Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Event: The Bosnian authorities confirmed 505 cases of COVID-19 in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The U.S. Embassy is exploring additional flight opportunities for U.S. citizens to depart the country. As these plans develop, we will send out a separate Alert message with more details.
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.
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.Schools and universities are closed until further notice, sporting events, festivals, large gatherings have been banned. 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. 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 alsowear gloves in public.
State local government actions: Spots for public gatherings – malls, restaurants, museums, and other non-essential public spaces – have been ordered closed. 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. 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.
Effective March 17, 2020 U.S. Embassy Sarajevo has suspended routine consular services. For emergency American Citizen Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information.
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departurefrom 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 Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Warning for COVID-19 in Europe advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Europe.
Actions to Take:
· Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
· For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
· Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
· Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
· Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
· Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
Assistance:
· U.S. Embassy Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
· 1 Robert C. Frasure Street
71000 Sarajevo
+(387) 33 704 000, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
+(387) 33 704 000 (after-hours)
SarajevoACS@state.gov
https://ba.usembassy.gov/
· State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
· Bosnia Country Specific Information.
· Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
· Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
