmosphere and are often family-run.

Apartments

Apartments are available for rent in most cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and can be a good option for longer stays or for visitors who prefer to self-cater.

Hostels

Hostels are a budget-friendly option for visitors to Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly for backpackers or those on a tight budget. Hostels are available in most major cities and tourist destinations.

Camping

Camping is a popular option for outdoor enthusiasts in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country has a number of campgrounds and campsites, particularly in the mountainous regions.

Private accommodation

Private accommodation is a common option in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly for those who want to stay with a local family or in a private home. Private accommodation can be found through websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com.

Buses

Buses are the most common form of public transportation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There are several bus companies that operate routes throughout the country, and many buses are modern and comfortable.

Trains

Trains are also available in Bosnia and Herzegovina, although the train network is not as extensive as the bus network. The trains are run by ZFBH (Bosnia and Herzegovina Railways), and they connect the major cities of the country.

Taxis

Taxis are available in most major cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are metered, and visitors should ensure that the driver turns the meter on at the beginning of the trip.

Car rental

Visitors can rent a car at many locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This can be a good option for those who want to explore the countryside or travel at their own pace.

Shared taxis

Shared taxis are a common form of transportation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly for shorter trips. Visitors can share a taxi with other passengers to reduce the cost of the fare.

Private transfers

Private transfers can be arranged in advance for visitors who prefer a more comfortable and personalized form of transportation. Private transfers can be arranged through tour operators, hotels, or online.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.