Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Home Početak | News & Events | Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Health Alert Department of State
Health Alert Department of State

Note:  These alerts will be sent each week. Visit our U.S. embassy COVID-19 webpage for updated information as it is released.

Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Event:  The Bosnian authorities confirmed nearly 2,400 cases of COVID-19 in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Social Distancing: The entity-level governments of the Federation and the Republika Srpska have implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Visit the webpages of the Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH’s Crisis Staff Headquarters for updated information. This is a fluid situation, between and within each entity. Please check with local government where you are, but general guidelines are below.

Curfew: The Federation and the Republika Srpska made changes to their curfew restrictions effective May 15, 2020. In the Federation curfew restrictions were removed for all age groups. The Republika Srpska maintains its overnight curfew (2200-0500) but has removed movement restrictions for those over 65.

Public Gatherings:  Restaurant and cafes throughout the country are open or opening, but seating is restricted to outdoor spaces and all respect social distancing requirements. Grocery stores, pharmacies, retail stores, salons, and other shops are also open or opening, although most have reduced hours and access restrictions. All individuals are required to wear a mask or scarf in public areas.

Travel: All airports in the country remain closed, though there are indications that some flights may resume in June. BiH abolished self-isolation measures and all BiH citizens and residents are able to enter; BiH still has a ban to entry for non-resident foreign nationals. Crossing land borders with neighboring countries have begun to open. Serbia no longer requires those entering to have a negative COVID test and the 14-day self-isolation has been abolished. Croatia has also begun to reduce its restrictions, more information can be found on the Croatian Ministry of Interior website.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued:

Extension of Stay: Bosnian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that foreign nationals currently in BiH whose residency in BiH has already lapsed (or soon will) need to act now to continue residing in BiH. Please visit www.sps.gov.ba for instructions on the process.

Consular Operations: The U.S Department of State began limiting its consular operations on March 17, 2020 as part of public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please visit our website for additional information. Routine consular services (immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, notary services) are suspended. Routine U.S. passport and citizenship services overseas are also suspended; in a critical situation, our embassy can assist with emergency services to U.S. citizens.

  • U.S. citizens in need of an emergency passport: email SarajevoACS@state.gov.
  • U.S. citizens waiting for previously applied for a passport or citizenship service: Expect significant delays receiving your passport and/or citizenship evidence.

Overseas Voting: U.S. citizens living overseas can vote absentee in their state’s upcoming election, no matter where they are. For additional information on registering to vote and potential changes to your state’s election due to COVID-19, visit Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) (FVAP.gov/COVID-19).

Actions to Take:

Assistance:

By | 22 May, 2020 | Topics: Alert

Suggested for You

Footer Disclaimer

This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

American Flag