Canada
Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to crime and the risk of unmarked landmines and unexploded ordnance in rural and isolated mountainous areas.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Where river valleys meet mountain passes, layered histories shape daily life in Sarajevo, Mostar, and beyond.
Overview
Bosnia and Herzegovina blends Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Slavic influences, visible in its architecture, languages, and traditions. From Sarajevo’s storied streets to Mostar’s iconic bridge, expect a country defined by local identities, intersecting cultures, and striking Dinaric landscapes.
At a glance
Languages
- Bosnian(De facto)
- Croatian(De facto)
- Serbian(De facto)
Population3,816,459
CurrencyBosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark (BAM)
1 BAM = 0.5840 USD
1 USD = 1.7124 BAM
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerWeaker local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Quality of LifeStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
SafetyMixedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
HealthcareMixedSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
PollutionModerateSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
TrafficHighSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Permanent Residency, Temporary Residence, Work (Employer-Sponsored), and 1 more.
Permanent Residency
- Permanent Residence
Permanent residence in Bosnia and Herzegovina is an indefinite residence status, with the official page listing permanent-residence grounds after qualifying temporary residence.
- Full work rights
Temporary Residence
Bosnia and Herzegovina temporary residence permit route; the official guidance says a temporary residence permit may be issued for up to one year unless the permit states otherwise.
- 1 year
- Path to residency
Work (Employer-Sponsored)
- Temporary Residence for Employment
Bosnia and Herzegovina temporary-residence route based on employment as specified in an issued work permit.
- Employer-sponsored only
- Path to residency
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Visa-Free Stay / Visa Residence
Service for Foreigners' Affairs guidance distinguishes visa residence from visa-free stay and says eligible visa-free foreigners may stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina up to 90 days over six months.
- 90 days
- No work rights
Languages
- Bosnian(De facto)
- Croatian(De facto)
- Serbian(De facto)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
FCDO travel advice currently has no destination-wide warning for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Review the full FCDO travel advice before travelling, including safety, entry, health, and insurance guidance.
United States
Level 2Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to terrorism, crime, and land mines. Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Theft and other crimes of opportunity are common, especially against tourists. Violent crimes, such as robbery and murder, also occur due to the availability of firearms remaining from the war. Minefields and land mines are present throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. While suspected hazardous areas are normally clearly marked, several people are killed or injured each year.
Explore within Bosnia and Herzegovina
Start planning your move
Choose a scenario to get started: