Does National require an IDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
National in Bosnia and Herzegovina: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local rules call for one. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.
Driving is on the right and the country signs the 1968 Vienna Convention; an IDP is advised alongside your licence for mountainous routes and frequent police checks.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Sarajevo and Mostar desks ask for an IDP with non-EU licences.
National runs a global network; at its Bosnia and Herzegovina desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Bosnia and Herzegovina drives on the right, uses the BAM, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.
What to bring to the National counter in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the BAM deposit; Bosnia and Herzegovina drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Bosnia and Herzegovina National renters should know
- Headlights on at all times.
- Carry a reflective vest, triangle and spare bulbs.
- 0.03% alcohol limit.
- Winter equipment mandatory Nov–Apr.
National's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
The minimum age to rent is typically 21 (18 in Michigan and New York, as required by state law); renters aged 21-24 pay a "Youthful Surcharge" of approximately $25 per day (varies by location, lower in some states such as $5/day in New York) and may be restricted to certain car classes.
A major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) in the primary renter's name with sufficient available credit is required; National generally does not accept debit cards, and renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary must provide a hold/deposit typically between $300 and $400 depending on location and vehicle class.
The renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and licence requirements drives free; other additional authorized drivers cost about $15 per day (typically $5/day in New York), and must be at least 21 with a valid licence. National requires a valid, unexpired full driver's licence held by the renter; for under-25 drivers some locations require the licence to have been held for at least one year, though National does not publish a uniform minimum tenure across all locations.
Vehicles rented in the U.S. or Canada are prohibited from being driven into Mexico; U.S.-Canada cross-border travel is generally permitted but one-way US/Canada drop-offs are limited to participating locations, and rentals originating in certain Mexican cities (e.g. Tijuana, Mexicali, Hermosillo, Monterrey, Saltillo) may cross into the U.S. after purchasing an extension of liability protection (about $10 USD/day).
National states that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is commonly requested in select countries and is generally recommended when travelling abroad; specifically, overseas travelers whose licence uses a non-Roman alphabet may need to present an IDP alongside their home-country licence.
Once you collect the keys in Bosnia and Herzegovina
There is no vignette - tolls are paid at manual booths on tolled A1 motorway sections (e.g. Sarajevo-Zenica, Sarajevo-Tarcin, Banja Luka-Doboj); pay in cash in Convertible Marks (BAM) or euros, with most booths also accepting cards.
Towns like Sarajevo, Mostar and Banja Luka use signed paid zones and car parks payable by ticket machine, SMS or attendant; spaces in old-town centres are scarce, so guarded lots or hotel parking are the safest option.
Police issue on-the-spot fines for speeding, no seatbelt, daytime-headlight and phone offences, often payable in cash; the blood-alcohol limit is a strict 0.03% (zero for new and professional drivers), and headlights must be on 24/7 year-round.
Dial 122 for police (124 ambulance, 112 general). Do not move vehicles, switch on hazard lights and set out the warning triangle; a police report is required for insurance, and any visible damage should be reported because driving a visibly damaged car out of the country can be questioned.
Full driving guide for Bosnia and Herzegovina →