Country Guide
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina safely and compliantly
Planning a workation in Sarajevo? Or a business trip to Banja Luka or Mostar? Learn the essential information you and your employees need to work safely and compliantly while traveling in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including working conditions, safety and health regulations, tax treaties, social security, and more.
Capital city
Sarajevo
Telephone code
+387
Official language
Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Currency
Convertible Mark (BAM)
Time zone
UTC+1
Social security compliance
When working remotely abroad, your employees may become subject to the social security scheme of the destination country, which means you, as an employer, would need to pay social security premiums accordingly. Bosnia and Herzegovina has social security agreements with several countries, available here, to prevent the payment of double social security premiums or non-insurance.
To ensure your employees remain compliant with these treaties, they must possess a valid Certificate of Coverage (CoC) obtained from the relevant local authorities. For WorkFlex users, the CoC is issued automatically after a trip request is submitted. Discover our solution for efficient social security risk mitigation here.
Tax compliance
Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed bilateral tax treaties with numerous countries that specify the steps to take to avoid double taxation, available here. These treaties generally follow international standards and provide guidelines for various types of income, including employment income.
Despite the existence of tax treaties, the issue of Permanent Establishment remains a significant compliance concern for employers with employees temporarily working in Bosnia and Herzegovina. If a traveling employee is deemed to constitute a Permanent Establishment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the employer may be required to:
- Register the company locally
- Allocate profits to the local business (branch)
- File corporate taxes
- Comply with various local regulations
To avoid this scenario, follow the guidelines mentioned in the "Working" section.
Overriding local employment provisions
Employees traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina are expected to comply with some basic local employment provisions that may be qualified as overriding, such as minimum salary standards. Find out the most recent information about the minimum wage in Bosnia and Herzegovina here.
Visa
To work legally while in another country, employees generally need a valid work title. It's important to keep in mind that the consequences of entering without the proper documentation can be significant for both the employee and the employer.
For those planning work-from-anywhere trips to Bosnia and Herzegovina, here's a quick overview:
- Visa-free entry: Many nationalities can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa
- Standard visa: Required for nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry, obtained through diplomatic missions
- E-visa: Not available
- Visa on Arrival: Not available - all required visas must be obtained before travel
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
For those planning business trips to Bosnia and Herzegovina:
- Visa-free entry: Many nationalities can conduct business visits without a visa
- Business visa: Required for nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry
- E-visa: Not available
- Visa on Arrival: Not available
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
Working hours
Most employees in Bosnia and Herzegovina work from Monday to Friday, with a standard workweek consisting of 40 hours. The workday is typically running from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a lunch break of 30 minutes in between.
To remain compliant during your trip abroad, here are some suggestions to follow:
- Avoid working overtime: Regulations regarding overtime can differ significantly and may be much stricter compared to those in your home country.
- Refrain from working outside regular hours: The rules surrounding working outside regular hours may vary and could be stricter than in your home country.
- Do not work on weekends: If the weekend days differ from those in your home country, please avoid working on both your regular weekend days and the local weekend days.
Public holidays
- January 1-2: New Year's Days
- January 6: Orthodox Christmas Eve (Republika Srpska)
- January 7: Orthodox Christmas (Republika Srpska)
- January 14: Orthodox New Year (Republika Srpska)
- March 1: Independence Day (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- May 1-2: Labor Day
- May 9: Victory Day
- July 11: Srebrenica Memorial Day
- November 21: Dayton Agreement Day
- December 25: Christmas Day
Please note that some holidays are celebrated differently in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska. Depending on the region you're visiting, there may be additional region-specific public holidays. For more information about these holidays, please check here.
To comply with labor laws, please refrain from working on national or regional holidays during your trip. These days hold significant importance for locals and provide a great opportunity for you to blend in and celebrate with the community.
Working activities
When considering travel for work purposes—whether for a workation or a business trip—it is crucial to understand the implications of Permanent Establishment (PE) and associated tax risks. PE is a significant compliance concern for companies and can become costly due to the administrative burden if the compliance requirements for employees working abroad are not properly managed. To help mitigate these risks, here are a few guidelines to follow.
If you are traveling for a workation, please:
- Refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during your trip.
- Avoid visiting clients or any office, including your employer's local office in the destination country.
Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risks related to Permanent Establishment for your employer.
If you are a business traveler, it may be difficult to avoid the activities mentioned above. In this case, please ensure you inform your employer's compliance department about this matter. If you and your organization are WorkFlex users, this topic is addressed through the WorkFlex platform.
Data protection
Data protection is fundamentally about keeping our information safe from unauthorized access, breaches, theft, or damage. This responsibility is important for everyone, regardless of where they are working.
When employees work temporarily from abroad, data protection involves ensuring continued coverage and compliance with the data protection regulations of both, the home country and the destination country. Bosnia and Herzegovina has implemented The Law on Protection of Personal Data. Its level of regulation and enforcement is characterized as moderate. That means that the legal framework provides adequate data protection but may lack comprehensive scope, enforcement, or detail. While key areas are covered, certain sectors or practices remain less regulated. Learn more about it here.
For WorkFlex users, a comprehensive list of data protection activities is available in the profile, but here are some general data protection guidelines to keep your data safe:
- Adhere to Your Company's Internal Data Policies: Familiarize yourself with and follow your organization’s specific data protection protocols.
- Use Secure Network Connections: Always connect through secure networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.
- Be Aware of Phishing: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts by verifying the authenticity of emails and messages before clicking on any links.
- Utilize Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Create complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
- Keep Your Devices in a Secure Location: Always store your devices in safe places to prevent unauthorized access.
- Lock Your Screen Whenever Applicable: Ensure your screen is locked when you're away from your device to protect your information.
Travel health insurance
When traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina for work—whether for a short business trip or an extended workation—it's essential to have comprehensive health insurance coverage to ensure access to medical care.
For business trips, the employer typically arranges the employee's travel health insurance. However, for workations, these responsibilities can be less clear. WorkFlex takes care of travel health insurance for trips worldwide to ensure there are no costly consequences for either the employee or the employer if accidents occur while working abroad.
For travelers using WorkFlex
If you’re traveling with WorkFlex, comprehensive health insurance is automatically included if your employer has activated this feature. For more details, please refer to your trip request on the WorkFlex platform.
For other travelers
Ensure you have travel health insurance with worldwide coverage, whether for a workation or business trip, so that you can receive adequate medical treatment in case of an emergency.
Urgent safety information
For travelers using WorkFlex:
Please refer to your trip's risk assessment under the "Health and Security" dimension to review any urgent security information relevant to your travel.
For other travelers:
Please visit official authority websites to check for any current threats or urgent security advisories:
Terrorism
Follow the general cautionary measures.
Internal Political Situation
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political situation is generally stable, but the country’s division into the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republika Srpska, and the Brčko District occasionally gives rise to isolated political, religious, or ethnically motivated tensions. Protests, though generally peaceful, can occur sporadically.
Safety tips:
- Monitor local and international media for updates.
- Avoid demonstrations, protests, or large gatherings, especially near sensitive areas.
- Exercise caution in environments prone to heightened tensions, such as football matches.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities and security forces.
Landmines
Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a hazard in certain parts of the country, especially away from main roads and tourist sites. Landslides caused by heavy rain or weather changes may displace minefields, sometimes making markers unreliable or invisible.
Safety tips for landmine risk areas:
- Avoid hiking in remote or unfamiliar areas without prior guidance.
- Stay on paved roads, even near Sarajevo, and avoid walking through fields, forests, or near abandoned buildings.
- Seek updated information on mine-free routes before venturing into rural regions.
Crime
While crime rates in Bosnia and Herzegovina are relatively low, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in tourist hotspots like Sarajevo and other urban centers. Vehicles with foreign license plates or rental cars are at increased risk for theft or break-ins.
Safety tips to prevent crime:
- Safeguard your money, ID, and important travel documents. Store electronic copies securely to facilitate replacement if needed.
- Park vehicles in secure, guarded, or locked facilities whenever possible.
- Avoid leaving valuables, documents, or belongings in parked cars, even briefly or in the trunk.
- Stay alert in crowded areas and tourist zones where pickpocketing is more likely.
Continental Climate (Sarajevo, Central Region):
- Temperature ranges:
- Summer: 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F)
- Winter: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
- Significant snowfall in winter
- Moderate rainfall year-round
Mediterranean Climate (Mostar, Herzegovina Region):
- Temperature ranges:
- Summer: 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F)
- Winter: 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F)
- Hot summers
- Mild winters
- Less precipitation
Alpine Climate (Mountain Regions):
- Cold winters with heavy snow
- Cool summers
- Frequent weather changes
- Higher precipitation
Airports
Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ)
- Location: Sarajevo
- When to use: Main international hub, capital access
Banja Luka International Airport (BNX)
- Location: Banja Luka
- When to use: Republika Srpska access, regional flights
Tuzla International Airport (TZL)
- Location: Tuzla
- When to use: Northeastern Bosnia, low-cost carriers
Train stations
Sarajevo Railway Station
Main connections:
- Services to Mostar and Čapljina
- International trains to Croatia (seasonal)
- Local connections
- Bus terminal nearby
Banja Luka Railway Station
Main connections:
- Services within Republika Srpska
- Connections to Serbia
- Regional services
- Limited international routes
Mostar Railway Station
Main connections:
- Services to Sarajevo
- Connections to Croatia (seasonal)
- Tourist routes
- Local services
Additional services:
- Limited international connections
- Regional services between major cities
- Tourist routes in scenic areas
- Inter-entity railway connections
Ride-hailing services
Public transportation
Inter-City Services
Bus network:
- Primary mode of inter-city transport
- Extensive coverage
- Multiple daily connections
- Modern fleet on main routes
Urban networks:
Sarajevo:
- Tram system
- Trolleybuses
- City buses
- Cable car to Trebević
Banja Luka:
- City bus network
- Trolleybus system
- Local taxi services
Local transportation:
- City buses
- Trams (Sarajevo only)
- Trolleybuses
- Licensed taxis