

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is just off the coast of Adriatic Sea. Though it may appear that this country is coastal, it’s actually completed landlocked.
The country has many different cultural elements within its borders. These include spicy cuisine, beautiful landscapes, and different forms of art and literature.
Do I Need Vaccines for Bosnia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bosnia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bosnia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Tickborne Encephalitis –
Ticks & Unpasteurized Animal Products –
Limited information is available, but multiple cases have been reported. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Bosnia |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Tickborne Encephalitis | Ticks & Unpasteurized Animal Products | Limited information is available, but multiple cases have been reported. |
Routine Vaccinations for Bosnia |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Yes, any individual traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina needs a passport. Your passport must have at least three months validity for entry.
Bosnia Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Bosnia? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ![]() |
|
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Bosnia and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a Mediterranean climate. But, it can get cooler in the mountainous regions.
The coastal city of Mostar has mild winters. Temperatures are in the 40’s in winter and high-80’s in summer. Mostar is also known for its high annual rainfall average. This area sees 60 inches of rainfall a year.
Sarajevo experiences slightly lower temperature averages throughout the year. Winters can have sub-zero temperatures. Summers are more mild inland than they are on the coast with average temperatures in the 60’s.
How Safe Is Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s crime rate is moderate. But, Sarajevo, experiences significantly more crime than the rest of the country. In the city armed robberies, residential break-ins, vehicle break-ins, and pick-pocketing are common. Avoid wearing backpacks and stay alert at all times especially at night. Do not carry large amounts of money.
Landmines and explosives are still present in some parts of Bosnia. Take extra precautions when traveling in the region.
Soccer is popular in Bosnia. But, fans, both rival and domestic, can become violent because of the outcome of a game. This can result in fights and property damage.
Spectacular Sarajevo
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Sarajevo is a city in Bosnia that is popular with tourists. People visit Sarajevo to learn about its history, culture, and architecture. Visitors can explore the old town, which is a place with narrow streets and shops where they can try traditional food like cevapi and burek.
Sarajevo has many museums, where visitors can learn about the city’s complex past. The city also has a lively arts scene, with concerts and film screenings.
Sarajevo is known for its religious diversity, with mosques, churches, and synagogues located near each other. Visitors can visit these places to learn about the city’s religious heritage. There are also many parks and green spaces in Sarajevo, where visitors can take a walk and enjoy the natural scenery.
One of the best places to see the city from above is Mount Trebevic, which can be reached by cable car. There, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city.
What Should I Take to Bosnia and Herzegovina?
When packing for a trip to Bosnia, it is important to consider the season and activities you have planned.
If you are visiting during the summer, pack lightweight and breathable clothing, while in the winter, warm clothing is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are important for exploring the historical sites and cities. Don’t forget to bring your travel documents like your passport, travel insurance, and any necessary visas.
Bring your phone, charger, and adapters to stay connected and charged while traveling. Pack personal care items like toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary medications. Bring local currency and a credit card for larger purchases.
If you plan to explore Bosnia’s national parks or enjoy outdoor activities, bring appropriate gear such as hiking boots, a rain jacket, and a hat. Don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle, a travel guide or map, and a camera to capture your memories.
U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina
All Americans visiting Bosnia should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in Bosnia, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Sarajevo
1 Robert C. Frasure Street
71000 Sarajevo
Phone: +387 33 704-000
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start traveling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Bosnia
“I’ve worked with Passport Health every time I travel to Bosnia. They’re helpful, thorough, explains everything well, and very competent. Have ONLY had positive experiences with them, and definitely trust their recommendations and suggestions, especially about which shots to get and which ones I probably don’t need.”
“The nurse was very knowledgeable about the precautions needed for travel to Bosnia and provided excellent advice.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Do I Need a Visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
What Is the Climate Like in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
How Safe Is Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Spectacular Sarajevo
What Should I Take to Bosnia and Herzegovina?
U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina