Is wild camping allowed in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

No Tolerated! Yes

No, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is unfortunately not officially allowed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, most authorities and residents tolerate it.

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Monique
Written by: Monique
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Last researched: Winter 2021/2022

Unfortunately, the law does not allow wild camping in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, outside of conurbations and tourist areas, it is tolerated by most authorities and residents.

The Bosnian people are known for their hospitality, and it is often possible to stay on private property for a few nights. To avoid trouble with owners, you should ask them for permission in advance.

CAUTION! Bosnia and Herzegovina are one of the most heavily mined countries in Europe, along with Croatia and Kosovo.

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Tips and tricks for wild camping in Bosnia and Herzegovina

A fantastic nature, hospitable people, tasty food and all this at very reasonable prices. No wonder that more and more tourists spend their holidays in Bosnia and Herzegovina. If you are planning your trip to this beautiful country, we have put together a few tips on what to look out for.

Landmines
Bosnia is one of the most heavily mined countries in Europe. Some areas have not yet been cleared, especially away from main routes and tourist areas. So you should be especially careful when you are out in nature. Many tourist information offices have maps with the areas that should be avoided.

Special traffic rules
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, winter tires and year-round lighting are compulsory between 15 November and 15 April. If you are under 23 years old and have had your driving license for less than a year, you will be banned from driving between 23:00 and 5:00 in the morning.

Paying in Bosnia and Herzegovina
In the bigger cities, it is no problem to pay with a credit card, but if you are staying in the smaller towns it is advisable to carry enough cash with you, as paying with a card is often not possible here. The local currency is Convertible Mark (KM), but many shops also take Euro at a rate of 2:1.

Toll
There is a toll obligation on the motorways. Tolls can be paid in cash at the numerous toll stations. It is advisable to carry sufficient small change in the local currency with you, as there are no card readers available at many toll stations.

10 interesting, bizarre and funny facts about Bosnia and Herzegovina

After the end of the Bosnian war, the country enjoyed increasing popularity among tourists. For the period from 1995 to 2020, the country is one of the three countries with the largest increase in tourists, according to the World Tourism Organization. A good time to visit the country before it is overrun by tourists. We have collected some interesting facts to give you an overview of the country.

Fact #1 - Electric streetcar
In the capital Sarajevo, the first fully electric tram in Europe was put into operation in 1895.

Fact #2 - Mines
Even more than 20 years after the end of the war, around 220,000 landmines are still buried in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Fact #3 - Languages
Bosnia and Herzegovina have three official languages: Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian, Bosnian being spoken by most of the inhabitants.

Fact #4 - Name origin
The name Bosnia comes from the Indo-European word 'Bosana' which means water. No wonder with all the lakes.

Fact #5 - Sarajevo Film Festival
The Sarajevo Film Festival was founded in 1995 and is today the most important film festival on the Balkan Peninsula.

Fact #6 - Jungle
The Sutjeska National Park in the southern part of the country is home to one of the last primeval forests in Europe, the Perućica primeval forest.

Fact #7 - Winter Olympics
The 1984 Winter Olympics were held in Sarajevo and were the first to be held in a communist country.

Fact #8 - Mosque with electricity
The Gazi-Husrev-Beg Mosque is one of the largest and oldest mosques in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 1898 it was also the first mosque to use electricity.

Fact #9 - Nickname
Bosnia and Herzegovina are also called the heart-shaped country because of its shape, which is reminiscent of a heart.

Fact #10 - Convertible Mark
All banknotes, except the 200 Mark note, are available in two versions: for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska.

Everything you need to know for your trip

Equipment

  • Warning triangle Yes
  • Safety vest Yes
  • First aid kit Yes
  • Replacement lamp set Yes
  • Spare tyre / repair set Yes
  • Fire extinguisher Yes
  • Tow rope Yes
  • Tear rope for all trailers No

Driving

  • Do I need a vignette, or are there tolls? Yes
  • Vignete/Maut more info: http://www.jpautoceste.ba/en/pricelist/
  • Right hand trafficTo avoid dazzling other road users, you need to readjust or mask your headlights if they have asymmetrical light and are right-hand drive
  • Is it compulsory to drive with lights on during the day? Yes

Information

  • Is the tap water potable? Yes
  • Socket type: C + F
  • Energency numbers: 112
  • Currency: BAM
  • Official Languages: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
  • Country licence plate code: BIH

Average prices, in €

  • Price coffee rounded: 0.75
  • Price beer rounded: 1.00

Entry conditions for animals

  • You need a valid EU pet passport in which your animal is clearly identified (microchip or tattoo), as well as a rabies vaccination valid on entry. The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old, but not older than 6 months. Yes
  • If your entry is from a non-EU country with a reduced rabies status, you must have a rabies antibody test carried out approximately four weeks before you enter the country and have it entered on your EU pet passport. No
  • Your dog must be treated for tapeworms 24 to 120 hours before entry. No
  • In addition to a valid EU pet passport with all the required entries, you also need an official veterinary health certificate (max. 10 days old). Yes
  • The import of fighting dogs or breeds classified as dangerous is not permitted. No
  • Special features: Your dog needs a distemper vaccination in addition to the rabies vaccination. This must not be older than 15 days.

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