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Region: Europe
Full Name: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Capital City: Sarajevo
Language Spoken: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Get travel insurance to Bosnia and Herzegovina from Direct Travel Insurance. We offer low cost and high quality travel insurance to Bosnia and Herzegovina and most of the world.
44 00 N, 18 00 E
lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m highest point: Maglic 2,386 m
total: 1,459 km border countries: Croatia 932 km, Montenegro 225 km, Serbia 302 km
destructive earthquakes
coal, iron ore, bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, cobalt, manganese, nickel, clay, gypsum, salt, sand, forests, hydropower
arable land: 19.61% permanent crops: 1.89% other: 78.5% (2005)
air pollution from metallurgical plants; sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; water shortages and destruction of infrastructure because of the 1992-95 civil strife; deforestation
Dominated by mountainous and hilly terrain, and drained by major rivers to the north (Sava) and east (Drina), Bosnia & Herzegovina has a climate that is as variable as the rest of the former Yugoslav federation, with moderate continental climatic conditions generally the norm (very cold winters and hot summers). Required clothing In winter, heavyweight clothing and overcoat. In summer, lightweight clothing and raincoat required, with mediumweight clothing at times in the colder and wetter north, and at higher altitudes elsewhere.
time difference: UTC+1 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
4,498,976 (July 2006 est.)
0-14 years: 15.5% (male 359,739/female 336,978) 15-64 years: 70.1% (male 1,590,923/female 1,564,665) 65 years and over: 14.4% (male 265,637/female 381,034) (2006 est.)
total: 38.4 years male: 37.2 years female: 39.5 years (2006 est.)
1.35% (2006 est.)
8.77 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)
8.27 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)
13.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)
at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
total population: 78 years male: 74.39 years female: 81.88 years (2006 est.)
1.22 children born/woman (2006 est.)
Business meetings in Bosnia tend to be formal and suites are normally worn. Titles and positions (e.g., "Ing." for Engineer) are highly regarded and routinely appear on business cards. Business people occasionally have difficulty in receiving replies to letter or fax correspondence. Often mail or faxes do not reach recipients in a timely manner. Business people are encouraged to follow up with correspondence to ensure contact with the intended recipients. As telecommunications standards remain well below those in the developed countries, calls or faxes may require repeated efforts.
Although street crime is relatively low and violent crimes are rare, petty street crimes such as pickpocketing and breaking into parked automobiles are problems. Travelers should take normal precautions to protect their property from theft and exercise common sense personal security measures such as avoiding travel in deserted areas after dark, walking in pairs, and staying in well-lighted areas after dark. The most serious problem affecting travelers to Bosnia and Herzegovina is armed, at times violent, carjacking, especially of four-wheel-drive vehicles. In carjacking situations victims should comply without resistance. Confrontations with local citizens resulting from traffic incidents or public disagreements should be avoided.
There are a number of national and international hotels, particularly in Sarajevo and the major cities. Facilities in the smaller towns have improved in recent years and it is now possible to find hotels and other types of accommodation in most areas.
Country code: 387. Outgoing international code: 99. All telecommunications services, including facsimile, have been restored. This is also true of internal and international postal services.
is a 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are in use.
C,F
The traditional cuisine of the region includes obvious Turkish influences, with lots of meat dishes.
National specialties:
? Bosanski lonac (Bosnian meat and vegetable stew).
? Lokum (Turkish delight).
? Halva (crushed sesame seeds in honey).
? Cevapcici are sausages that are popular, as are hamburger-like patties called pleskavica, served with pita bread.
? Burek (filled pastries).
? Baklava is a popular dessert ? sweet nuts and honey in pastry. National drinks:
? Brandy is very popular, especially the homemade plum brandy called rakija.
? Turkish-style coffee and yogurt drinks are prevalent. Legal drinking age: 18.
Tipping:
Tipping is customary for taxis, as well as in hotels and restaurants; the bill is often rounded up.
Nightlife
Bosnia & Herzegovina's nightlife, particularly in Sarajevo, is widely reputed to be excellent. In the capital, the cosmopolitan atmosphere is tangible. The city apparently has more cafes per capita than any other European city and a relaxed cafe culture is prominent. There are many opportunities for nightlife activities, from cinemas and clubs to opera and theater performance. There are also frequent festivals, showcasing such popular pastimes as jazz and film.
Valid passport required by all except:
(a) holders of valid National Identity Cards issued to nationals of Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden;
(b) Nationals of Germany holding valid identity cards issued for minors called a Kinderausweis, with photo.
Bosnia & Herzegovina does not recognize passports issued by the Former Yugoslav Federation Republic (Serbia & Montenegro), which has a red cover.
Required by all except the following for a stay of up to 90 days:
(a) Nationals of countries referred to in the chart above;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Brunei, Croatia, Iceland, Korea (Rep), Kuwait, Liechtenstein, (Former Yugoslav Republic of) Macedonia, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Qatar, Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia & Montenegro (not applicable for UNMIK passport holders), Switzerland, Turkey and Vatican City;
(c) Nationals continuing their journey to a third country by the same or first connecting aircraft, holding onward tickets, onward documents and not leaving the airport.
Tourist, Business and Private: US$34 (single-entry); US$62 (multiple-entry for up to 90 days); US$77 (multiple-entry for more than 90 days).
Consulate (or Consular Section at Embassy); see Passport/Visa Information.
Applicants from certain countries might have to submit evidence of cash assets (such as a recent bank statement), as well as evidence of a negative HIV test.
Approximately three weeks, as all applications are now sent to Bosnia & Herzegovina for approval.
Enquire at the Ministry of Interior in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Embassy of Bosnia & Herzegovina in the UK
5-7 Lexham Gardens, London W8 5JJ, UK
Tel: (020) 7373 0867.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Mon-Fri 1000-1300 (consular section, personal callers).
Embassy of Bosnia & Herzegovina in the USA
2109 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
Tel: (202) 337 1500 or 6473/6479 (consular section).
Website: www.bhembassy.org
Unexploded landmines remain a real danger and travellers should be careful not to stray from roads and paved areas. All public demonstrations or gatherings must be eschewed.
Visitors should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
No Test Required
US$12. Transit passengers not leaving the airport transit area are exempt.
5-7 Lexham Gardens, London W8 5JJ, UK
Tel: (020) 7373 0867.
Website: www.bhembassy.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Mon-Fri 1000-1300 (consular section, personal callers).
2109 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
Tel: (202) 337 1500 or 6473/6479 (consular section).
Website: www.bhembassy.org
Unexploded landmines remain a real danger and travelers should be careful not to stray from roads and paved areas. All public demonstrations or gatherings must be eschewed.
Visitors should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
Website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Bosnia and Herzegovina Konvertibilna Marka (BAM) = 100 pfeninga. Notes are in denominations of BAM200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 and 50 pfenings. Coins are available in denominations of BAM2 and 1, and 50, 20 and 10 pfenings. Some Euro notes - but not coins - are widely accepted.
The import and export of local currency are limited to BAM200,000. There are no restrictions on the import and export of foreign currencies.
Mon-Fri 0800-1900.
The Euro and US Dollar are the preferred foreign currencies. The Pound Sterling is of relatively little value in the republic and rarely used. Included in the Dayton Peace Agreement, signed in 1995, were provisions for a Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This bank acts as a currency board and is the sole authority for the issue of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Konvertibilna Marka.
Credit cards are not generally accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability. ATMs are available in some cities (in Sarajevo and Mostar, for example), and their quantity is continually increasing. Cash is still generally advised.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally a cash-only economy and traveller's cheques are exchanged only at select banks.
| City/Region | City/Area code | Followed by |
|---|---|---|
| Banja Luka | (0)51 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Bijeljina | (0)55 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Brcko | (0)54 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Distrik Brcko | (0)49 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Doboj | (0)53 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Gorazde-Upper Drina | (0)38 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Herzcg-Bosnia | (0)34 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Herzegovina-Neretva | (0)36 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Middle Bosnia | (0)30 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Mrkonjic-Grad | (0)50 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Posavina | (0)31 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Prijedor | (0)52 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Sarajevo | (0)33 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Srbinje | (0)58 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Srpsko Sarajevo | (0)57 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Trebinje | (0)59 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Tuzla-Podrinjc | (0)35 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Una-Sana | (0)37 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| West Herzegovina | (0)39 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Zenica-Doboj | (0)32 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
| Zvornik | (0)56 | + 6 digit subscriber nr |
Avoid dental treatment in Bosnia-Herzegovina as the standards of care and hygiene cannot be guaranteed.
Supplies of international medications are not generally available in Bosnia-Herzegovina
Blood supplies should be considered as unsafe in Bosnia-Herzegovina
The lack of adequate medical facilities, especially outside Sarajevo, may cause problems for visitors. The blood supply is not screened for HIV or AIDS. Because many medicines are not obtainable, travelers should bring their own supply of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. Private medical practitioners are rare, but the number of private dentists is increasing.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary. Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood or rare meat. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Only pasteurized dairy products should be consumed.
Press reports indicate that the incidences of hepatitis, dysentery and other intestinal diseases have increased due to the lack of medicine and hygiene materials in hospitals and the breakdown of sanitation facilities in the war-torn area. AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured. Hikers should take protective measures against ticks.
Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population). Polio: A one-time booster dose is recommended for travelers who have previously completed a standard course of polio immunization. Refer to CDC guidelines for vaccinating unimmunized or incompletely immunized persons. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to vaccination; however, if protection is needed, either IPV or OPV may be used, depending on preference and time available. Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type. Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Insect-borne illness: Encephalitis (tick-borne) - occurs Hemorrhagic fever - occurs Lyme disease - occurs Typhus (Murine and tick-borne) - occurs Food-borne and water-borne illness: bacillary dysentery and other diarrheas and typhoid fever are more common in the summer and autumn. Hepatitis occurs. Leptospirosis is endemic. Other hazards: Diseases such as measles and diphtheria are commonly reported. Polio is still considered a possible risk, although cases have rarely been reported in recent years. Influenza risk extends from November to April. Rabies - occurs in animals
None
No recent disease outbreaks
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Klinicki Centar Univerziteta Sarajevo (Kosevo Hospital) | Bolnicka 25 Sarajevo 71000 |
| Opca Bolnica / General Hospital | Kranjceviceva br. 12 Sarajevo |
| University Children's Hospital | Bolnicka 25 Sarajevo 71000 |
| University Clinical Center of Tuzla | Tuzla |
Since the war in Bosnia & Herzegovina, the media is no longer steeped in propaganda, but it is still only partially free, with journalists under pressure from state bodies and political parties to somewhat censor their content. This is thanks to the 1995 Dayton Peace Accord efforts, although this has had limited success. The most influential broadcasters are the public radio and TV stations operated by the Bosnian Muslim-Croat and Serb entities. A national public broadcasting service is now in development.
Press: The main newspaper for the Federation of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Dnevni avaz, is published in Sarajevo. Serbian newspapers include Nezavisne novine, published in Banja Luka. Dnevni list and the weekly Hratska rijec are Croatian-language papers, published in Banja Luka and Sarajevo, respectively.
TV: Public Broadcasting Service of Bosnia Herzegovina is a state-wide public broadcaster. Mezra and Open Broadcast Network are commercial broadcasters with near-national coverage. Federation TV operates two public networks within a Bosnia Muslim-Croat entity. Serf Republic Radio-TV is a public TV broadcaster of Bosnian Serb entity.
Radio: Public Broadcasting Service of Bosnia Herzegovina is a state-wide public broadcaster, operating BH Radio 1. Radio FBiH is a public radio service of Bosnian Muslim-Croat entity. Serf Republic Radio TV operates a public radio service of Bosnian Serb entity. Bosanska Radio Mreza is a private network, as are BM Radio (Zenica-based) and Radio Stari Grad (Sarajevo-based).
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