Driving in Bosnia as a Tourist: Licence, IDP and Documents Checklist (2026)
Everything you need on paper to drive a rental car in Bosnia and Herzegovina: which licences are accepted, when you need an International Driving Permit, what to keep in the car, and what you need at the border.
To drive a rental car in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you need a valid driving licence and a passport or ID card. An International Driving Permit (IDP) isn't required to rent a car with us, but we recommend one, and it's strongly recommended if your licence isn't written in the Latin alphabet.
This page is a simple checklist of the papers you need before you travel, what to keep in the car, and what you need if you drive on to Croatia, Montenegro or Serbia. It's written by the AB Rent a Car team in Sarajevo, based on the questions our customers ask before they arrive.
In this guide
- What you need to rent a car
- Do you need an International Driving Permit?
- What to keep in the car
- Insurance: what's included
- Driving to Croatia, Montenegro or Serbia
- Traffic fines and police checks
- Printable checklist
- Frequently asked questions
What you need to rent a car in Sarajevo
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid driving licence | Yes | The original, not a photo or copy |
| Passport or ID card | Yes | The same name as on the licence |
| International Driving Permit | Recommended | Strongly recommended if your licence isn't in the Latin alphabet |
| Minimum age | 20 years | |
| Cash deposit | Yes | From €200, depending on the car |
You don't need a credit card. The deposit is paid in cash and returned when you bring the car back. Read the complete guide to renting a car in Sarajevo for prices and what's included.
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Bosnia?
An IDP is a translation of your licence into several languages. It's only valid together with your own licence, never on its own.
| Your licence | Our advice |
|---|---|
| EU or EEA licence | Your own licence is enough |
| UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Turkey and other licences in the Latin alphabet | Your licence is usually enough; an IDP is a good extra |
| Licences not in the Latin alphabet (for example Arabic, Cyrillic or Chinese) | Bring an IDP. It makes police checks much faster |
Important: you can only get an IDP in the country that issued your licence, before you travel. It can't be issued in Bosnia. In most countries the automobile club or the licensing office issues it, often within a few days.
What to keep in the car
Police checks are common in Bosnia and Herzegovina, so always keep these in the car while you drive:
- Your driving licence (and IDP if you have one)
- Your passport or ID card
- The rental contract we give you at pickup
- The car's registration document ("saobraćajna dozvola"). It's in the car when you pick it up. Leave it there for the whole rental
- The green card, if you're driving abroad (see below)
Tip: keep a photo of your passport and licence on your phone, separately from the originals, in case something gets lost.
Bosnian law also requires every car to carry safety equipment: a warning triangle, a high-visibility vest, a first aid kit, spare bulbs and a tow rope. All our cars come with this equipment. Check where it is at pickup, and keep it easy to reach rather than under your luggage.
Insurance: what's included
Every car we rent comes with full insurance included in the price. That covers the legally required third-party insurance and damage to the car itself.
- Not covered: tyres and windows. If a tyre fails on its own, we cover a new one.
- After an accident, a police report is required for the insurance. Call the police on 122 and then call us.
- Your own insurance: you don't need extra rental insurance from your credit card or travel insurance to rent with us. Travel insurance is still useful for health costs.
How damage is handled at return is explained step by step in our damage terms.
Driving to Croatia, Montenegro or Serbia
You can take our cars abroad if you add cross-border travel to your booking:
- 97.79 KM (about €50) in total for Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia
- 39.12 KM (about €20) for each additional European country
- We give you the green card (the international insurance document) and the authorisation papers you need at the border
At the border, show your passport (or ID card where accepted), your driving licence, the rental contract, the registration document and the green card.
Croatia is part of the EU and the Schengen area, so border checks are stricter, and queues can be long in July and August, especially at weekends. Leave extra time.
Want to end your trip abroad? You can also pick up or return the car in another city or country, for example at Tivat airport near Kotor, for an extra fee. Message us on WhatsApp for a price.
Traffic fines and police checks
- Police often stop cars for routine checks. Pull over safely, stay in the car and have your documents ready.
- Any traffic fines during the rental are the driver's responsibility.
- The most common reasons for fines are speeding, headlights off during the day, using a phone without hands-free, and parking where it isn't allowed.
For speed limits, parking and the rest of the road rules, read our guide to driving and parking in Sarajevo.
Printable checklist
Before you travel
- Valid driving licence (check the expiry date)
- Passport or ID card
- International Driving Permit, if your licence isn't in the Latin alphabet
- Cash for the deposit (from €200, depending on the car)
- Booking confirmation and reservation number
- Tell us if you plan to drive to another country
At pickup
- Check the registration document and the safety equipment are in the car
- Walk around the car with our team and photograph any marks
- Save our WhatsApp number: +387 62 046 142
In the car, always
- Licence, passport, rental contract, registration document
- Green card, if you're driving abroad
Frequently asked questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Bosnia?
It isn't required to rent a car with us. EU and EEA licences are enough on their own. For other licences an IDP is a good idea, and it's strongly recommended if your licence isn't in the Latin alphabet.
Can I get an International Driving Permit in Sarajevo?
No. An IDP is only issued in the country that issued your driving licence, so get it before you travel.
Can I drive in Bosnia with a US or UK licence?
Yes. You can rent and drive with a valid US or UK licence. We recommend carrying an IDP as well.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Sarajevo?
A valid driving licence and a passport or ID card. You must be at least 20 years old and leave a cash deposit.
Do I need a green card to drive from Bosnia to Croatia?
Yes. When you add cross-border travel to your booking, we give you the green card and the other papers you need at the border.
Is insurance included when I rent a car in Bosnia?
Yes. Full insurance is included in our price. Tyres and windows aren't covered.
Ready to book? See our cars and prices, or message us on WhatsApp at +387 62 046 142 with any questions about documents.
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