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 Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska entities. The quality of care varies significantly between urban and rural areas, with better facilities available in major cities like Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar.
Hospitals
Private clinics in Sarajevo and other major cities offer better quality care and English-speaking doctors. Public hospitals can treat emergencies but may have long wait times. Notable facilities include University Clinical Center Sarajevo, University Clinical Center Banja Luka, and various private clinics in tourist areas. Payment is typically required upfront for foreigners.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apoteka) are widely available in cities and towns, typically open 8am-8pm on weekdays and Saturday mornings. Some operate 24-hour services in major cities. Many common medications are available over the counter, and pharmacists often speak some English. Bring prescriptions for any regular medications, preferably with generic names.
Insurance
Travel health insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended and may be required for visa applications. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) have limited coverage but should still obtain additional travel insurance.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a copy of your prescriptions and insurance documents at all times
- Private clinics offer faster service and English-speaking staff but are more expensive
- Dental care is generally good quality and affordable compared to Western Europe
- Water is safe to drink in cities but bottled water is recommended in rural areas
- Ensure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage for serious conditions
- Bring an adequate supply of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Despite extensive demining efforts, an estimated 80,000 landmines remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina, primarily in rural, mountainous, and former frontline areas. All major tourist sites, cities, and marked trails are completely safe and cleared.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded tourist areas, markets, public transportation, and popular restaurants. Theft from vehicles is also reported, particularly those with foreign license plates.
Road conditions vary widely, with poor maintenance, inadequate lighting, and aggressive driving common. Mountain roads can be particularly hazardous in winter. Drivers often ignore traffic rules, and pedestrian crossings are not always respected.
Occasional political protests and demonstrations occur, particularly in Sarajevo and Banja Luka. While usually peaceful, they can turn confrontational and disrupt transportation.
Severe flooding can occur, particularly in spring due to snowmelt and heavy rains. The 2014 floods caused significant damage and activated some landmines through soil displacement.
Mountain areas present risks including sudden weather changes, inadequate trail markings in some areas, and limited rescue services. Mobile phone coverage is unreliable in remote areas.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed taxis or dishonest drivers quote inflated prices to tourists, refuse to use meters, or take unnecessarily long routes. This is particularly common at airports, bus stations, and tourist areas.
Unofficial money changers offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists or provide counterfeit notes. Some exchange offices advertise good rates but charge excessive commissions.
Some tourist restaurants add extra items to bills, charge for bread or condiments that should be free, or bring unrequested items then charge for them. Prices may differ from the menu.
Unlicensed guides approach tourists at popular sites offering cheap tours but provide inaccurate information, pressure visitors to buy overpriced souvenirs from specific shops (where they receive commission), or demand higher payment than initially agreed.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something, asking for directions, presenting a petition to sign) while an accomplice steals bags, wallets, or phones.
Online listings show attractive properties, but upon arrival, guests are told the property is unavailable and offered inferior alternatives at the same price, or the actual accommodation is significantly worse than advertised.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for extended stays
- Keep copies of important documents separately from originals
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Learn basic phrases in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian
- Carry emergency contact information in local language
- Be respectful when photographing people, religious sites, or war-damaged buildings
- Avoid discussing politics, religion, or the war unless locals initiate the conversation
- Be aware that the country uses different alphabets (Latin and Cyrillic) in different regions
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Carry small denominations as large bills can be difficult to break
- Credit cards are accepted in cities but carry cash for rural areas
- Keep emergency cash hidden separately from your main wallet
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Be discreet when handling money in public
- Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash
Transportation
- Book intercity buses through reputable companies
- Allow extra time for travel as delays are common
- Keep valuables with you rather than in checked luggage on buses
- Verify bus departure times the day before as schedules can change
- Use official taxi stands rather than hailing cabs on the street
- Consider hiring a driver for mountain routes if uncomfortable driving
- Always wear seatbelts; enforcement has increased
- Avoid hitchhiking
Accommodation
- Verify accommodation location on a map before booking
- Check that properties have proper licenses and insurance
- Read recent guest reviews carefully
- Confirm check-in procedures in advance, especially for late arrivals
- Inspect rooms upon arrival and report any issues immediately
- Lock doors and windows even in safe areas
- Know emergency exits in your accommodation
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication
- Download offline maps as mobile coverage is limited in rural areas
- Save emergency numbers in your phone before traveling
- Learn the local emergency phrases
- Have your accommodation address written in local language
- Download translation apps for offline use
- WiFi is widely available in cities and tourist areas
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques, churches, or monasteries
- Remove shoes when entering mosques and some homes
- Ask permission before photographing people or religious ceremonies
- Be respectful in areas with war memorials and cemeteries
- Avoid making comparisons between ethnic groups or taking sides in discussions about the war
- Accept coffee when offered as it's an important part of local hospitality
- Be patient with service as the pace of life is generally slower
- Tipping 10% is appreciated but not mandatory in restaurants
Health Precautions
- Drink bottled water in rural areas
- Be cautious with food hygiene in smaller establishments
- Bring insect repellent for summer visits
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
- Carry a basic first aid kit, especially for rural travel
- Be aware of tick-borne diseases if hiking in forests
- Seek immediate medical attention for animal bites due to rabies risk
- Pharmacies can provide advice for minor ailments
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 country has a conservative but hospitable culture, and women traveling alone are uncommon but not unusual in tourist areas. Street harassment is relatively rare compared to other countries, though women may receive attention in smaller towns. Most locals are respectful and helpful toward foreign women. However, standard precautions should be taken, particularly after dark and in less touristy areas.
- Dress modestly, especially outside major cities and when visiting religious sites; covering shoulders and knees is respectful
- Avoid walking alone late at night; use taxis after dark
- Be aware that bars and cafes are male-dominated spaces in smaller towns
- Ignore catcalling or unwanted attention; responding may encourage further interaction
- Book accommodation in well-reviewed, centrally located properties
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Consider joining group tours for rural or mountain activities
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers in bars
- Carry a charged phone and keep emergency contacts easily accessible
- Wedding rings (real or fake) can deter unwanted attention in conservative areas
- Women-only compartments are not available on trains, but regular compartments are generally safe
- Beaches and pools: one-piece swimsuits are more culturally appropriate in public areas
- Local women are generally friendly and helpful; don't hesitate to ask for assistance
- Hitchhiking is not recommended for women traveling alone
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the age of consent equal for all (age 14 in Republika Srpska, 18 in the Federation). However, there are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, and same-sex partnerships are not recognized. The legal framework provides minimal protection for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection throughout the country
- Sarajevo is the most LGBTQ+-friendly city, with a small but emerging community
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; international hotel chains are generally safe options
- Avoid discussing sexual orientation with strangers or in public settings
- Be particularly cautious in rural areas and smaller towns where attitudes are more conservative
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations online before traveling for current safety information
- Consider presenting as heterosexual when necessary for personal safety
- Transgender travelers should carry documentation and be prepared for potential questioning
- Dating apps should be used with extreme caution; meet in public places and inform someone of your plans
- Sarajevo has a few LGBTQ+-friendly venues, but these are discreet and not widely advertised
- Do not assume that Western-style openness about LGBTQ+ identity will be accepted
- Be aware that harassment or violence may not be taken seriously by authorities
- Travel with trusted companions when possible
- Have contact information for your embassy in case of serious incidents
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Bosnia and Herzegovina due to the variable quality of healthcare, potential need for medical evacuation, and risks specific to the region. The country's healthcare system may not meet Western standards for serious conditions, and evacuation to neighboring countries or Western Europe can be extremely expensive without insurance. Additionally, coverage for trip disruptions, theft, and adventure activities is important given the country's developing infrastructure and popular outdoor activities.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries
Read our complete Bosnia and Herzegovina Travel Insurance Guide →