Is Mostar safe?
Safe for visitors. Petty theft in crowds, summer heat and leftover mines off marked paths in the surrounding hills are the main concerns.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-08-26.
- Homicide rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina: 1.2 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Bosnia and Herzegovina: 13.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 122 · Ambulance 124 · Fire 123.
Safety in Mostar at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Occasional pickpocketing on the bridge in high season and overpricing at tourist cafés near the Old Bridge. |
| At night | Quiet, well-lit and safe in the old town; outskirts are best reached by taxi after midnight. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women. Little street harassment; standard care with drinks and late walks outside the centre. |
| Other risks | Landmines off marked trails in the hills; Summer heat above 35°C; Strong currents when swimming in the Neretva |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Unmetered taxis quoting high fares from the station
- Tourist-zone restaurants adding cover charges not on the menu
Take care
- Hillsides and abandoned buildings: leftover mines and unsafe structures
- Midday summer heat on exposed stone streets
Calmer areas to stay
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
How Mostar compares 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 Mostar safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women. Little street harassment; standard care with drinks and late walks outside the centre.
Is Mostar safe at night?
Quiet, well-lit and safe in the old town; outskirts are best reached by taxi after midnight.
What is the crime rate in Mostar?
Occasional pickpocketing on the bridge in high season and overpricing at tourist cafés near the Old Bridge. Nationally, Bosnia and Herzegovina records 1.2 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Mostar?
Police 122 · Ambulance 124 · Fire 123.
More about Mostar
Going to Mostar solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Mostar International Airport
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.