Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
Border Cities
- 🇷🇸Trbušnica
- 🇧🇦Šepak
Wait Times
15–60 min
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Operating Hours
Open 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Peak Times
7:00–10:00 AM
Daily Crossings
1,000–2,000 daily
Currency Exchange
Limited exchange; BAM, RSD
Safety Information
Quiet border; low crime
Languages Spoken
Bosnian/Serbian
Accessibility Features
Ramp access
About Trbušnica & Šepak
Monthly Update (February 2026):
Traffic at the Šepak & Trbušnica Border Crossing tends to move in short bursts rather than a steady stream. Recent weeks in February 2026 have been mostly stable, with similar waits in both directions and quicker handling for passenger cars. Midday is slightly slower than mornings. Local commuting patterns and weather are what usually shift the pace.
A Local Crossing on the Drina River
The border crossing connecting the area near Šepak in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Trbušnica in Serbia is a journey across the historic Drina River. This is a secondary international checkpoint, a quieter alternative to the main crossing at Karakaj-Mali Zvornik. It serves the local communities of the Podrinje region, a land of beautiful river valleys, mountains, and a complex, often tragic, history. To cross here is to take a more relaxed route, a passage that feels more connected to the rhythm of the river and the daily lives of the people who live on its banks. It is a crossing that offers a glimpse into the heart of the Drina valley.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Zvornik Municipality of Bosnia and Herzegovina (within the Republika Srpska entity) with the Loznica Municipality of Serbia. It is a smaller international crossing, open 24/7, 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, especially when compared to the often-congested main crossing to the south; BorderAlarm reports from 2025-2026 indicate typical waits of 5-10 minutes.
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. It has often been a turbulent frontier between civilizations. During the Yugoslav era, it was an internal boundary. The breakup of Yugoslavia and the Bosnian War turned it into a major international border and a frontline. The Podrinje region was the scene of some of the worst atrocities of the war. 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; recent data confirms consistently short processing.
The Surrounding Region: Bosnia and Herzegovina Side
On the Bosnian side, the crossing is in the Zvornik municipality. The city of Zvornik has a rich history, with a magnificent medieval fortress overlooking the Drina River. 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.
The Surrounding Region: Serbia Side
On the Serbian side, the crossing is in the Mačva District. The nearby city of Loznica is the main regional center. The area is famous as the birthplace of Vuk Karadžić, the great 19th-century reformer of the Serbian language, and his ancestral home in the village of Tršić is now a beautiful ethno-complex and museum. The beautiful Tronoša Monastery is also nearby. The region is also known for the spa town of Banja Koviljača, one of the most famous royal spas in Serbia.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route is straightforward. The roads leading to the crossing are regional and well-maintained. The official currencies are the Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Serbian Dinar (RSD) in Serbia. 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 can be a good alternative to the busier crossing at Karakaj, especially for those traveling between the Tuzla region of Bosnia and western Serbia; check BorderAlarm for live queue updates showing minimal delays.
Final Considerations
The Šepak–Trbušnica border crossing is a journey through a landscape of deep and often painful 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 great natural beauty, from the historic fortress of Zvornik to the cultural heartland of Vuk Karadžić. 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
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