Destinations / Bosnia and Herzegovina
Driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Driving is on the right and the country signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised alongside your licence for mountainous routes and frequent police checks.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Bosnia and Herzegovina expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 or 122 |
| Top speed limit | 130 km/h motorways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in BAM. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on at all times. |
|---|---|
| In the car | Carry a reflective vest, triangle and spare bulbs. |
| Alcohol | 0.03% alcohol limit. |
| Tyres | Winter equipment mandatory Nov–Apr. |
On the road in Bosnia and Herzegovina
At the pump
Petrol (95/98) and diesel are widely available at frequent stations, mostly attended/served; cards are accepted at branded stations but carry some cash (BAM) for rural pumps, and prices are moderate by regional standards.
After a crash
Dial 122 for police (124 ambulance, 112 general). Do not move vehicles, switch on hazard lights and set out the warning triangle; a police report is required for insurance, and any visible damage should be reported because driving a visibly damaged car out of the country can be questioned.
Sources: rac.co.uk · sixt.co.uk · vintrica.com · autoeurope.co.uk
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Driving is on the right and the country signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised alongside your licence for mountainous routes and frequent police checks.
Which translation format is used for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Bosnia and Herzegovina ask for a translation?
Sarajevo and Mostar desks ask for an IDP with non-EU licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.