Social ConventionsBosnia & Herzegovina is characterizeded by its ethnic and religious diversity and visitors should respect the customs and traditions of the various ethnic and religious groups. The main ethnic groups are the Bosniaks (48%, also sometimes referred to as Bosnian Muslims), the Serbs (37.1%) and the Croats (14.3%). As a sign of acknowledgement of the three main religious communities (Islamic, Orthodox and Roman Catholic), the government of Bosnia & Herzegovina allows its citizens to take off two working days per year for religious purposes. Visitors should be aware
that drinking alcohol in public may be considered offensive by Muslims. Visitors should avoid expressing opinions about the war or other sensitive issues.
International Travel:Getting There by AirThe national airline is
B&H Airlines (JA), which operates flights from European cities to Banja Luka, Mostar and Sarajevo.
Departure TaxUS$12. Transit passengers not leaving the airport transit area are exempt.
Main AirportsSarajevo (SJJ) is the main international airport.
Banja Luka (BNX) and
Mostar (OMO) also receive a small number of international flights.
Getting There by RailThe railway system was badly damaged during the civil war but restoration is underway. Rail services link Sarajevo, Mostar, Doboj and Banja Luka to Zagreb, Belgrade, Ljubljana and Ploce. However, services are slow; the Sarajevo–Zagreb journey takes around 9 hours.
Rail PassesInterRail: offers unlimited first- or second-class travel in up to 30 European countries for European residents of over six months with two pass options. The
Global Pass allows travel for 22 days, one month, five days in 10 days or 10 days in 22 days across all countries. Travelers under 26 years receive a reduction. Children’s tickets are reduced by about 50%. Supplements are required for some high-speed services, seat reservations and couchettes. Discounts are offered on
Eurostar and some ferry routes. Available from
Rail Europe (website:
www.raileurope.co.uk/inter-rail).
Getting There by RoadBosnia and Herzegovina’s road network is still in the process of being reconstructed, following massive damage during the 1992-1995 civil war. It is possible to enter the country by car from Croatia. Green cards are compulsory. There are frequent
bus services from Sarajevo to many Eastern and Central European cities, including London (website:
www.eurolines.com).
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Bosnia & Herzegovina without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars or 200g of tobacco.
• 1l of wine or spirits.
• One bottle of perfume.
• Gifts to the value of €76.70.
Prohibited ExportsWorks of art.
Internal Travel:Getting Around by RailRail links between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Republika Srpska have been restored. In addition, a few local services are operating.
Getting Around by RoadTravel by road is the usual means of transport in Bosnia & Herzegovina. During winter and spring, block ice and landslides can make driving difficult. Road conditions are still poor, but many roads are now being restored. The safety and condition of urban roads is generally fair, although rural road maintenance is seriously lacking. The risk of landmines has decreased in the last few years, as most mines remaining from the war are now clearly marked. However, visitors are still advised to exercise caution when traveling outside main cities and towns. Caution should also be taken when driving at night or during winter. Drivers should keep to the main roads. The capital, Sarajevo, is the nodal point for all Bosnia & Herzegovina’s main communications routes, which go west to Banja Luka, and then to Zagreb, capital of Croatia; north to Doboj, and then to Osijek in Croatia; east to Zvornik, and then to Belgrade in Serbia; south to Mostar, and then the Adriatic Sea; and southeast to Foca, and then to Podgorica, Montenegro.
Emergency breakdown service: Tel: 987.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required. All Green Cards, etc, should include cover for the 20km-strip of coastline at Neum on the Dalmatian Coast highway.
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