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 = 0.5735 USD
1 USD = 1.7436 BAM
Popular places
Bosnia and Herzegovina
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 Life IndexStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
Healthcare IndexMixedSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
Crime IndexModerateSource category: Crime | 2026 | Crime index (100 = highest crime)
Safety IndexMixedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
Pollution IndexModerateSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
Traffic IndexHighSource 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
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.
Canada
Exercise a high degree of caution
Advisory effective · Verified
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.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
Advisory effective · Verified
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
Advisory effective · Verified
Exercise increased caution in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to risk of crime, landmines, and terrorism. Advisory summary Recent unrest has been politically related. While it has not impacted tourists or members of the international community, there is a risk that bystanders can be affected. Review our Travel Guidance for Bosnia and Herzegovina to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. Crime Sarajevo has a high rate of property-related crime, including robberies, residential and vehicle break-ins, and theft. Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Other Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. While suspected
Visit before you move
TourRadar results matched by destination name.
Start planning your move
Choose a scenario to get started:
