Bosnia & Herzegovina
Capital: Sarajevo
Official
Language: Serbian
and Croatian
Religions: 40% Muslim,
31% Orthodox Catholic and 29% Other
Currency: Dinar =
100 para
Placements: International Work
Camps
Map
Background
Bosnia and Hercegovina (or Bosnia Hezegovina as some prefer it) is a crossroads country. Sandwiched between Croatia and Serbia, it's been a zone of contention since Occident and Orient first began arm-wrestling for it. It's been through Christian, Muslim and Orthodox hands; for a while its people seemed to enjoy their multi-cultural milieu.
Special Events
Major events
Climate
Typical to the region, Bosnia has hot summers and chilly winters. Winters average a daily high around 3°C (37°F) and snow tends to linger at higher altitudes. In summer rainfall is slightly heavier but the sunny, 26°C (79°F) July days are a treat. Springtime (April and May) is the best time to come to get a glimpse of the country's rich flora and fauna, though upland areas may still be under snow.
Travel Info
Though the airports at Sarajevo, Mostar and Banja Luka have reopened, commercial service is limited to Sarajevo, and even that is spotty. A few big-name airlines and a number of private carriers fly into the country, but don't go looking for bargains. There is a departure tax from Sarajevo airport of about USD15.00.
The nation's railways are currently undergoing reconstruction, so you won't find a whole lot of passenger service available. In brighter news, rail and road links between the Federation of Bosnia and Hercegovina and the Republika Srpska are back on track, and links to the outside world are improving. Buses leave Sarajevo daily for many eastern and central European cities.
Visas
Citizens of most developed and most EU nations currently need only a passport to enter Bosnia and Hercegovina. However, it is recommended to carry onward/return tickets, all documents required for the next destination and sufficient funds.
Safety
Terrorism
You should be aware that there is a threat from terrorism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There is also a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
On 19/20 October 2005, three men were arrested in Sarajevo on suspicion of terrorist activities; on the same day, explosives, weapons and ammunition were found during a search of buildings in the same area.
Crime
The level of crime is low, and crime against foreigners is particularly low. Be aware of pickpockets in the tourist and pedestrian areas of Sarajevo and on public transportation. There have been a number of thefts from "locked" sleeping compartments on the overnight train from Budapest. You should ensure that the compartment door is properly locked and that all valuables are placed out of sight or well away from the door. You should also be aware that excessive displays of wealth, including large quantities of cash or jewellery and luxury vehicles can make you a target for opportunist thieves. You should remain vigilant and ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure.
All incidents of crime should be reported to the local police station and a report obtained. The loss or theft of a passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the British Embassy in Sarajevo. The Embassy can assist you in obtaining a replacement passport (see General section).
Political Situation
There is a small risk of isolated violence linked to the return of displaced persons or the arrest of war crimes suspects. This can occur without any warning anywhere in the country. You should avoid public demonstrations and large crowds.
Local Travel
There continues to be a widespread danger of landmines and other unexploded ordnance from the 1992-95 war. Highly populated areas are now clear of mines and are safe to visit. You should stay on roads and paved surfaces. Unless you have an experienced guide, you should avoid the open countryside and especially avoid destroyed or abandoned buildings and abandoned villages.
English is not widely spoken but getting around is not difficult. Local rail, bus and tram services are generally reliable if sometimes slow. Taxis in Sarajevo and the major towns are well-regulated, metered and generally safe to use. It is however, still advisable to look for taxi stands to ensure that you are using an official taxi driver. Taxi drivers from the Republika Srpska might be unwilling to drive to a destination in the Federation, and vice versa.
If you are driving to or through Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the 20km strip of coastline at Neum on the Dalmatian coastal highway, you should ensure that your Green Card includes cover for Bosnia and Herzegovina. If this is not the case, temporary third-party insurance can be purchased at the main border posts, or in Split and other large Croatian cities. Insurance cannot be obtained at the Neum border. You should also ensure that you have all original registration and ownership papers relating to your vehicle with you as border guards, customs or the insurance company may want to see them.
Road Safety
Traffic laws and regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina are similar to those of other western European countries. Details are available on AA and RAC websites. Drivers should familiarise themselves with these before commencing their journey. Apart from the outskirts of Sarajevo there are no dual carriageways in the country. You should exercise caution when travelling outside the main towns and cities, especially in winter when road conditions can deteriorate rapidly. During winter and spring, black ice and landslides can make road conditions particularly hazardous. Drivers should exercise extreme caution. Many roads are badly lit or have no lighting at all. Long-distance travel at night should therefore be avoided. You should take care when overtaking and when approaching traffic lights as local drivers have a habit of breaking suddenly when traffic lights change to amber. In the event of an accident drivers should remain at the scene of the accident until police arrive. Police may breathalyse those involved. Traffic police have the power to impose on the spot fines for any traffic offence.
You should keep to surfaced roads and not stray off-road without an experience local guide as there continues to be a widespread danger of landmines and other unexploded ordnance.
Air Safety
Bosnia's only International airport at Sarajevo is prone to fog during the winter months – October until March. If travelling into or out of Sarajevo during the winter, ensure that you have sufficient finances if you are forced to extend your stay, as most airlines will no longer take responsibility for accommodation due to delays caused by adverse weather.
Health
There is a reciprocal healthcare agreement for British
nationals. This entitles British passport holders to free hospital
treatment and some dental treatment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although
British nationals are entitled to free treatment, in practice the healthcare
authorities in Bosnia might not have the immediate resources to provide
treatment without charging. Medical and dental facilities, particularly
outside Sarajevo and major towns are also limited. It is therefore
essential that you have appropriate travel and medical insurance. You
should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities
you want to undertake.
Avian Influenza (Bird
Flu)
The Bosnian government confirmed on 22 February 2006 that the
H5N1 form of avian influenza had been found in two dead swans on the shores of
Lake Plitvice in Jajce, 90 kms north east of Sarajevo. The Bosnian
authorities have taken measures to contain the outbreak including the culling of
over 4,000 poultry in 12 villages within three kilometers (1.8 miles) of the
lake. No human infections or deaths have been reported in Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
The risk to humans from avian influenza is believed to be
very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets,
poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with
domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly
cooked.
Injections required
None
