Bosnia and Herzegovina customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Arriving travellers entering Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2026 may bring duty-free goods up to 300 BAM (about 150 USD) in value. The key rule: alcohol is limited to 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine/beer, tobacco to 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco, and cash over 10,000 EUR must be declared.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer (under 22% ABV). Traveller must be 18+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Cash (or equivalent monetary instruments) of 10,000 EUR or more must be declared in writing to customs upon arrival. This includes BAM and other currencies.

Goods duty-free

$150

Personal goods and gifts up to a total value of 300 BAM (approximately 150 USD) are duty-free. Items above this value are subject to customs duty and VAT.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with a medical prescription and permit)
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (without a special permit from the Ministry of Security)
Endangered species of wild fauna and flora (CITES-listed) and products made from them
Pornographic material (defined as obscene or indecent content)
Counterfeit goods (including fake currency, documents, and branded items)
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines for personal use (must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription or medical certificate for quantities exceeding 3 months' supply)
Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require a phytosanitary certificate and may be subject to inspection)
Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) require an EU-compliant pet passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination certificate
Cultural heritage items (antiquities, artworks, archaeological finds) require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture
Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require a permit from the Communications Regulatory Agency)

Rules worth knowing

Temporary import of vehicles

Non-residents may temporarily import a private vehicle for up to 6 months without paying duty. The vehicle must be registered abroad and not sold or lent in Bosnia. A carnet de passage is recommended for high-value vehicles.

Duty-free allowances for residents returning from non-EU countries

Residents of Bosnia returning from a non-EU country (e.g., Serbia, Montenegro, Turkey) have the same duty-free allowances as non-residents: 300 BAM in goods, 1L spirits, 200 cigarettes. However, if returning from an EU country, the allowances are higher: 430 BAM in goods, 10L spirits, 800 cigarettes.

Currency declaration for amounts over 10,000 EUR

Cash (or equivalent monetary instruments) of 10,000 EUR or more must be declared in writing to customs upon arrival. This applies to both cash and bearer negotiable instruments.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but only if they are commercially packaged and originate from the EU or a country with equivalent animal health standards. Personal imports of meat or dairy from non-EU countries (e.g., Serbia, Turkey) are generally prohibited unless accompanied by a veterinary certificate. Up to 2 kg of powdered infant formula is allowed without a certificate.

No, personal electronics like laptops and cameras for your own use do not need to be declared as long as they are clearly for personal use and not for resale. However, if you are carrying multiple units (e.g., 3+ laptops), customs may consider them commercial goods and require duty payment.

You must declare the excess items and pay customs duty (10% of value) plus VAT (17%) on the over-limit quantity. For example, if you bring 2 liters of spirits, duty and VAT apply to the second liter. Failure to declare can result in seizure and a fine.

Yes, for personal use up to a 3-month supply. Carry a doctor's prescription or medical certificate (in English or Bosnian). For controlled substances (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines), you must also obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Health before travel.

There is no limit on importing BAM, but amounts equivalent to 10,000 EUR or more must be declared. Exporting BAM is limited to 30,000 BAM (about 15,000 EUR) without a permit from the Central Bank.

Yes, but drones over 250g must be registered with the Bosnia and Herzegovina Directorate of Civil Aviation. You may need a permit for commercial use. For recreational use, keep the drone under 250g or register it before arrival. Customs may ask for proof of registration.

Official source

Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina (UIO BiH)