Europe

Is Bosnia and Herzegovina safe?

Capital: SarajevoBosnian, Croatian, SerbianUpdated October 2026

L2Exercise increased caution

Is Bosnia and Herzegovina safe?

Safe for visitors, with low street crime. The real hazards are landmines off paved areas in the countryside, risky mountain driving and occasional political protests.

Key facts

US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-08-26.
Homicide rate: 1.2 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
Road deaths: 13.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
Emergency numbers: Police 122 · Ambulance 124 · Fire 123.
Solo women: Solo women generally feel safe; expect some staring in conservative rural areas. Dress modestly at mosques and in villages.

Risks, scams and laws

Main risks

Landmines in rural areas; stay on roads and marked trails
Thefts from parked cars around Sarajevo, including Mount Trebević
Winter smog in Sarajevo and other valley cities
Winding mountain roads with fog and snow in winter

Common scams

Unmetered taxis quoting inflated fares to tourists

Laws visitors break by accident

Always carry your passport; police and hotels can ask for ID
Photographing military or police sites can lead to detention

Safety by place in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Place	Safety
Sarajevo	4/5 · Safe with normal care
Mostar	4/5 · Safe with normal care
Banja Luka	4/5 · Safe with normal care

Quick answers

Is Bosnia and Herzegovina safe for tourists?

Safe for visitors, with low street crime. The real hazards are landmines off paved areas in the countryside, risky mountain driving and occasional political protests.

Is Bosnia and Herzegovina safe for solo female travelers?

Solo women generally feel safe; expect some staring in conservative rural areas. Dress modestly at mosques and in villages.

What is the emergency number in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Police 122 · Ambulance 124 · Fire 123.

Safety by place

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.