Border Approximate Location
Border Countries
🇲🇪 Montenegro
🇧🇦 Croatia
Nearest Cities
🇲🇪 Šćepan Polje, 🇧🇦 Hum
Coordinates
43.20°N, 18.80°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
Montenegrin/Bosnian
Currency Exchange
Available near Šćepan Polje (EUR, BAM)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Busy, minimal crime
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About Hum & Šćepan Polje Border Crossing
An Adventurous Crossing in Europe’s Deepest Canyon
The border crossing connecting Šćepan Polje in Montenegro with Hum in Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most notorious and adventurous checkpoints in the Balkans. This is not a crossing for the faint of heart or the improperly equipped vehicle. The road, particularly on the Bosnian side, is a narrow, winding, and often unpaved track that clings to the side of the spectacular Tara and Drina River Canyons. To cross here is to take a journey into a land of raw, untamed nature, a passage that is as much a part of the adventure as the rafting and hiking that draws people to this region. It is a crossing defined by its challenging road and its breathtaking scenery.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Plužine Municipality of Montenegro with the Foča Municipality of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a major international crossing in theory, as it is on the main route between the capitals, Podgorica and Sarajevo, but its infrastructure is that of a remote mountain post. It is open 24/7, but it can be affected by weather conditions, such as rockfalls or heavy snow in winter. The crossing is the main hub for the numerous rafting companies that operate on the Tara and Drina rivers. The checkpoint itself is located right at the confluence of the Tara and Piva rivers, where they form the Drina.
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 Natural Frontier
The history of this region is the history of the deep river canyons that have served as natural barriers and refuges for centuries. This was a remote and sparsely populated borderland of the Ottoman Empire. During World War II, the canyons were a major center of the Yugoslav Partisan resistance, the site of the famous Battle of the Sutjeska in 1943. The modern border, established after the breakup of Yugoslavia, follows the historic administrative lines. The opening of the border has allowed for the development of a vibrant cross-border rafting tourism industry, with companies from both countries taking clients down the spectacular, shared rivers.
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 a narrow 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, and the officials are accustomed to dealing with tourists and rafters. The main challenge is not the bureaucracy, but the road itself.
The Surrounding Region: Montenegro Side
On the Montenegrin side, the crossing is the gateway to the magnificent Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to the Tara River Canyon, the deepest canyon in Europe, as well as stunning glacial lakes and the high peaks of the Durmitor massif. The town of Žabljak is the main mountain resort. The Piva River Canyon, with its emerald-green water and the impressive Mratinje Dam, is also just a few kilometers from the border. The region is a paradise for hiking, rafting, and mountaineering.
The Surrounding Region: Bosnia and Herzegovina Side
On the Bosnian side, the crossing leads into the Sutjeska National Park, the oldest national park in the country. The park is home to the Perućica primeval forest and the magnificent Skakavac waterfall. It is also the site of the Valley of the Heroes, where a massive and iconic monument commemorates the Battle of the Sutjeska. The nearby town of Foča is the main hub for rafting on the Drina River. The road from the border towards Sarajevo is a long and winding journey through the mountains.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning is absolutely essential for this route. You must have a suitable vehicle. A 4×4 is not strictly necessary in summer, but a car with good ground clearance is highly recommended. The road on the Bosnian side is particularly challenging. Drive slowly and be prepared for narrow sections and oncoming traffic. The official currencies are the Euro (EUR) in Montenegro and the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There are no services at the border itself. You must be self-sufficient with fuel, food, and water. Ensure your vehicle’s Green Card insurance is valid for both countries.
Final Considerations
The Šćepan Polje–Hum border crossing is a route for the true adventurer. It is a journey through a landscape of raw, stunning beauty and a region with a deep and heroic history. It is not the fastest or the easiest way to travel, but it is by far the most spectacular. It is a passage that connects two of the most magnificent national parks in the Balkans. For those who are well-prepared and have a spirit of adventure, it is an unforgettable experience, a border crossing that is a destination in itself.
See other crossings between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina
See other crossings between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina