Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina
🇷🇸 Serbia
Border Cities
🇷🇸 Karakaj
🇧🇦 Mali Zvornik
Coordinates
44.40°N, 19.10°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
30-90 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles, commercial
Daily Crossings
~3000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Bosnian/Serbian
Currency Exchange
Available near Mali Zvornik (BAM, RSD)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Busy, minimal crime
Google Maps Location
Country Information
Learn more about Bosnia and Herzegovina
Learn more about Serbia
About Karakaj & Mali Zvornik
A Crossing Through a Divided City
The border crossing connecting the town of Mali Zvornik in Serbia with Karakaj (a suburb of the city of Zvornik) in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a journey through what was once a single, unified urban area. This is a major international checkpoint, a bridge over the Drina River that serves as a vital artery for the region. To cross here is to travel from one half of a city to the other, a passage that highlights the human consequences of borders that divide communities. It is a bustling, 24/7 crossing, a place of constant movement that is defined by the deep and complex relationship between the twin towns on opposite banks of the historic river.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Mačva District of Serbia with the Zvornik Municipality of Bosnia and Herzegovina (within the Republika Srpska entity). It is a major international crossing, open to all passenger cars, buses, and commercial freight. The facility is located on two bridges: a modern road bridge for vehicles and a historic, iron railway bridge, the King Alexander I Bridge, which is now used by pedestrians. The crossing is a vital link for traffic moving between western Serbia and the Tuzla and Sarajevo regions of Bosnia. It can be very busy, with queues for both cars and trucks being a common feature.
Before Crossing
Crossing borders gets messy sometimes, think political flare-ups or gates shutting fast. Good travel insurance is a must for handling doctor visits, trip disruptions, or security scares. Don’t get caught unprepared. To find a policy that’s got your back, check out reliable plans today for peace of mind.
A History of a River Frontier
The history of this region is the history of the Drina River, which has been a border for centuries and was immortalized in the Nobel Prize-winning novel “The Bridge on the Drina” by Ivo Andrić. The city of Zvornik has been a strategic fortress and trading post for centuries. The modern border, established after the breakup of Yugoslavia, formalized the division of the urban area. The town of Mali Zvornik (“Little Zvornik”) had always been the smaller, Serbian part of the larger city. The Bosnian War of the 1990s turned this into a major international border and a frontline. The opening and normalization of this crossing has been a key factor in the slow process of post-war reconciliation and the rebuilding of the economic and social ties between the two halves of the city.
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 across the bridge 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, but the urban location and the high volume of traffic can lead to significant congestion, with queues often backing up into the city streets on both sides.
The Surrounding Region: Serbia Side
On the Serbian side, Mali Zvornik is a town that is defined by the river and the border. A unique attraction is the “Underground Town,” a secret, extensive network of tunnels and chambers carved into the rock under the town, built as a secret command center for the Yugoslav king in the 1930s. The nearby town of Banja Koviljača is one of the most famous royal spas in Serbia. The road from the border leads towards the major cities of Loznica and Šabac.
The Surrounding Region: Bosnia and Herzegovina Side
On the Bosnian side, the crossing is in the city of Zvornik. The city is dominated by its magnificent medieval fortress, which offers stunning views of the Drina River and Mali Zvornik on the other side. The city has a rich history, with both Orthodox and Islamic heritage. The region is known for its beautiful natural scenery, with the river offering opportunities for fishing and boating. The crossing is a gateway to the wider Podrinje region of Bosnia, an area of stunning natural beauty and profound historical weight.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route requires patience. Be prepared for potentially long wait times, especially during peak seasons. The official currencies are the Serbian Dinar (RSD) in Serbia and the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 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. The pedestrian crossing over the old King Alexander I Bridge is a unique experience, offering a chance to walk from one country to another in the heart of a city.
Final Considerations
The Mali Zvornik–Karakaj border crossing is a journey through the heart of a divided city. It is a busy, functional checkpoint that serves as a vital link for the two sides of the Drina valley. It offers a passage through a region of great natural beauty and deep, often painful, history. It is a border that is a testament to the resilience of the local communities and a poignant reminder of the complex history of the Drina River, a river that has been both a bridge and a barrier for the people who call its banks home.
See other crossings between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia
See other crossings between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia