Bosnie-Herzégovine

Customs regulations

Carry your passport with you at all times. You must be able to show some form of identification if required, including when checking into hotels. For more information, please see the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina website.

There are no laws against same-sex sexual relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but LGBT issues are more tolerated than accepted. Public displays of affection are likely to be frowned upon and attract unwelcome attention.

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects 

Documents Required

  • Copy of passport
  • Detailed inventory valued, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
  • Packing list
  • Copy of lease (minimum 2 years) / purchase contract (notarized)
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / express release / air waybill (AWB)
  • Power of attorney (notarized)
  • Protocol from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) (diplomats)
  • Copy of visa / extended stay permit / work permit / proof of residence
  • Statement from B & H embassy / consulate at origin (returning B&H citizens)
  • B&H ID card + CIPS document / PBA-3 form (returning B&H citizens)

Specific Information

  • Duties and taxes of approximately 30-40% of the total value apply if the owner of the goods does not qualify for duty and tax free import.
  • Diplomats can import household goods duty and tax free with following documentation:
    • Detailed packing list
    • Pro-forma invoice with total value of HHGs
    • Copy of passport
    • Diplomatic protocol from Ministry of Foreign Affairs B&H
  • Detailed, valued inventory should list all used items.
    • Used items must have been owned by the owner of the goods for a minimum of 6 months prior to import into Bosnia and Herzegovina.
    • For electrical appliances, product information such as serial number, type, make, and model should be included on the inventory list
  • Statement from B&H embassy/Consulate at origin must show that the owner of the goods has lived abroad for more than 12 months (returning citizens)

Customs may require bank guarantee for total amount of temporary imported goods.

Dutiable Items

Free import:

For passengers of 17 years of age or older:

  • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 250 grams of tobacco;
  • 2 liters of table-wine;
  • 1 liter of spirits over 22% volume or 2 liters of spirits less than 22% volume.

For all passengers:

  • 60 milliliters of perfume;
  • 250 milliliters of eau de toilette.
  • goods, incl. gifts and souvenirs, up to the amount of BAM 200.-.

Arms and Ammunition regulations:

An import license, issued by a competent authority, is required. Contact the Ministry of Interior.

Application of Internal Taxes on Imports

  • Value Added Tax : As of January 1, 2006, BiH introduced a value added tax at a flat rate of 17 percent that is levied on all imported and domestic goods.
  • Excise Tax :The excise tax is paid only on certain goods at the moment of their release for free circulation.  The excise tax is applied identically to domestic and imported goods. The goods for which an excise tax is levied are: oil derivatives, tobacco, beverages, alcoholic drinks, and coffee.
  • Rules of Origin :Rules of origin are set out in Articles 20 – 23 of the Law on Customs Policy.  This Law distinguishes between non-preferential and preferential origins.  BiH has not concluded an agreement on preferential origins with the U.S.
  • Non-Preferential Origin :The Law stipulates that goods originating from a country are those wholly obtained or produced in that country.  Goods whose production involved more than one country shall be deemed to originate in the country where they underwent their last substantial processing or finishing.
  • Preferential Origin of Goods : Article 23 of the Law on Customs Policy prescribes the rules to be applied for preferential trade, i.e. the conditions goods need to fulfil in order to benefit from the preferential measures referred to in Article 19, Paragraph 4 (c) and (d) of the Law.

National Tariffs

Import tariffs were eliminated for 11,000 products that BiH imports from the EU in 2009. The Customs Tariff Nomenclature is based on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS).  BiH nomenclature of goods is fully harmonized with the combined EU nomenclature.

Customs duties on all commodities imported into BiH are paid ad valorem at rates of 0, 5, 10, and 15 percent.  These rates apply to commodities originating from countries that have concluded an agreement with a Most Favored Nation clause with BiH, or from those countries that apply the same clause on the commodities originating from BiH.  Upon BiH accession to the World Trade Organization, most-favored nation (MFN) status will be granted to all WTO members.

In addition to ad valorem custom duty rates, an additional duty is paid on imports of certain agricultural products in a per-unit amount.  This additional duty is charged on 852 of the total number of tariff headings (10,823), and the amounts range from KM 0.08 KM/per unit to KM 6.00 /per unit.  (Currency note: $ 1= KM 1.74 on 05/09/2019)

Preferential tariff measures, pursuant to Article Three, Paragraph (c) of the Customs Tariff Law, may apply to goods from certain countries or groups of countries which have concluded an agreement on preferential treatment with BiH.

Trade with Albania, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo is governed by the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), concluded in 2007.  A separate bilateral free trade agreement is in force with Turkey.

Tariff Quotas & Tariff Exemptions

  • Tariff Quotas :Articles Three and Seven of the BiH Customs Tariff Law permit the introduction of tariff quotas as a special measure for certain tariff headings. Consequently, the BiH Council of Ministers may approve imports of goods exempt from customs duties or at tariff rates lower than the duty set by the BiH Customs Tariff.  The application of this measure is restricted to limits, and ceases when the stipulated limit or value of the quota is reached.
  • Tariff Exemptions and Relief :Irrespective of tariff rates set by the Customs Tariff Law, some goods are exempt from customs duties under specific conditions.

The following goods are exempt from customs duties :

  • Equipment representing the investment of a foreign person, except passenger vehicles and entertainment and gaming machines;
  • Goods for military and police forces in the entities that are fully donor financed;
  • Goods for reconstruction projects in BIH.

Other Duties and Charges

Irrespective of the customs duty, which is paid on all commodities imported into the customs territory of BiH at the rates stipulated in the Customs tariff, the Law on Customs Policy, and the Law on Foreign Trade Policy, there are other regulations prescribing or allowing imposition of other taxes and charges.

  • Seasonal Duty : Article 19 Paragraph 7 of the Law on Customs Policy allows for imposition of a seasonal duty.  Accordingly, in addition to the tariff rates in force, the BiH Council of Ministers, after consulting the entities, may introduce a seasonal duty on non-processed agricultural products for a set period of time.  The seasonal duty has never been applied.
  • Antidumping and Countervailing Duties : Goods imported into BiH at prices below their normal value or subsidized in some way may be subject to antidumping and countervailing duties, in accordance with BiH law.

Fees for Inspection of Goods :

  • All weapons and ammunition (permit required and must be reported to the police upon entry)
  • The following items may be brought in duty and tax free within the limits indicated:
    • Cigarettes (200), cigarillos (100), tobacco (250 g)
    • Spirits (1 L), wine (2 L), liqueur (2 L)
    • Cologne (250 L), perfume (50 g)
  • Plant and plant products (permission from the Ministry of Agriculture required)
  • Meat products (permission from the Ministry of Agriculture required)

Prohibited Items

  • Firearms and ammunition
  • Alcohol, wine, & spirits
  • Tobacco
  • Narcotics
  • Toxic materials
  • Ivory
  • Pornographic materials

Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others.)

Airport Tax

(USD 12.-) is levied on passengers embarking in Bosnia and Herzegovina for destinations abroad.
Place of payment: airport of departure.
Exempt: transit passengers not leaving the airport transit area.

Currency

Currency Import regulations:

Local currency (Convertible Mark – BAM) and local currencies: no restrictions. Amounts exceeding BAM 10,000. – or equivalent must be declared on arrival.

Currency Export regulations:

Local currency (Convertible Mark – BAM) and foreign currencies: up to the amounts imported and declared. Amounts exceeding the equivalent of EUR 2,500.- require a certificate from the bank that the amount has been taken out from currency saving accounts or bought from an authorized bank.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Original vehicle title / registration
  • Invoice or pro-forma invoice with the vehicle value
  • Technical data (type, model, chassis number, engine number, engine volume (ccm), engine power (KW), weight, etc.)
  • Document certifying that the vehicle meets at least “EURO IV” standards (must be issued in Bosnia and Herzegovina)
  • Diplomatic protocol, if applicable (diplomats)
  • Statement from B& H embassy / consulate at origin (returning B&H citizens)

Specific Information

  • Vehicles can be imported into Bosnia and Herzegovina with at least “EURO IV” standards
  • Diplomats can import vehicles that are not “EURO IV” duty and tax free with a diplomatic protocol issued by the B&H Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Returning B&H citizens can import vehicles that are not “EURO IV” duty and tax free with statement from B&H embassy / consulate at origin must show that the owner of the vehicle has lived abroad for more than 36 months and proof that returner is owner of the vehicle abroad at least 12 months until the date of return to B&H.
    • The vehicle must be imported within 12 months from the “date of the return to Bosnia and Herzegovina”.
  • Temporary import is possible for the period validity of work / residence permit vehicle must meet at least “EURO IV” standards.
  • Customs may require bank guarantee for total amount of temporary imported vehicle.
  • Cars older than 7 years cannot be imported.

Pets

Documents Required

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Pet passport
  • Microchip
  • Rabies certificate

Specific Information

  • All species of animals (dogs, cats, birds, etc.) must enter across specific borders where health control inspections are performed.
    • Pets other than cats and dogs (e.g., birds, reptiles, small rodents, etc.) are not required to prove rabies vaccinations.
    • Cats and dogs must be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days but not more than 12 months prior to entry.
  • Rabies certificate is required for pets originating from certain countries.
  • Contact destination agent for more specific information.

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  • Informations pour les voyageurs

Crime

The level of crime is generally low, and crime against foreigners is particularly low, but you should beware of pickpockets on public transport, and in the tourist and pedestrian areas of Sarajevo and other cities. Be vigilant and make sure personal belongings including your passports are secure. Excessive displays of wealth, including large quantities of cash or jewellery and luxury vehicles can make you a target for opportunist thieves. Make sure your vehicle is locked and your belongings are out of sight. Take particular care in areas popular with foreign tourists, locals and in crowded public venues. Report all incidents of crime to the local police station and get a written report. Local police do not always have English language skills and you may need the services of a translator.

Authorities have warned citizens of a new scam taking advantage of the coronavirus issue, whereby criminals pose as disinfectant officials to gain access to properties.

Local travel

Landmines and other unexploded ordnance remain from the 1992-95 war. Highly populated areas and major routes are clear of mines and are safe to visit, but you should take special care near to the former lines of conflict. Although roads themselves may be clear on major routes, there are many landmines close to the edge of roads. Don’t stray from roads and paved areas without an experienced guide. Unless you have an experienced guide, you should avoid the open countryside and especially destroyed or abandoned buildings, neglected land, un-tarred roads, woods and orchards, private property and abandoned villages. Abandoned buildings, even in towns and cities may be booby trapped with mines. For further information, check the Mine Action Centre website.

English is not widely spoken. Local rail, bus and tram services are generally reliable if sometimes slow. Official taxis in Sarajevo and the major towns are well-regulated and metered. Taxi drivers from the Respublika Srpska might be unwilling to drive to a destination in the Federation, and vice versa. Do not use unlicensed taxis.

Road travel

You can drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina using a valid UK driving licence or an International Driving Permit, in accordance with the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, during short visits of up to 6 months. If you’re staying longer than 6 months you will need to get a local driving licence. Bosnian authorities will retain your UK or any other foreign driving licence when applying for a Bosnian one. You cannot exchange an International Driving permit for a Bosnian licence.

If you’re driving through Bosnia and Herzegovina to another country, make sure you have the right documentation for your destination. Further advice can be found on the relevant Foreign Travel Advice page

You need valid insurance to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina in a vehicle. If you don’t have the correct insurance, you’ll need to buy border insurance when you enter the country. The border police should be able to direct you to the insurance company office at the border crossing. Euros are accepted, but credit card payment is not always possible.

You can’t buy border insurance at all border crossings. The border police advise travellers to use the recently upgraded crossings at: Bijaca, Crveni Grm (south), Zubci (south-east), Karakaj and Raca (east), Samac (north-east), Kamensko and Izacici (west).

You can’t buy border insurance at the Neum border crossing. If you’re entering Bosnia and Herzegovina via Neum, you should be able to buy insurance at the Doljani border crossing.

Make sure you have original vehicle registration and ownership papers with you as border guards, customs or the insurance company may want to see them.

Contact the Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy in London if you have more detailed questions about bringing a vehicle in to the country. The British Embassy won’t be able to help if you don’t have the correct documentation on arrival at the border.

Take care when travelling outside the main towns and cities, especially in winter when road conditions can worsen quickly.

Between 15 November and 15 April you are legally required to use winter equipment on your vehicle. This means:

all tyres must have an MS, M+S or M&S mark and a stylised symbol of a snowflake; the tread should be at least 4 mm deep

snow chains should be carried as their use is compulsory in winter conditions or if the relevant sign is displayed

You must drive with dipped headlamps at all times, not just after dark. Take great care when driving at night as many roads are badly lit or have no lighting at all. Avoid long-distance travel at night. Take care when overtaking and when approaching traffic lights as local drivers have a habit of braking suddenly when traffic lights change to amber. If you are involved in an accident, stay at the scene until the police arrive. The police may breathalyse those involved. Traffic police can impose on the spot fines for any traffic offence.

See the AA and RAC guides on driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Air travel

Sarajevo (Butmir) International airport is prone to fog from October to March and particularly during December and January. If you are travelling into or out of Sarajevo during winter, make sure you have enough money if you are forced to extend your stay, as many airlines won’t take responsibility for accommodation due to delays caused by adverse weather.

Adventurous activities

Check that your travel and medical insurance cover you for any adventure activities and sports.

Diving off Mostar bridge can be dangerous and there have been reports of serious injuries and even fatalities when imitating the professionals.

Take care when white water rafting in rivers or close to waterfalls. Currents can be extremely strong.

Political situation

There are occasional protests in major towns and cities. These are normally peaceful but can cause disruption to traffic and limit access to public buildings. Keep up to date with developments, be vigilant and avoid all protests.

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.

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