Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina
🇷🇸 Serbia
Border Cities
🇷🇸 Bratunac
🇧🇦 Ljubovija
Coordinates
44.20°N, 19.30°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
~1500 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Bosnian/Serbian
Currency Exchange
Limited near Ljubovija (BAM, RSD)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Rural, minimal crime
Google Maps Location
Country Information
Learn more about Bosnia and Herzegovina
Learn more about Serbia
About Bratunac & Ljubovija
A New Bridge of Friendship and Controversy
The border crossing connecting the Serbian town of Ljubovija with Bratunac in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a journey across the newest and most modern bridge on the Drina River. The “Bratoljub” Bridge, a name combining the names of the two towns, was completed in 2017 but remained unopened for years due to political and bureaucratic disputes. To cross here is to travel over a powerful symbol of both modern cooperation and the complex, often frustrating, political reality of the post-Yugoslav space. It is a state-of-the-art facility, designed to boost the economy of the Podrinje region, a land of stunning natural beauty and a deeply tragic recent history.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Mačva District of Serbia with the Bratunac Municipality of Bosnia and Herzegovina (within the Republika Srpska entity). It is a major international crossing, open 24/7 to both passenger cars and commercial freight. The new bridge and the large, modern checkpoint facilities were designed to be a major hub for trade, relieving pressure on the older crossings and providing a more direct route for goods moving between western Serbia and the Sarajevo region. Its opening in 2021 was a major event for the local economies.
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 and a New Connection
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. The town of Bratunac and the nearby city of Srebrenica were the sites of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, the worst atrocity in Europe since World War II. The building of a new, modern bridge in this region is a deeply significant act. It is a major investment in the future, a project designed to foster economic growth and reconciliation in a land that has been devastated by war. The long delay in its opening, however, was a stark reminder of the political challenges that still plague the region.
Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a standard two-part process, but it takes place in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility. 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 modern, multi-lane facility is designed to be efficient, but as traffic grows, queues can still form.
The Surrounding Region: Serbia Side
On the Serbian side, the crossing is in the town of Ljubovija. The region is known for its beautiful natural scenery, with the Drina River offering opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and fishing. The famous “Drina Regatta” is a major annual event. The road from the border leads towards the city of Valjevo and provides a connection to the capital, Belgrade. The mountains of western Serbia are a popular destination for rural tourism.
The Surrounding Region: Bosnia and Herzegovina Side
On the Bosnian side, the crossing is in the town of Bratunac. This is the gateway to the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial and Cemetery for the Victims of the 1995 Genocide, a powerful and essential place of remembrance. A visit to the memorial is a deeply moving and somber experience. The surrounding region of the Podrinje is an area of stunning natural beauty, with the Drina River canyon and the mountains offering incredible scenery. The crossing provides a new, more direct route from Serbia to the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is straightforward. The new bridge and the main roads leading to it are in excellent condition. 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, modern alternative to the older crossings on the Drina.
Final Considerations
The Ljubovija–Bratunac border crossing is a journey through a landscape of immense beauty and profound sorrow. The new “Bratoljub” Bridge is a symbol of hope for a more prosperous and peaceful future for a region that has suffered unimaginable tragedy. It is a modern, efficient checkpoint that serves as a gateway to the powerful Srebrenica Memorial. For the traveler, it is a passage that is both functional and deeply thought-provoking, a journey into the heart of the Drina valley and its complex and resilient spirit.
See other crossings between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia
See other crossings between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia