Bosnia and Herzegovina Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Healthcare System
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a public healthcare system that is divided between the two entities (Federation of BiH and Republika Srpska), each with its own health insurance system. Private healthcare facilities are available in major cities and generally offer higher quality services with English-speaking staff.
Hospitals
Main hospitals for tourists include University Clinical Center Sarajevo, Kantonal Hospital Zenica, and University Clinical Center Banja Luka. Private clinics like Avicena in Sarajevo and Eurofarm Policlinic offer services more oriented toward international patients. Most doctors in private facilities speak English or German.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apoteka) are widely available in cities and towns, typically open Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, with some 24-hour pharmacies in larger cities. Many common medications are available over the counter. Pharmacists often speak some English and can provide basic medical advice. Bring prescriptions for any regular medications.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended and may be required for visa applications. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though it may not cover all services. Ensure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage as serious conditions may require transport to Croatia or Austria.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a well-stocked first aid kit, especially if traveling to rural areas
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available
- Tap water is generally safe in cities but bottled water is recommended in rural areas
- Ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date, especially if hiking or doing outdoor activities
- Private healthcare requires immediate payment; keep receipts for insurance claims
- Learn basic medical phrases in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian or carry a translation app
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
An estimated 80,000 landmines remain from the 1992-1995 war, primarily in rural, mountainous, and former frontline areas. Mined areas are marked with warning signs (skull and crossbones, red and white tape, or 'MINE' signs), but some markings may have deteriorated.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in tourist areas, crowded markets, public transportation, and popular sites. Car break-ins targeting vehicles with foreign plates have been reported.
Road conditions vary widely, with poor road surfaces, inadequate lighting, and aggressive driving common. Mountain roads can be narrow and winding. Winter conditions are hazardous. Livestock and pedestrians on roads pose additional risks.
Occasional political demonstrations occur, particularly in Sarajevo and Banja Luka. While usually peaceful, they can disrupt traffic and occasionally become confrontational. Ethnic tensions persist in some areas, though violence against tourists is extremely rare.
Bosnia's mountainous terrain presents risks for unprepared hikers. Weather can change rapidly in mountains. Some trails are poorly marked. Risk of getting lost or injured in remote areas with limited rescue services.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed taxis or licensed taxis without meters charge inflated rates to tourists, especially at airports, bus stations, and tourist sites. Some drivers take unnecessarily long routes or claim the meter is broken.
Unofficial exchange offices or individuals offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, provide counterfeit bills, or have hidden fees. Some claim to exchange euros but give less than promised.
Some restaurants in tourist areas add items you didn't order to the bill, charge for bread or condiments without mentioning they cost extra, or bring expensive items without showing prices first.
Individuals posing as police officers approach tourists, claim to need to check identification or investigate counterfeit money, then steal wallets or demand 'fines' to be paid in cash.
Property looks great online but in reality is in poor condition, in a different location, or the owner tries to move you to a different property claiming the booked one is unavailable, often at a higher price or lower quality.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register your trip with your embassy if staying for an extended period
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) separately from originals
- Learn basic phrases in the local language (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian are mutually intelligible)
- Carry contact information for your embassy or consulate
- Be aware that Bosnia uses two alphabets (Latin and Cyrillic); learn to recognize both
- Keep emergency cash in euros or convertible marks (BAM) hidden separately from your main wallet
Cultural Sensitivity
- Respect religious sites; dress modestly when visiting mosques, churches, or monasteries
- Remove shoes when entering mosques and some homes
- Be sensitive when discussing the 1992-1995 war; many people lost family members
- Don't make assumptions about people's ethnicity or religion based on appearance
- Avoid war tourism in a disrespectful manner; sites like Srebrenica and Sarajevo's Tunnel Museum are memorials
- Tipping 10% is appreciated in restaurants but not mandatory; round up for taxis and small services
Transportation Safety
- Buses are the primary mode of intercity transport and are generally safe; book with established companies
- Train service is limited and slow; buses are more reliable for most routes
- If renting a car, inspect it thoroughly and photograph any existing damage
- Carry an International Driving Permit along with your license if driving
- Be extremely cautious when driving at night due to poor lighting and road conditions
- Keep vehicle doors locked and valuables out of sight when parked
Food and Water Safety
- Tap water is generally safe in major cities but bottled water is recommended in rural areas
- Food hygiene standards are generally good; eat at busy restaurants with high turnover
- Try local specialties like ćevapi and burek from reputable establishments
- Be cautious with dairy products in summer heat if refrigeration is questionable
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, especially from markets
- Avoid ice in drinks if you're unsure about water quality in rural areas
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for valuables and passports
- Check that windows and doors lock securely
- Know the location of emergency exits, especially in older buildings
- Private accommodation is popular and generally safe; use reputable booking platforms
- Confirm exact location before booking as some 'Sarajevo' listings may be in suburbs
- Keep your room number private; don't announce it in public areas
Outdoor Activities
- Never venture off marked trails or into abandoned buildings due to landmine risk
- Hire local guides for hiking, rafting, or skiing; they know safe areas
- Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time
- Carry sufficient water, snacks, and warm clothing even for day hikes
- Weather can change rapidly in mountains; be prepared to turn back
- Mobile phone coverage can be spotty in remote areas; don't rely on it for navigation
Money and Valuables
- The local currency is the Convertible Mark (BAM); euros are sometimes accepted in tourist areas but change is given in BAM
- ATMs are widely available in cities and towns; notify your bank before travel
- Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments but carry cash for smaller businesses
- Don't display large amounts of cash in public
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Keep small denominations handy as breaking large bills can be difficult in small shops
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication; major providers include BH Telecom, m:tel, and HT Eronet
- WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants in urban areas
- Download offline maps before traveling to rural areas
- Learn the Cyrillic alphabet basics as it's used in Republika Srpska alongside Latin script
- English is spoken in tourist areas and by younger people, but less common in rural areas
- Have important addresses written in the local language
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The culture is relatively conservative, particularly in rural areas and among older generations, but women traveling alone are not uncommon in cities. Harassment is less common than in some other European destinations, though unwanted attention can occur. Women should take standard precautions as they would in any destination.
- Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites; this shows respect and reduces unwanted attention
- Conservative dress is particularly important in smaller towns and the Republika Srpska entity
- Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas; use taxis from reputable companies
- Be assertive but polite if experiencing unwanted attention; locals are often helpful if you need assistance
- Solo women may receive curious questions about traveling alone, which is usually friendly interest rather than judgment
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if you prefer company
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Book accommodations with good reviews from other female travelers
- Cafes and restaurants are safe spaces to spend time alone; locals often socialize in cafes
- Hitchhiking is not recommended for anyone, especially women traveling alone
- Be aware that some traditional cafes may be male-dominated spaces, particularly in smaller towns
- Women-only train compartments are not available, but public transportation is generally safe during daytime
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the age of consent equal to that for heterosexual activity (14 in Republika Srpska, 18 in the Federation). However, there are no anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals in most areas, and same-sex partnerships are not legally recognized. Hate crimes based on sexual orientation are not specifically addressed in legislation.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection; even in Sarajevo, it's advisable to be cautious
- Sarajevo is the most tolerant city but still conservative compared to Western European standards
- There is a small LGBTQ+ scene in Sarajevo with a few welcoming cafes and venues, though not openly advertised
- Avoid discussing sexual orientation with strangers or in public settings
- Book LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations; research and read reviews from other LGBTQ+ travelers
- Be particularly discreet in rural areas and smaller towns where attitudes are more conservative
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations like Sarajevo Open Centre for current advice and safe spaces
- Consider avoiding travel during politically tense periods when tolerance may be lower
- Trans travelers should carry documentation and be prepared for questions at borders or hotels
- Online dating apps should be used with caution; meet in public places and don't share accommodation details
- Don't assume that younger people are more accepting; attitudes vary widely
- If you experience harassment, seek help from tourist police or your embassy rather than expecting local police to be supportive
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Bosnia and Herzegovina due to the variable quality of healthcare, potential need for medical evacuation to neighboring countries for serious conditions, and risks associated with outdoor activities and road travel. The country's healthcare system may not meet standards travelers from Western countries expect, and private healthcare requires upfront payment. Additionally, the unique risks like landmines and challenging road conditions make comprehensive coverage particularly important.
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