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World Driving Permit

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

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

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even where it is not always strictly enforced. Carry it alongside your original national licence.

Driving in Bosnia and 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 and 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 and 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

Check your exact trip

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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 and 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. Carry it alongside your original national licence. 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 it does not replace an IDP where one is legally required. 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.

Official sources

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

Requirements for other countries