Attachments
This report provides insights into the profiles, experiences, needs, routes travelled and intentions of migrants transiting through Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).1 Data was collected from 2 October to 31 October 2023.
IOM carried out a route observation exercise in the Republika Srpska, Sarajevo Canton, Posavina Canton, Tuzla Canton, Bosnian-Podrinje Canton and Una Sana Canton to monitor trends in entries and exits as well as transit modalities within BiH. IOM also surveyed 1,076 migrants in active transit locations such as bus stops or at key entry and exit locations throughout the country as well as in four transit reception centres in BiH (Lipa, Ušivak, Borići and Blažuj).
ROUTE OBSERVATION
• In October, IOM observed significantly fewer people in active transit locations compared to last month (half as many).
• Sixty-four per cent of respondents had tried and failed to cross the border into Croatia from BiH, double that compared to the previous month.
• The map above shows that migrants enter BiH through the eastern border with Serbia or through the border with Montenegro further south. The vast majority of people enter around Zvornik. Other entry points from Serbia are Bijeljina,
Bratunac and the area around the border crossing of Šepak.
• From the border with Serbia, migrants take buses or taxis to reach Sarajevo, before continuing their journeys towards Una Sana Canton.
• From Montenegro, the majority of migrants cross into BiH from around the Metaljka official border crossing point. Migrants pay for taxies from Čajniće to Goražde, and then continue to Sarajevo by bus.
• Most migrants make their way to Sarajevo and travel to Bihać to attempt crossing the border into Croatia in the area of Velika Kladuša