Destinations / Bosnia and Herzegovina
Driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a visitor
Usually yes. Bosnia and Herzegovina expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Bosnia and Herzegovina expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Bosnia and Herzegovina expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Bosnia and Herzegovina accept?
Bosnia and Herzegovina recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Bosnia and Herzegovina ask for one?
Sarajevo and Mostar desks ask for an IDP with non-EU licences.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.