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State Department: Bosnia-Hercegovina - Consular Information Sheet, August 11, 1999
Bosnia - Herzegovina - Consular Information Sheet
August 11, 1999
WARNING: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of
the potential danger of travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. From March to
June, members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) undertook
military action against neighboring Serbia and Montenegro, increasing the
possibility for retaliation against U.S. citizens in Bosnia and
Herzegovina, particularly in the Republika Srpska entity. Americans in
Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in the Republika Srpska entity, are
urged to avoid crowds and demonstrations, to keep a low profile, and to
stay alert for changes in the security situation.
The war in Bosnia and Herzegovina was halted by the Dayton Peace
Accords. However, there are still risks from occasional localized
political violence, land mines, unexploded ordnance, and carjackings. As
many as one million land mines are still scattered throughout the country,
and visitors are advised to remain on well-trafficked surfaces and
roadways. There are also occasional flare-ups of violence, sometimes
linked to protests over the return of displaced persons and arrests of war
criminals.
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Since the December 1995 signing of
the Dayton Peace Accords, there has been significant progress in restoring
peace.
Although physical infrastructure was devastated by the war, in recent
years there has been significant improvement, and reconstruction is
accelerating. Utility service has improved dramatically, but gas,
electrical, and especially water outages still occur. Hotels and travel
amenities are available in the capital, Sarajevo, and other major towns,
but they are expensive. In the more remote areas of the country, public
facilities vary in quality.
The popular religious shrine at Medjugorje is located near the city of
Mostar. Most pilgrims travel to Medjugorje by road from Split, Croatia,
without incident, although the roads are narrow and lack guardrails in many
locations.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. A visa is
not required for tourist stays up to three months. Unless the traveler is
staying at a hotel, all foreigners must register with the local police
within 48 hours of arrival. U.S. citizens planning to remain in Bosnia and
Herzegovina for more than three months must obtain a temporary residence
permit from the local police having jurisdiction over their place of
residence and pay a fee of $50 (U.S.) for one 12-month period. The
authorities of the Republika Srpska have been known to charge a 40 deutsche
mark (DM) visa fee to U.S. citizens when entering, exiting, or passing
through that entity. This discrepancy will cease when a new immigration
law is adopted by the parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For additional
information concerning longer stays, employment, and other types of visas,
travelers may contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, 2109 E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone (202)
337-1500. Overseas, inquiries may be made at the nearest Bosnian embassy
or consulate.
DUAL NATIONALITY: The Government of Bosnia and
Herzegovina does not recognize the U.S. citizenship of persons who are
citizens of both Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United States. This may
hinder the ability of U.S. consular officers to assist persons who do not
enter Bosnia and Herzegovina on a U.S. passport. Dual nationals may also
be subject to national obligations, such as taxes and military service.
Travelers should contact a Bosnia and Herzegovina embassy or consulate for
further information. For additional information, please see the Bureau of
Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our dual
nationality flyer.
SAFETY/SECURITY: An estimated one million unmarked land
mines and other unexploded ordnance remain from the war throughout Bosnia
and Herzegovina. Special care should be taken when near former
confrontation lines and the former Serb-held suburbs of Sarajevo. To
minimize dangers and difficulties, automobile travel should be limited to
hard-surface roads because of land mines. Pedestrians should avoid unpaved
surfaces. Travelers should use extreme caution, especially in regions away
from major urban centers, because of inadequate control by local
authorities. Localized political difficulties continue with occasional
inter-ethnic violence and bombings. As firearms are readily available,
random violence may occur with little or no warning. U.S. citizens must
take precautions regarding their personal security. While most Bosnian
citizens appreciate the assistance of the international community,
outbreaks of anti-foreign sentiment sometimes occur.
CRIME INFORMATION: Although street crime is relatively
low and violent crimes are rare, petty street crimes such as pickpocketing
and breaking into parked automobiles are problems. Travelers should take
normal precautions to protect their property from theft and exercise common
sense personal security measures such as avoiding travel in deserted areas
after dark, walking in pairs, and staying in well-lighted areas after dark.
The most serious problem affecting travelers to Bosnia and Herzegovina is
armed, at times violent, carjacking, especially of four- wheel-drive
vehicles. In carjacking situations, the U.S. Embassy advises compliance
without resistance. Confrontations with local citizens resulting from
traffic incidents or public disagreements should be avoided. The loss or
theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police
and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on
safeguarding valuables and protecting personal safety while traveling
abroad is provided in the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip
Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet
at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs,
or the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: The lack of adequate medical
facilities, especially outside Sarajevo, may cause problems for visitors.
The blood supply is not screened for HIV or AIDS. Because many medicines
are not obtainable, travelers should bring their own supply of prescription
drugs and preventive medicines. Private medical practitioners are rare,
but the number of private dentists is increasing.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical coverage is not always
valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not
provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured
travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties.
Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy
applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Please
ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor
or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some
insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment or
disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on
medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is
provided in the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure,
"Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available via its
home page or autofax: (202) 647- 3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations
and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention's international traveler's hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877- 394-8747), via their autofax service at 1-888-CDC-FAXX
(1-888-232-3229), or its Internet home page at http://www.cdc.gov.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign
country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ
significantly from those in the United States. The information below
concerning Bosnia and Herzegovina is provided for general reference only,
and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or
circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Fair
Urban Road Condition/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Condition/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Fair
Road travel is possible throughout most of the country, although some
roads are still impassable due to war damage. Travel by road should be
considered risky, because roads are not well maintained, and some bridges
damaged during the war remain temporary at best. The driving habits of
local drivers are poor, and many vehicles are in bad condition. Many
accidents occur when drivers exceed safe speeds along winding mountain
roads. Accidents involving drunk driving are an increasing problem.
Driving after dark is especially dangerous. Except for Sarajevo, street
lighting is not widespread, road construction may be poorly marked, and
heavy vehicles move slowly on hills. Because of the threat of carjackings
and poor road conditions, travelers are encouraged to convoy with other
vehicles, if possible, and to plan their trip to ensure they travel only
during daylight hours. Although the number of service stations outside
major cities has increased in recent years, many do not offer mechanical or
other services. Road support networks for stranded drivers exist, but they
are not well established.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct
commercial air service by local carriers at present, nor economic authority
to operate such service between the United States and Bosnia and
Herzegovina, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not
assessed Bosnia and Herzegovina's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance
with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Bosnia and
Herzegovina's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers
may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at telephone
1-800-322- 7873, or visit the FAA Internet home page at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.htm.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air
carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For
information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may
contact the Pentagon at telephone 1-703-697-7288.
The airports in Sarajevo, Mostar, and Banja Luka are open, but
commercial service is limited. Travelers should be prepared for delayed or
canceled flights.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a
U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which
sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not
afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.
Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States
for similar offenses. Persons violating Bosnian laws, even unknowingly,
may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use,
or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can
expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Photographing military
installations, including airports, equipment, bridges, government
checkpoints, or troops is forbidden. If in doubt, please ask permission to
take photographs.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Almost all of Bosnia and
Herzegovina is a cash economy. Credit cards are rarely accepted, except in
Medjugorje, and travelers should not expect to use them to cover expenses.
Traveler's checks can be cashed in banks in major cities, but often with
delays of three to four weeks. Cash transfers from abroad may also involve
delays. The convertible mark, the new currency since June 1998, is pegged
one-for-one with the German mark under a currency board regime, which
guarantees its stability. The convertible mark is gradually replacing the
German mark, which had been the de facto currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina
since 1992. While German marks may continue to be accepted in some cases,
all official payments have to be made in convertible marks. Any bank in
Bosnia and Herzegovina should be able to exchange U.S. dollars into the
convertible marks with the usual bank commission (about 2%).
Y2K INFORMATION: U.S. citizens contemplating traveling
or residing abroad in late 1999 or early 2000 should be aware of potential
difficulties. They may wish to consider taking practical precautions
against possible disruptions of services triggered by the Y2K computer
phenomenon. Please monitor our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/y2kca.html
for updates on Y2K issues.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international
adoption of children, international parental child abduction, and
international child support enforcement issues, please refer to our
Internet website at http://travel.state.gov/children's issues html or tel. (202) 736-
7000.
REGISTRATION AND EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens
visiting or remaining in Bosnia, despite the Travel Warning, are encouraged
to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo and
obtain updated information on travel and security within Bosnia and
Herzegovina. The Consular Section is located at Alipasina 43, telephone
(387)(71) 445- 700, fax: (387)(71) 659-722; Internet address: http://www.usis.com.ba. On weekends,
holidays, and after hours, an Embassy duty officer can be reached at
telephone (387)(71) 445-700.
* * * *
This replaces the Consular Information
Sheet dated June 1, 1999, to update the Travel Warning.
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