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Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (April 7, 2020)
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10 MINUTE READ
April 7, 2020

Note:

  • These alerts will continue to be sent daily for the benefit of new STEP registrants.
  • We will be sure to highlight any new information from previous emails.

Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina

Event:  The Bosnian authorities confirmed 740 cases of COVID-19 in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ticketing has closed for the flight that the U.S. Embassy arranged for U.S. citizens to depart the country. The flight will depart on Thursday, April 9, 2020. The State Department does not expect there to be another opportunity to depart until regular air travel resumes.

Because of public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, effective March 17, 2020, the U.S Department of State began limiting its consular operations.

  • Effective April 2, 2020 routine passport and citizenship services overseas are suspended. In a critical situation, our embassy can assist with an emergency passport.
    • If you have previously applied for a passport or citizenship service, expect significant delays receiving your passport and/or citizenship evidence.
    • The embassy still can assist with emergency services to U.S. citizens. Please visit our website for additional information.
  • Effective March 17, 2020, routine consular services (immigrant and non-immigrant visas, notary services) were suspended.

Bosnian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that foreign nationals whose residency in Bosnia and Herzegovina has or soon will lapse will be able to continue residing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Please visit www.sps.gov.ba for instructions on the process.

State / local government actions:

  • A curfew is in place throughout the country from 2000-0500 hours every night; within the Federation, those under 18 or over 65 face a 24-hour curfew.
    • Those over 65 are allowed out from 0800-1200, April 6-10 only.
  • Spots for public gatherings – malls, restaurants, museums, and other non-essential public spaces – have been ordered closed.
    • Schools and universities are closed until further notice, sporting events, festivals, large gatherings have been banned.
    • Grocery stores, pharmacies, and related businesses remain open; the closing hours vary depending on curfew.
  • Taxi drivers are limited to one passenger and both must wear masks.
  • As of March 29, 2020, the Federation began requiring all persons on the street or in public areas to cover their mouth and nose with a mask or scarf; in the RS, all persons must also wear gloves in public.
  • 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.

The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Bosnia has barred admission to foreign nationals who do not have residency in BiH. All who enter the country are subject to a 14-day quarantine, either at the port of entry or in self-isolation.

  • The government of BiH has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. The Sarajevo airport closed to commercial passenger travel on Monday, March 30, 2020.

On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of US personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.

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

Actions to Take:

Assistance:

Alerts
Sarajevo