Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇲🇪 Montenegro 🇭🇷 Croatia
Nearest Cities
🇲🇪 Debeli Brijeg, 🇭🇷 Karasovići
Coordinates
42.40°N, 18.50°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
30-120 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles, commercial
Daily Crossings
~10000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Montenegrin/Croatian
Currency Exchange
Available near Debeli Brijeg (EUR)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G/5G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Busy, minimal crime
Emergency Contacts
🇲🇪 112/122 🇭🇷 112/192
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
Learn more about Montenegro
Learn more about Bosnia and Herzegovina
About 🇭🇷 Karasovići, 🇲🇪 Debeli Brijeg
A High-Altitude Crossing in a Historic Land
The border crossing at Metaljka, connecting the municipality of Pljevlja in Montenegro with the area near Čajniče in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a journey into the high, forested mountains of the historic Sandžak region. This is a major international checkpoint, but its remote, high-altitude location gives it a distinct character. To cross here is to travel a route that winds through a landscape of dense pine forests, high plateaus, and deep river valleys, a passage through a land with a rich, multicultural history and a tradition of resilience. It is a functional and important crossing, but one that feels a world away from the sun-drenched coast.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Pljevlja Municipality of Montenegro with the Foča Municipality of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a major international crossing, open 24/7 to both passenger cars and commercial freight. It is located on the main road that connects northern Montenegro with eastern Bosnia, a key route for regional trade and transit. The facility is located at a high altitude (over 1000 meters), and it can be subject to harsh winter conditions, with heavy snow sometimes making travel difficult. The crossing is a vital link for the economies of both regions.
A History of the Sandžak Region
The history of this region is the history of the Sandžak, a historic geopolitical region that was part of the Ottoman Empire. Today, the Sandžak is divided between Serbia and Montenegro, and it has a large, indigenous Bosniak population. The area around Pljevlja and Čajniče has been a multicultural crossroads for centuries, with Orthodox Christian and Muslim communities living side-by-side. The modern border, established after the breakup of Yugoslavia, divided this historically integrated region. The Metaljka crossing is a key point for maintaining the family, cultural, and economic ties that span this border.
Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a standard two-part process. You will first complete exit formalities at one country’s checkpoint and then proceed to the other country’s checkpoint for entry inspection. You will need a valid passport or, for citizens of many European countries, a national ID card. Vehicle registration and international insurance (Green Card) are also necessary. The process is generally straightforward, and the checkpoint is equipped to handle a steady flow of traffic. However, queues can form, especially with freight traffic.
The Surrounding Region: Montenegro Side
On the Montenegrin side, the crossing is in the Pljevlja municipality, the heart of the country’s coal and power industry. The city of Pljevlja has a rich history, with the beautiful Husein-paša’s Mosque being one of the most important Islamic monuments in the country. The Holy Trinity Monastery is another major spiritual and cultural center. The region is also a gateway to the magnificent Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Tara River Canyon.
The Surrounding Region: Bosnia and Herzegovina Side
On the Bosnian side, the crossing is near the historic town of Čajniče, which is famous for the Čajniče Gospel, a 14th-century illuminated manuscript, and as a pilgrimage site for both Orthodox Christians and Muslims. The road from the border leads towards the town of Goražde, a city on the Drina River that became famous for its heroic defense during the Bosnian War. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and rafting.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning is essential for this route. You must have a suitable vehicle and be prepared for mountain driving. Check the weather and road conditions before you set out, especially in winter. The official currencies are the Euro (EUR) in Montenegro and the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Services at the border are limited. It is essential to plan for fuel and any currency exchange in the larger towns of Pljevlja or Goražde. Ensure your vehicle’s Green Card insurance is valid for both countries.
Final Considerations
The Metaljka border crossing is a vital artery for the northern, mountainous regions of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a journey through a landscape of stunning natural beauty and a region with a deep and complex multicultural history. It is not the most traveled route for tourists, but for those exploring the Sandžak region and the national parks of the Dinaric Alps, it is an essential and fascinating passage. It is a border that connects two nations through a shared landscape of high mountains and deep valleys.