Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇷🇸 Serbia
Nearest Cities
🇧🇦 Bosanska Rača, 🇷🇸 Sremska Rača
Coordinates
44.70°N, 19.30°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
~4000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Bosnian/Serbian
Currency Exchange
Available near Bosanska (BAM, RSD)
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 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Learn more about Serbia
About 🇧🇦 Bosanska Rača, 🇷🇸 Sremska Rača
The Main Belgrade-Sarajevo Corridor
The border crossing connecting Bosanska Rača in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Sremska Rača in Serbia is one of the most important and busiest checkpoints between the two nations. This is a major international crossing, a bridge over the Sava River that serves as a critical artery for trade and travel. It is located on the main highway that links the Serbian capital, Belgrade, with the northeastern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and onwards to Sarajevo. To cross here is to travel through the heart of the fertile Pannonian Plain, a passage through a landscape of wide rivers and agricultural fields that has been a strategic crossroads for centuries. It is a workhorse of a border, a place of constant motion and economic importance.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Bijeljina Municipality of Bosnia and Herzegovina (within the Republika Srpska entity) with the Srem District of Serbia. It is a major international crossing, open 24/7 to all passenger cars, buses, and commercial freight. The facility is large and has been modernized, but it is often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of traffic, especially freight. It is a key part of the future motorway that will connect Belgrade and Sarajevo, a project of major regional significance. The crossing can be very busy, with queues for both cars and trucks being a common feature, particularly during summer and holiday periods.
A History of a River Frontier
The history of this region is the history of the Sava River, which has been a major frontier for centuries. It was the border of the Roman Empire, and later the military frontier between the Habsburg and Ottoman Empires. During the Yugoslav era, this was an internal administrative line. The breakup of Yugoslavia and the Bosnian War turned it into a major international border. The bridge at Rača was a strategic point during the war. The opening and modernization of this crossing has been a key factor in the post-war normalization of relations and the rebuilding of the economic ties between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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 sheer volume of traffic is the main challenge. The long waits can be a frustrating experience, and it is always wise to check live traffic information before you travel.
The Surrounding Region: Bosnia and Herzegovina Side
On the Bosnian side, the crossing is the gateway to the Semberija region, the breadbasket of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The nearby city of Bijeljina is the main commercial and agricultural center of the region. It is known for the beautiful St. Pantaleon’s Monastery and the Etno Selo Stanišići, a large and popular ethno-village complex that showcases the traditional architecture and way of life of the region. The crossing is the main entry point for traffic heading towards the cities of Tuzla and Sarajevo.
The Surrounding Region: Serbia Side
On the Serbian side, the crossing is in the historic region of Srem. The road connects to the main E70 Belgrade-Zagreb motorway. The nearby Zasavica Special Nature Reserve is a vast wetland area, famous for its population of beavers and its unique local products, including the world’s most expensive cheese, made from donkey milk. The historic city of Sremska Mitrovica, the site of the ancient Roman imperial capital of Sirmium, is also in this region.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning is essential for this route. Be prepared for potentially long wait times, especially during peak seasons. The official currencies are the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Serbian Dinar (RSD) in Serbia. Currency exchange facilities are available at the border. 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 construction of the new motorway is ongoing and will eventually transform this crossing, but for now, it operates on the existing main road.
Final Considerations
The Bosanska Rača–Sremska Rača border crossing is a vital economic artery. It is a busy, functional checkpoint that serves as a gateway to the rich agricultural lands and historic sites of both northeastern Bosnia and western Serbia. 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 the two nations and a harbinger of the future high-speed corridor that will one day link their capitals.