State Department: Bosnia-Hercegovina - Consular Information Sheet, June 1, 1995
Bosnia-Herzegovina - Consular Information Sheet
June 1, 1995
Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens not to travel
to the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina because of increased
hostilities. All U.S. citizens presently in Bosnia-Herzegovina are
urged to leave. The recent hostage-taking by Bosnian Serb militia
suggests that foreigners, including U.S. citizens, are at risk of
being taken hostage. At the same time, the ability of the American
Embassy in Sarajevo to assist citizens, even in emergencies, is
severely limited by the increased military activity.
Country Description: The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
formerly one of the Yugoslav republics, is currently in a state of
war. The resulting deaths, destruction, food shortages and travel
disruptions affecting roads, airports and railways, make travel to
all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina extremely hazardous. The
popular religious shrine at Medjugorje is located within Bosnia and
Herzegovina's borders.
Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Permission to enter
Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently granted at the border on a
case-by-case basis.
Areas of Instability: Over 70% of Bosnia is under the control of
Bosnian Serb military forces. These rebel forces have taken
hostages, both military and civilian. The Bosnian government and
federation-controlled regions, while currently stable, are subject
to possible deterioration of civilian security.
Medical Facilities: Health facilities are minimal or non-existent;
most medicines are unobtainable. Further information on health
matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's
international traveler's hotline at (404) 332-4559.
Crime Information: General lawlessness and deteriorating economic
conditions have brought an increase in crime. Adequate police
response in the event of an emergency is doubtful. Anti-American
sentiments run high in many parts of the country, particularly in
Serb-dominated areas.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported
immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad"
provides useful information on protecting personal security while
traveling abroad. It is available from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Currency Information: It is impossible to use credit cards or to
cash traveler's checks. German deutsche marks are the currency of
favor at present.
Other Information: Roadblocks manned by local militias are
numerous. These militia groups frequently confiscate relief goods
and trucks, and may otherwise behave unprofessionally. U.S.
citizens are reminded that they are subject to the laws of the
country in which they are traveling.
Registration: U.S. citizens visiting or remaining in Bosnia and
Herzegovina, despite the warning, can register at the U.S. Embassy
in Sarajevo, or either the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade or in Zagreb to
obtain updated information on travel and security within Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo is located at Djure
Djakovica 43, telephone number (387-71) 659-992. Due to extremely
limited staffing, the Embassy is unable to provide consular services
except in extreme emergencies. U.S. citizens seeking routine
assistance while in Bosnia can contact the U.S. Embassies in
Belgrade or Zagreb.
The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, is located at Kneza Milosa
50, telephone (381-11) 645-655.
The U.S. Embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, is located at Andrije Hebranga
2, telephone (385-1) 456-000.
No. 95-069
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 10, 1994,
to change the Warning to reflect the escalation of hostilities, the
threat of hostage-taking, and the U.S. Embassy's severely limited
ability to assist American citizens in that country. Areas of
Instability have been added.
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