Bosnia and Herzegovina lies on the Balkan peninsula, in Southeastern Europe. The country went through terrible civil war events in the end of the 20th century. It has now risen from its ashes, even if some scars inevitably remain. What makes the strength of the country is its fascinating multiculturalism, bringing people together rather than dividing them. There are very few places on Earth where you can find a mosque, an orthodox church and a synagogue harmoniously standing in the same street. Blessed with majestic mountains, ancient forests, countless caves, canyons, rivers and waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina is also a land of a stunning wild beauty.
HEALTH INFORMATION
We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine | Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Flu – Influenza | Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Consider for most travelers; recommended for those who might be exposed to blood or other body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident). |
| Tick-borne Encephalitis | Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites. |
| Lyme disease | Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites. |
| Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
Health care in Bosnia and Herzegovina is globally of medium quality. In Sarajevo, public hospitals are not always providing good medical care, yet private doctors are reliable. It is good to know that the Kosevo Hospital has a pediatric emergency department. This establishment is also the place where most of the surgical operations in the country are done. Outside of Sarajevo, medical care is relatively poor, as a large part of the health care infrastructure has been destroyed during the 1992 to 1995 war.
In case of emergency, contact the Institute of Emergency Medical Care at 124 or 611-111.
Quality drugs following international standards are hard to find in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is essential that you bring a complete first aid kit and the specific treatments you could need.
SECURITY ABROAD
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance, or:
- 122 for police
- 124 for ambulance
- 123 for fire rescue
In winter, the emergency number for assistance, road conditions and towing service is 1282.
