Bosnia and Herzegovina customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Bosnia and Herzegovina's biggest customs trap is its low cash-declaration threshold: 10,000 BAM (≈ 5,500 EUR), far below the EU's 10,000 EUR. Meat and dairy from non-EU countries are completely banned. The country has two entities (FBiH and RS) but unified federal customs rules apply at all entry points.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 L of spirits over 22% ABV OR 2 L of wine/beer. Must be 18+. Value up to 300 BAM (≈ 165 USD) duty-free.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$5,500
10,000 BAM (≈ 5,500 USD) or more must be declared. Use the 'Prijava gotovine' form at customs. Applies to all currencies combined.
Goods duty-free
$165
Personal goods up to 300 BAM (≈ 165 USD) duty-free. Above that, flat 10% duty plus 17% VAT on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without prior authorization)
  • Weapons, ammunition, and explosives without a special permit
  • Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries (including sausages, cheese, and cured meats)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Endangered species products (CITES) without a permit
  • Pornographic material (considered obscene under Bosnian law)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing controlled substances (require a prescription and prior approval from the Agency for Medicinal Products)
  • Firearms and hunting weapons (require a permit from the Ministry of Interior)
  • Plants, seeds, and soil (require a phytosanitary certificate)
  • Cultural property and antiques (require an export permit from the Commission for the Preservation of National Monuments)
  • Drones and radio equipment (require approval from the Communications Regulatory Agency)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Use the green channel if you have nothing to declare. Use the red channel if you exceed allowances or carry restricted items. No arrival card is required for most travellers, but you may be asked to fill a customs declaration form if you have goods to declare.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Tourists can claim VAT refund on purchases over 100 BAM (≈ 55 USD) from a single store. Look for 'Tax Free' signs. Get the form stamped at customs at Sarajevo, Banja Luka, or Mostar airports before departure. Refund is processed by the store or a refund agency.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 30 days are allowed without a prescription. For longer stays or controlled substances (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD meds), carry a doctor's prescription translated into Bosnian/English. Some common Western drugs like codeine-based cough syrups are controlled here.

Food, plants & animal products

Meat, dairy, and animal products from non-EU countries are banned. Fruits, vegetables, and plants require a phytosanitary certificate. Honey and eggs from EU countries are allowed in small quantities for personal use.

Rules worth knowing

Cash declaration threshold is low

You must declare any cash (BAM, EUR, USD, or any currency) exceeding 10,000 BAM (≈ 5,500 EUR). This is much lower than the EU's 10,000 EUR threshold. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.

Meat and dairy ban from non-EU countries

Bosnia enforces strict biosecurity: no meat, dairy, or animal products from non-EU countries. Even a sandwich with ham can be confiscated. EU-origin products are allowed in small quantities.

Two entities, one customs system

Bosnia has two entities (Federation and Republika Srpska) but customs rules are unified. You clear customs once at the first entry point. No internal checks between entities.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if the meat product is from an EU country and is for personal consumption (small quantity). If you're arriving from a non-EU country like Turkey or Serbia, it's banned.
No, personal electronics for your own use are considered personal goods and are duty-free up to 300 BAM (≈ 165 USD). If the total value of all goods exceeds that, you may be asked to pay duty on the excess.
No, the threshold is 10,000 BAM. You are under the limit, so no declaration is needed. But if you have any other currency combined that exceeds 10,000 BAM equivalent, you must declare.
Yes, but you must register it with the Communications Regulatory Agency (CRA) if it weighs over 250 g. You may also need a permit for commercial use. For personal use, just declare it at customs if asked.
Adderall (amphetamine) is a controlled substance in Bosnia. You need prior approval from the Agency for Medicinal Products. Without it, it may be confiscated and you could face legal issues. Carry a translated prescription and a letter from your doctor.
If it is a contemporary work (less than 50 years old) and not a cultural monument, no permit is needed. If it is an antique or considered cultural property, you need an export permit from the Commission for the Preservation of National Monuments.
You must declare the excess in the red channel. You will pay 10% customs duty and 17% VAT on the value above 300 BAM (≈ 165 USD). For example, a second bottle of whiskey worth 50 BAM would incur about 13.50 BAM in taxes.

Official source

Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Uprava za indirektno oporezivanje)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Uprava za indirektno oporezivanje) before travelling.