Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
Border Cities
🇲🇪 Herceg Novi
🇧🇦 Trebinje
Coordinates
42.61°N 18.52°E
Border Type
Land
Operating Hours
24/7
Wait Times
30-60 min
Peak Times
Weekdays
Crossing Types
Vehicles and pedestrians
Daily Crossings
Unknown
Languages Spoken
Montenegrin and Bosnian
Currency Exchange
Euro and Bosnian Marka
Accessibility Features
Basic accessibility
Safety Information
Joint border post; narrow roads
Google Maps Location
Country Information
Learn more about Montenegro
Learn more about Bosnia and Herzegovina
About Sitnica & Zupci (Sitnica side) Border Crossing
A Crossing in the Coastal Hinterland
The border crossing connecting the area near Sitnica in Montenegro with Zupci in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a secondary checkpoint that offers a scenic and often quieter alternative to the main coastal route. This is a journey through the rugged and beautiful coastal hinterland, the mountains that rise steeply from the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic Sea. To cross here is to take a route that is less about high-speed transit and more about exploring the historic and strategic landscape that has guarded the coast for centuries. It is a passage through a land of old Austro-Hungarian forts, traditional stone villages, and stunning panoramic views.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Herceg Novi Municipality of Montenegro with the Trebinje Municipality of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a secondary international crossing, open 24/7, and intended for passenger cars and local traffic. The exclusion of the heaviest freight traffic, which uses the main crossing at Ilino Brdo-Klobuk, helps to preserve the character of this route. The road is a winding, two-lane mountain road. The crossing can be a good alternative to the main coastal crossing into Croatia at Debeli Brijeg for those traveling from the Bay of Kotor to Trebinje and beyond, often allowing you to bypass the long summer queues.
Before Crossing
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A History of a Military Frontier
The history of this region is the history of a heavily fortified military frontier. During the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the mountains above the Bay of Kotor were turned into a massive fortress, with a network of roads, forts, and gun emplacements built to defend the empire’s main naval base. The road that this crossing is on was part of this strategic network. The modern border, established after the breakup of Yugoslavia, follows the historic administrative lines. The opening of this border has turned a former military road into a scenic tourist route, allowing travelers to explore this fascinating and once-secretive landscape.
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 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 quick and personal, with none of the queues that can form at the main crossings. The checkpoints are simple, functional facilities in a remote mountain setting.
The Surrounding Region: Montenegro Side
On the Montenegrin side, the crossing is in the hinterland of the beautiful city of Herceg Novi, which guards the entrance to the magnificent Bay of Kotor. The road to the border climbs steeply from the coast, offering spectacular views. The area is dotted with the ruins of Austro-Hungarian forts, which are fascinating to explore. The crossing is a gateway to the Orjen mountains, a wild and beautiful limestone massif that is popular with hikers and mountaineers.
The Surrounding Region: Bosnia and Herzegovina Side
On the Bosnian side, the crossing is the gateway to the beautiful city of Trebinje, the southernmost city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Trebinje is a charming city with a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era old town, a famous stone bridge, and numerous Serbian Orthodox monasteries, including the magnificent Hercegovačka Gračanica, which offers stunning panoramic views. The city is the center of a wine-producing region and is known for its relaxed, Mediterranean atmosphere. The crossing is also a gateway to the famous city of Mostar, with its UNESCO-listed Old Bridge.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning is essential for this route. You must have a suitable vehicle and be comfortable with narrow, winding mountain roads. 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. The road is paved and well-maintained but requires careful driving.
Final Considerations
The Sitnica–Zupci border crossing is a scenic and valuable alternative for travel between the Montenegrin coast and Herzegovina. It offers a journey through a region of stunning natural beauty and fascinating military history. For travelers looking to avoid the coastal crowds and explore the beautiful hinterland, it is an excellent choice. It is a passage that connects the blue of the Adriatic with the green of the Herzegovinian hills, a journey into the beautiful and complex heart of the Dinaric Alps.
See other crossings between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina
See other crossings between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina