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World Driving Permit

🇧🇦 Do you need an IDP to drive in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

IDP recommended· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Bosnia and Herzegovina follows the 1968 Vienna Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

Driving in Bosnia & Herzegovina: the rule explained

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and accepts a valid foreign licence for short visits of up to 6 months. If the licence is not in Bosnian, Croatian or Serbian it must be accompanied by an IDP or an official translation. In practice police and almost all rental agencies expect an IDP alongside the home licence.

Renting a car in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Rental companies commonly require a 1968 IDP plus your national licence, passport and a credit card to release the vehicle.

Motorcycles & scooters: The same licence/IDP rules apply to motorcycles, with the appropriate category endorsed on your home licence.

What to carry when driving in Bosnia & Herzegovina

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
  • Carry IDP plus original national licence at all times
  • Green Card vehicle insurance for the vehicle
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Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Bosnia & Herzegovina: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Bosnia and Herzegovina follows the 1968 Vienna Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and accepts a valid foreign licence for short visits of up to 6 months. If the licence is not in Bosnian, Croatian or Serbian it must be accompanied by an IDP or an official translation. In practice police and almost all rental agencies expect an IDP alongside the home licence.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Bosnia and Herzegovina read your licence, but where Bosnia and Herzegovina requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Rental companies commonly require a 1968 IDP plus your national licence, passport and a credit card to release the vehicle.
Which IDP convention does Bosnia and Herzegovina use?
Bosnia and Herzegovina recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Because Bosnia and Herzegovina follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? How to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Driving to Bosnia & Herzegovina from your country

Requirements for other countries