State Department: Bosnia-Hercegovina - Consular Information Sheet, June 18, 1996
Bosnia-Herzegovina - Consular Information Sheet
June 18, 1996
Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens not
to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The war has left landmines and
unexploded ordnance throughout the country; roads, airports and railways
have been bombed and are not functional. Sniping and carjacking are
common. Law enforcement and civil authority have not been established in
many regions. The December 1995 Dayton Peace Accords are being implemented
with the NATO-led implementation force (IFOR) overseeing its military
provisions. While progress in establishing a durable peace continues, the
situation remains volatile.
Country Description: A cease-fire has been in effect in
Bosnia and Herzegovina since October 1995. Following the December 1995
signing of the peace accords, 60,000 NATO-led troops have been deployed in
Bosnia. Physical infrastructure was devastated by the war and there is no
public transportation. Hotels and travel amenities are nonexistent in most
regions of the country. The popular religious shrine at Medjugorje is
located within Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Permission
to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently granted at the border on a
case-by-case basis.
Medical Facilities: Health facilities are minimal or
non-existent; most medicines are not obtainable. Further information on
health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559, or on the
Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/.
Crime Information: Mass demobilization of troops and
poor economic conditions have brought an increase in crime. Police
response in the event of an emergency is often inadequate. 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 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 choice.
Registration and Embassy Location: U.S. citizens
visiting or remaining in Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite the warning, can
register at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo and obtain updated information on
travel and security within Bosnia and Herzegovina. The U.S. Embassy in
Sarajevo is located at Djure Djakovica 43, telephone number (387-71)
659-992.
No. 96-118
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 29, 1996, to
update the Warning, Country Description and to delete the section on Areas
of Instability. Information about registration at U.S. Embassies in Zagreb
and Belgrade has been deleted because routine consular services are now
available in Sarajevo.
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