Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
Border Cities
🇧🇦 Gabela Polje
🇭🇷 Metković
Coordinates
43.10°N, 17.60°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~2000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Bosnian/Croatian
Currency Exchange
Limited near Gabela (BAM, EUR)
Connectivity Options
Basic 3G coverage
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Rural, minimal crime
Emergency Contacts
🇧🇦 112/122 🇭🇷 112/192
Google Maps Location
Country Information
Learn more about Bosnia and Herzegovina
Learn more about Croatia
About Gabela Polje & Metković
A Crossing in the Neretva Delta
The border crossing connecting Gabela Polje in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the city of Metković in Croatia is a journey through the unique and fertile landscape of the Neretva River delta. This is a major international checkpoint, but unlike the high-speed motorway crossings, it is an urban border, with the checkpoint facilities integrated into the fabric of the two towns. Since Croatia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, this is a major external border. To cross here is to travel from the historic hinterland of Herzegovina into the heart of a vibrant agricultural region, a passage defined by the slow, wide river and the constant flow of local and international traffic.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the West Herzegovina Canton of Bosnia and Herzegovina with Croatia’s Dubrovnik-Neretva County. It is a major international crossing, open 24/7 to all passenger cars, buses, and commercial freight. It is one of several crossings in the Metković area, but it is one of the most important. Its location in the town center can lead to significant congestion, especially during the summer tourist season and during the harvest season for the region’s famous mandarin oranges. A new, modern motorway crossing at Bijača-Nova Sela has taken some of the long-distance traffic, but this remains a vital link for local and regional trade.
A History of a Trade Route
The history of this region is the history of the Neretva River, which has been a major trade route since antiquity, connecting the Adriatic coast with the Balkan interior. The ancient Roman settlement of Narona, near the modern town of Metković, was a major trading emporium. The area has been part of the Roman Empire, the medieval Croatian and Serbian states, the Republic of Venice, and the Ottoman Empire. The modern border, established after the breakup of Yugoslavia, divided the lower Neretva valley. The crossing at Metković is a key point for the economy of the entire region, particularly for the export of agricultural products from Herzegovina to the EU.
The Schengen Border Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a rigorous and meticulous process, reflecting its status as a primary entry point into the EU and the Schengen Area. You will first complete exit formalities at the Bosnian checkpoint at Gabela Polje. After a short drive, you will arrive at the Croatian checkpoint in Metković for a full EU/Schengen entry inspection by the Croatian Border Police and Customs. You will need a valid passport. National ID cards are only sufficient for EU citizens. Vehicle registration and international insurance (Green Card) are also necessary. As a Schengen entry point, the checks are very thorough, and the urban location can make the queues particularly frustrating as they often back up into the city streets.
The Surrounding Region: Bosnia and Herzegovina Side
On the Bosnian side, the crossing is near the historic village of Gabela, which is claimed to be the site of ancient Troy by some local historians. The area is a gateway to the magnificent Hutovo Blato Nature Park, one of the largest wintering grounds for birds in Europe, a vast wetland that is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The crossing is also the main route to the famous Catholic pilgrimage site of Medjugorje and the historic city of Mostar, with its UNESCO-listed Old Bridge.
The Surrounding Region: Croatia Side
On the Croatian side, the city of Metković is the center of the Neretva delta region. The city is famous for its annual “Maraton lađa,” a spectacular race of traditional, shallow-bottomed boats. The city has an excellent archaeological museum dedicated to the Roman city of Narona. The entire delta is a unique landscape of canals, lakes, and vast fields of mandarin oranges and other produce. The crossing is a gateway to the beautiful Dalmatian coast, including the Pelješac peninsula, famous for its red wines, and the city of Dubrovnik.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route requires patience, especially in summer. The official currencies are the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Euro (EUR) in Croatia. Services are widely available in the towns on both sides of the border. Ensure your vehicle’s Green Card insurance is valid for both countries. To avoid the worst of the queues, consider using one of the smaller, local crossings in the area if you are traveling in a passenger car, but check their operational status and vehicle restrictions in advance.
Final Considerations
The Gabela Polje–Metković border crossing is a vital economic artery in the heart of the Neretva delta. It is a busy, functional checkpoint that serves as a gateway to the rich agricultural lands, unique natural parks, and historic sites of both Herzegovina and Dalmatia. The journey through it is a passage through a shared landscape defined by the great river. It is a border that is defined by the slow-moving queues of trucks and cars, a testament to the importance of the connection between Bosnia and the EU.
See other crossings between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia
See other crossings between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia