Bosnia and Herzegovina captivates visitors with its blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav heritage. From Sarajevo's historic bazaars to Mostar's iconic Old Bridge, this Balkan gem offers stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and some of Europe's most affordable travel experiences.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally a safe destination with low violent crime rates. The main safety concern unique to Bosnia is residual landmines from the 1990s conflict in rural areas — always stay on marked paths. Urban areas including Sarajevo and Mostar are safe for tourists with normal precautions.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise normal precautions in cities. Increased caution in rural and mountain areas due to landmine risk. Political tensions (ethnic divisions, occasional protests) are present but rarely affect tourists.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally safe. Be aware of landmine risk in rural areas and stay on marked paths.
Level 2 - Yellow (Some Risk)
Landmines remain a risk in rural Bosnia. Political instability related to ethnic divisions continues. Petty crime in tourist areas. Exercise caution.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Stick to marked trails when hiking in rural and mountain areas — landmines from the 1990s conflict remain a danger off-path, particularly in rural Herzegovina, Sarajevo outskirts, and eastern Bosnia
Register your presence with your embassy or consulate when planning extended travel, especially into remote regions
Use only licensed, metered taxis or ride-hailing apps (Bolt, inDriver) — agree on fare before entering any unmarked taxi, particularly at Sarajevo airport and bus stations
Be cautious of pickpockets in Bascarsija bazaar, Ferhadija pedestrian zone, and around Stari Most in Mostar — wear bags across your body and avoid displaying expensive cameras or jewelry
Avoid attending political demonstrations or large public gatherings, particularly around government buildings — Bosnia has recurring civil unrest tied to ethnic and political tensions
Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times; Bosnian police may ask for ID and you should avoid handing over your original document
Dress modestly when visiting mosques and Orthodox churches — women should carry a scarf to cover hair, and both genders should cover shoulders and knees
Bosnia has strict drink-driving laws — the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03% (lower than most European countries); use a taxi or designated driver after drinking
Be aware that healthcare standards outside Sarajevo and Banja Luka can be limited — carry comprehensive travel insurance and a basic medical kit for rural travel
Avoid discussions of the 1990s war, ethnic politics, and the status of Republika Srpska with locals you do not know well — these are deeply sensitive topics that can cause offense or conflict
Exchange currency only at bank branches or official exchange offices (mjenjacnica) — hotel exchange desks and private exchangers on streets offer poor rates
Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps) before visiting rural areas — mobile data can be unreliable in mountain regions and national parks
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed taxis at Sarajevo airport and bus stations quote inflated fares to tourists, sometimes 3-4x the correct rate.
How to avoid: Use the Bolt app or insist on a metered taxi. The correct fare from Sarajevo airport to center is BAM 20-25 ($11-14).
Currency exchange fraud
Unofficial money changers and some tourist-facing exchange offices offer poor rates or sleight-of-hand switches when counting notes.
How to avoid: Use bank ATMs or official bank exchange offices (mjenjačnica) for cash exchange.
Fake guiding
In Mostar's old town, unlicensed 'guides' approach tourists offering to show them around for a fixed fee, then demand higher payment or add-ons at the end.
How to avoid: Use licensed guides booked through official tourist information centers.
Begging with children
In some tourist areas of Sarajevo and Mostar, organized groups use children to solicit money from tourists. Giving encourages the practice and keeps children from school.
How to avoid: Decline politely but firmly. Consider donating to established charities instead.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus-diphtheria). Hepatitis A and B recommended for longer stays. Tick-borne encephalitis if hiking extensively.
- Water
- Cities
- Generally safe to drink in Sarajevo, Mostar, and other major cities. High quality mountain spring sources.
- Rural
- Use bottled water to be safe, or boil/filter water from uncertain sources
- Note
- Locals drink tap water without issues. Bottled water widely available (1-2 BAM).
- Food
- Altitude
- Mountain regions can cause mild altitude issues - stay hydrated
- Sun
- Strong sun in summer, especially in Herzegovina - use sunscreen
- Ticks
- Present in forests - check after hiking, consider TBE vaccine for extensive hiking
- Food safety
- Generally very safe. Tap water safe in cities.
- Facilities
- Well-stocked pharmacies (apoteka) in all towns. Many medications available without prescription that require one elsewhere.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Bosnia is generally safe for solo travelers. Sarajevo has a welcoming traveler community, good hostel scene, and very low violent crime. Use common sense at night in unfamiliar areas, stick to main streets, and the Bolt app rather than unmetered taxis. Solo hiking requires extra care — always inform someone of your route and expected return time, especially given landmine risk in rural areas.
Female travellers
Female travelers are generally safe in Bosnia, particularly in Sarajevo and tourist areas. Local culture is respectful toward women, though conservative in traditional areas. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid walking alone very late at night in poorly lit areas. Harassment is uncommon but not unknown in nightlife areas. The Baščaršija area and well-trafficked tourist zones are very safe.
Families
Bosnia is a family-friendly destination with low crime, affordable prices, and genuinely warm attitudes toward children. Locals go out of their way to help families. Key precaution: always keep children on marked paths and paved roads — landmine risk in rural areas requires strict supervision. Most historical and natural attractions are appropriate for children 8+. Medical facilities are adequate in cities.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but social acceptance is limited — public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention particularly outside Sarajevo. There is no legal recognition of same-sex partnerships. Sarajevo has a small but growing LGBTQ+ scene. The Queer Sarajevo Festival has faced opposition. Discretion is advisable, particularly in rural areas and religious neighborhoods. Sarajevo city center and international hotels are generally welcoming.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 122
- Medical
- 124
- Embassy
- Tourist Police