Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally safe for tourists in cities and main routes. Landmines from the 1990s conflict remain in some rural areas away from developed zones.
- Overall risk
- Low in urban and tourist areas; extra care off paved routes
- Main concern
- Residual landmines/UXO in some uncleared rural areas
- Emergency number
- 112 (general)
- Cities such as Sarajevo, Mostar and Banja Luka are welcoming and safe for visitors. When away from towns, stay on paved roads and marked paths, and do not enter unmarked land or abandoned buildings.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Cities and tourist sites are normally safe. Some rural areas away from developed zones still contain landmines and unexploded ordnance from the 1990s conflict.
- Cities/tourist areas
- Normally safe (Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka)
- Rural risk
- Residual landmines/UXO in some uncleared, remote areas
- Advice
- Stay on paved roads and marked paths; avoid unmarked land
- The risk to travellers who stay on established routes is low. As a factual precaution, do not leave paved roads or maintained areas, do not enter unmarked land or abandoned buildings, and heed local warning signs.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Bosnia and Herzegovina lies in a seismically active region. Prepare for winter snow in the mountains and spring river flooding.
- Earthquakes
- Region is seismically active; occasional tremors
- Winter
- Heavy snow and ice in mountainous areas
- Spring
- River flooding risk during snowmelt and heavy rain
- Mountain roads can be affected by snow and ice in winter; carry suitable equipment. Rivers can flood in spring; follow local warnings and avoid low-lying areas during heavy rainfall.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Public healthcare is variable; private clinics in cities are better. Tap water is generally safe in main cities, but bottled water is common when travelling.
- Healthcare
- Adequate in cities; limited in rural areas
- Tap water
- Generally safe in main cities; bottled water widely used
- Emergency
- 124 for ambulance (112 general)
- Facilities are best in Sarajevo and larger cities; rural provision can be limited. No special vaccinations are required for typical travel; carry personal medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Petty theft such as pickpocketing occurs in crowded areas and on public transport in Sarajevo and Mostar. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowds
- Hotspots
- Public transport, markets, busy tourist sites
- Advice
- Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- Thieves target distracted tourists in busy places. Keep bags closed and in front of you, use official taxis, and be wary of staged distractions.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Bosnia and Herzegovina has a complex political and administrative structure. Day-to-day life is calm for visitors; occasional demonstrations are usually peaceful.
- Government
- Parliamentary system with a complex multi-level structure
- Demonstrations
- Occasional; generally peaceful, avoid large gatherings
- Tourists are rarely affected by political matters. As a routine precaution, avoid large demonstrations and follow local news and any guidance from your embassy.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
The currency is the convertible mark (BAM), pegged to the euro (about 1 EUR = 1.96 BAM). Carry ID, drive on the right, and respect places of worship.
- Currency
- Convertible mark (BAM); euro often accepted informally
- Driving
- Drive on the right; strict drink-driving limits
- ID
- Carry photo ID; police may ask
- Penalties for drug offences and drink-driving are severe. Dress modestly when visiting mosques, churches and other religious sites, and ask before photographing people or sensitive locations.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 112 for general emergencies. Direct lines are police 122, ambulance 124 and fire 123.
- General emergency
- 112
- Police
- 122
- Ambulance / Fire
- 124 / 123
- The 112 line handles general emergencies. You can also call police on 122, ambulance on 124 and fire on 123. English may not always be available, so basic local phrases can help.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Bosnia and Herzegovina is outside the EU. All travellers should carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical and repatriation cover.
- Coverage
- Comprehensive insurance with medical cover
- Repatriation
- Include medical evacuation and repatriation
- Activities
- Add winter sports or hiking cover if relevant
- As a non-EU country, an EHIC/GHIC is not valid here. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, hospital stays, repatriation and any activities such as winter sports or mountain hiking.