Border paperwork, the part that matters most
Taking a vehicle out of Bosnia and Herzegovina requires a green card and a written authorisation from the vehicle owner permitting you to cross. Without them the border police can turn you back, and it does happen.
Both documents are prepared in advance and cannot be sorted out on the day of collection. Say at booking that you are going to Croatia, so everything is in the car when you take it. You also need a valid passport or ID card depending on your nationality.
The road and how long it takes
As far as Mostar it is the M17 through the Neretva canyon, the same route as for Mostar itself. From there the valley runs south to the crossing, and in Croatia you join the coastal road towards Dubrovnik.
Four hours is the driving time without stops. Queues at the border are unpredictable and in summer can add an hour or more, especially at weekends and in August. If you have accommodation booked or a flight, leave a margin.
Fuel, tolls and road charges
There are no tolls on the Bosnian side of this route. Croatia charges tolls on its motorways, though the coastal road to Dubrovnik is largely not a tolled section. Fuel is generally more expensive in Croatia, so it is worth filling up before the border.
The unlimited mileage we offer applies inside Bosnia and Herzegovina. For kilometres driven outside the country, raise it at booking so it is agreed in advance rather than a surprise on return.
