CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Bosnia and Herzegovina

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 6 has been updated (measles).

BACK TO TOP

2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

The threat from unmarked landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a danger. The vast majority of mined areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina are not marked in any way. Visitors should keep to main roads, stay on paved surfaces, avoid abandoned houses and buildings, and travel only during daylight hours. Special care should be taken near former confrontation lines especially outside of Sarajevo, in mountainous areas and in the countryside. War relics and unknown items should not be touched and should be reported to local authorities. Due to the potential risk, visitors should carry a document identifying their blood type.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

BACK TO TOP

3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

The Dayton Peace Agreement signed on December 14, 1995 brought an end to a destructive four year war. While tourist facilities and services are improving, visitors should be aware that they may be limited outside major cities.

Crime

The incidence of street crime is similar to that elsewhere in Europe, particularly in large urban centres. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is prevalent and foreigners are often targeted. Sarajevo has seen a rise in random violence, including the use of firearms by organized crime to settle disputes. Foreigners are rarely the target of these acts, but there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, such as nightclubs and cafés late at night and in the early morning hours.

Demonstrations

Tensions between ethnic and religious groups may occasionally result in demonstrations. Following Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008, protests did take place in the Republika Srpska, especially in the capital of Banja Luka. Canadians should avoid large crowds and demonstrations as they can turn violent without notice. They should also monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

General Safety Information

Isolated and poorly lit areas after dark should be avoided. Travellers should also avoid displaying signs of affluence. They should ensure that valuables, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Visitors to Bosnia and Herzergovina must register with local police within 24 hours of their arrival. Hotels, on behalf of their guests, will register their names with local police.

For practical tips of specific interest to female travellers, consult our publication Her Own Way.

BACK TO TOP

4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Bosnian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.

Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays less than 90 days)
Business Visa: Not required (for stays less than 90 days)
Student Visa: Not required (for stays less than 90 days)

Although visas are not required for stays of less than 90 days, it is recommended that you register with local police.

---

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

EU legislation on the amount of cash that can be carried was implemented on June 15, 2007. Canadians crossing one of the external border control points of the EU will have to make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if they have at least 10,000 euros, or the equivalent in other currencies, in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques, or any other convertible assets in their possession. Failure to report such a sum will be considered an offence. This does not apply to Canadians travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. The purpose of this legislation is to prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering. For more information on the new EU legislation and links to EU countries' sites, consult the European Commission's website page on Cash controls.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

There is no resident Canadian government office in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Embassy of Canada in Budapest, Hungary, is responsible for providing consular services in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The address is as follows:

Hungary - BUDAPEST, Embassy of Canada
Address: Ganz utca 12-14, 1027 Budapest, Hungary
Tel.: 36 (1) 392-3360
Fax: 36 (1) 392-3390
E-Mail: bpest@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.Hungary.gc.ca

The British Embassy in Sarajevo can issue Canadians a one-time emergency travel document to facilitate travel to the nearest Canadian passport issuing office. The British Embassy in Sarajevo is located at the following address:

Bosnia and Herzegovina - SARAJEVO, Embassy of the United Kingdom
Address: Petrakijina 11, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tel.: (387) 33 282 200
Fax: (387 33) (20) 4780
Internet: http://ukinbih.fco.gov.uk/en/

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Budapest and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

BACK TO TOP

6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

Recent cases of measles have been reported in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

BACK TO TOP

7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Canadians should ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Medical facilities tend not to be consistent with Western standards especially outside Sarajevo and other major cities.

Canadians are advised to travel with a first-aid kit and any prescription medicines they may require during their stay.

Outside Sarajevo, the water-distribution systems are considered suspect.  Avoid raw or undercooked meat.

See our Global Issues page for information on the H1N1 flu virus.

BACK TO TOP

8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

There are harsh penalties for engaging in sexual acts with a minor (the age of consent is 16). In addition, under the Canadian Criminal Code, Canadians may be prosecuted at home for sexually exploiting children while abroad. Please see our publication entitled Child Sex Tourism: It's a Crime for further information on the risks of committing this form of sexual abuse abroad.

Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.

The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina does not recognize dual nationality, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services to individuals who are citizens of both Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dual citizens may also be subject to national obligations, such as taxes. Canadians should always present themselves as Canadian and use their Canadian passport at all times.

Family law requires that marriage applications in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina be submitted at least 30 days prior to the wedding date. The Republic of Srpska, however, follows a separate family law, and those planning to marry in the Republic of Srpska should submit marriage applications at least one week prior to their planned wedding date. For additional information, contact the marriage registrar in the relevant municipality.

Same sex marriages are not recognized in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Homosexuality is perceived as being morally and socially unacceptable; in such an environment, many individuals choose not to declare publicly their sexual orientation.

Photography of military/police installations, vehicles and personnel, and hydro electric dams is prohibited. Travellers should seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

BACK TO TOP

9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a disproportionately high rate of death and injury due to motor vehicle accidents. Bosnian law requires that all vehicles be equipped with emergency travel equipment (warning triangle, tow rope, spare tire) and a first-aid kit. Travel by car can be risky due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles, extreme weather conditions such as dense fog and black ice, poor driving habits, speeding, drunk driving and traffic congestion.

The use of headlights and seatbelts is mandatory at all times throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visitors should be aware that speed limits are not always clearly shown. The maximum speed limit on most roads is 60 km/h and up to 80 km/h on certain roads. The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited. Police can collect traffic fines on the spot. Drivers should remain at the scene of an accident and not move vehicles until police arrive.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%.  Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. Individuals stopped while driving under the influence of alcohol may have their driver’s license confiscated immediately and may face heavy fines, if convicted.

In the winter months, many roads in Bosnia and Herzegovina are particularly hazardous. Secondary roads and many mountain roads may be blocked. From November 15 to April 15, it is mandatory that all vehicles be equipped with winter equipment, such as chains on tires.

In the summer months, traffic is frequently stopped to enable landmine clearance and/or road repairs. Many secondary roads have no service stations. Travel on these roads should be undertaken only in vehicles in excellent mechanical condition and with sufficient fuel, food and water supplies.

Up-to-date information on road conditions in Bosnia and Herzegovina is available at http://www.bihamk.ba/.

Local rail, tram, and bus services are reliable but sometimes slow. Taxi service is available in most towns and for inter-city travel. Inter-city bus service is widely available, and a few train lines operate.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

---

The economy is primarily cash-based. The currency is the convertible mark (KM). Euros are widely accepted. Travellers’s cheques are not widely accepted except in a few banks in Sarajevo, such as Turkish Ziraat bank and Reiffeisen bank. Some credit cards (Visa, Master Card and MaestroCard) are increasingly accepted in most large cities. American Express and Thomas Cook are not accepted at all. Credit card cash advances can be obtained from some banks in Sarajevo during business hours. ABMs are available in certain major cities. Those affiliated with international banks are the most reliable.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

BACK TO TOP

10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Severe flooding in the spring or after heavy rains is a potential risk year round. Exercise caution in narrow river valleys at such times.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in an active seismic zone, and minor earthquakes are common. Canadians in Bosnia and Herzegovina should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Budapest, Hungary or the British Embassy in Sarajevo (see Section 5 above) in the event of an emergency.

BACK TO TOP

11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Local law does not allow adoption of children by foreigners. However, citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina may adopt, even if they live abroad.

BACK TO TOP

12. ANNEX

N/A

BACK TO TOP