Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina
🇷🇸 Serbia
Border Cities
🇧🇦 Bajina Bašta
🇷🇸 Skelani
Coordinates
44.00°N, 19.20°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 Bajina (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 Bajina Bašta & Skelani
A Scenic Crossing in the Drina Gorge
The border crossing connecting the Serbian town of Bajina Bašta with Skelani in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a journey into the heart of the spectacular Drina River gorge. This is a secondary international checkpoint, a bridge over the river that serves as a vital link for the local communities and for tourists exploring the magnificent Tara National Park. To cross here is to take a scenic route through a landscape of dramatic cliffs, emerald-green water, and a rich, complex history. It is a passage that feels deeply connected to the powerful river that has carved its path through these mountains for millennia.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Zlatibor District of Serbia with the Srebrenica Municipality of Bosnia and Herzegovina (within the Republika Srpska entity). It is a smaller international crossing, open 24/7, but with restrictions on heavy freight traffic. It is intended primarily for passenger cars and local traffic. The crossing is on a bridge over the Drina River. The traffic is generally light, making it a relatively quick and uncomplicated crossing. The road on both sides winds through the river gorge, offering stunning views at every turn.
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. The Podrinje region has been a place of both peaceful coexistence and brutal conflict. During the Yugoslav era, this was an internal boundary. The breakup of Yugoslavia and the Bosnian War turned it into a major international border and a frontline. The area around Skelani and Srebrenica was the scene of intense fighting and horrific atrocities. 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 communities on both sides of the river.
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. As a smaller crossing, the process is generally faster and more personal than at the main highways, and the officials are often accustomed to the regular flow of local cross-border traffic.
The Surrounding Region: Serbia Side
On the Serbian side, the crossing is in the town of Bajina Bašta. The town is the gateway to the magnificent Tara National Park, a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, with its dense forests, deep canyons, and stunning viewpoints. The park is home to a large population of brown bears. The most famous and photographed landmark in the area is the “House on the Drina,” a tiny house perched on a rock in the middle of the river. The nearby Perućac Lake, a large reservoir on the Drina, is a popular spot for swimming and boating.
The Surrounding Region: Bosnia and Herzegovina Side
On the Bosnian side, the crossing is in the village of Skelani. Skelani is the site of a major Roman archaeological site, the ancient city of Malvesatium, and a new museum has been built to house the impressive collection of Roman artifacts found here. The crossing is in the Srebrenica municipality. The Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial and Cemetery for the Victims of the 1995 Genocide is about an hour’s drive away, a powerful and essential place of remembrance. The entire region is an area of stunning natural beauty, with the Drina River canyon and the surrounding mountains offering incredible scenery.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is straightforward. The roads leading to the crossing are regional and wind through the river gorge, requiring careful driving. The official currencies are the Serbian Dinar (RSD) in Serbia and the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Services are available in the towns on both sides of the border. Ensure your vehicle’s Green Card insurance is valid for both countries. This crossing is an excellent choice for those on a tourist journey through the Tara and Podrinje regions.
Final Considerations
The Bajina Bašta–Skelani border crossing is a journey through a landscape of spectacular natural beauty and profound history. It is a quiet, functional checkpoint that serves as a vital link for the two sides of the Drina valley. It offers a passage through a region of stunning national parks, ancient Roman ruins, and powerful modern memorials. 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 source of life and a witness to tragedy.
See other crossings between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia
See other crossings between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia