The basics in one place
Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the convertible mark, written BAM in international listings and KM on prices in the country. Herzegovina is the southern region of the country, not a separate state. This is an independent guide, so for legal questions rely on your own government's travel advice.
The sections below cover money, entry, safety, driving, dress and a short price list. Where a rule depends on your passport, the text says so.
Money: marks, euros and cards
Carry some cash even if you plan to pay by card.
- Currency: the central bank rate was 1 euro = 1.95583 KM on 21 October 2026. Divide a price in KM by about 2 for a quick euro estimate.
- Euros: some businesses quote euro prices, for example the bunker near Konjic. That does not mean every shop accepts euros, so keep marks for small purchases.
- Cards and ATMs: the German Foreign Office notes that cash withdrawals with a credit card work and that Visa and Mastercard acceptance is growing. Small shops and markets often take cash only. Fee-free ATMs are not guaranteed.
Guided trips in Herzegovina
Day trips to Mostar, Kravica and Blagaj with local guides, with live prices and availability. A guide can handle the details on this page for you.
Entry rules by passport
Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a Schengen member, so you pass border control when you come from Croatia.
| Passport | Document | Stay without a visa |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | ID card or passport, valid for 3 months after you leave | Up to 90 days within 6 months |
| United States | Passport, valid for 3 months after you leave | Up to 90 days |
| Other countries | – | Check your own government's advice |
These rules are as of October 2026. On the way back into Croatia, the EU Entry/Exit System has been fully in operation since 10 April 2026. It registers non-EU travelers, not EU citizens, and it can add time at the border. ETIAS was not yet in operation in October 2026. Details on routes are on the getting there page.
Is Bosnia safe?
There is no blanket answer, but the official advice is fairly consistent. The German Foreign Office describes a low crime rate but warns of pickpocketing. It also names foreign plates and rental cars as targets for break-ins, so keep luggage out of sight and out of parked cars.
The UK foreign office warns of theft and of possible political tension or demonstrations. The US State Department rates the country Level 2, "exercise increased caution", citing terrorism, crime and landmines (updated 27 August 2026). None of these is a formal warning against travel to the country. Read your own government's current advice before you go.
Landmines: a plain explanation
Mines and unexploded ordnance remain from the war of the 1990s. The national mine action center listed 822.87 square kilometers of suspected area in January 2025, and the figure for today is not known. The German Foreign Office says the danger is greatest outside frequently visited areas.
- Stay on paved roads and marked, well-used paths.
- Do not enter ruins, abandoned buildings or untended fields, even to take a photo.
- Treat maps as showing suspected areas only. They are not permission to walk along the edge of a zone, and warning signs may be missing.
- The mine action center provides maps and area information by email. Its app has had technical problems, so do not rely on it offline.
If you plan a hike off the beaten track, ask local guides or your host about the specific route.
Driving and car insurance
For an ordinary car registered in a country such as Germany or Croatia, the plate counts as proof of insurance, so a green card is not required of every visitor. Cars from other registration countries follow green card or border insurance rules. For a rental car, read the contract: you need written permission for the border and cover for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Language and writing
Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian are all heard, and both Latin and Cyrillic script appear on signs and websites, especially in Trebinje in the Republika Srpska. Do not assume English or German is spoken everywhere. A few written phrases or a translation app help in small shops and on local buses.
Dress and conduct at religious sites
Cover shoulders and knees wherever worship takes place.
Mosques
Cover shoulders and knees, take off your shoes before the prayer room and respect prayer times. The minaret staircase at Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque is narrow and steep, and access for climbing is not guaranteed.
Mostar →Blagaj Tekke
Visitor guides ask you to cover shoulders and knees and to take off your shoes inside. Women are asked to cover their heads, and scarves may be offered.
Blagaj →Medjugorje
At the church, Podbrdo and Križevac, cover shoulders and knees and stay quiet. Do not light candles on the hills, only at the place west of the church. Do not take photos during Mass or Eucharistic adoration.
Medjugorje →Sample prices in 2026
Operators set these prices and can change them. Euro amounts are converted at the central bank rate of 21 October 2026.
| Item | Price 2026 | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kravica Waterfalls, adult | 20 KM (about €10.23) | All year, 10 KM with residence in Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Tito's bunker near Konjic | 40 KM (about €20.45) | Reservation required |
| Hutovo Blato Nature Park, adult | 5 KM (about €2.56) | Boat trip 20 KM (about €10.23) extra |
| Bus Mostar to Medjugorje | 5.50 KM (about €2.81) | Single ticket |
| Tourist tax per night | 3 KM (about €1.53) | Herzegovina-Neretva Canton only |
More on lodging and the tourist tax is on the where to stay page.
Keep planning
Time of year and arrival affect most of the tips above.
Herzegovina travel tips: frequently asked questions
What currency does Bosnia use?
The convertible mark (BAM, written KM locally). On 21 October 2026 the central bank rate was 1 euro = 1.95583 KM. Some businesses quote prices in euros, but you cannot count on paying in euros everywhere.
Is Bosnia safe for tourists?
Crime is described as low, with pickpocketing the usual issue, and break-ins into foreign and rental cars. The US rates the country Level 2. Landmines are a real hazard off the path, so stay on marked routes.
Do I need a visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
German citizens do not for stays of up to 90 days within 6 months, and US citizens do not for up to 90 days. Other nationalities should check their government's advice.
Do I need a green card for my car?
Not if the car is registered in a country such as Germany or Croatia: the plate is the proof. For a rental, check the contract for border permission and cover.
Are there still mines in Herzegovina?
Yes, in suspected areas, mostly away from towns and regular tourist routes. Stay on paved roads and marked paths, and never enter ruins or untended fields.
Can I rely on speaking English or German?
Not everywhere. Staff at hotels and tour desks often manage, but small shops and buses may not. Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian are the local languages.