Capital city in Sarajevo Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Is Sarajevo safe?
Safe for a capital: violent crime against visitors is rare.
Is Sarajevo safe?
Safe for a capital: violent crime against visitors is rare. Petty theft, stray landmines off marked paths in the hills, and winter air quality are the real 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 Sarajevo at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Pickpocketing in Baščaršija and on trams, overcharging by taxi drivers, and occasional bag theft from cafés. |
| At night | Central streets and Baščaršija stay lively and feel safe; quieter side streets and hill roads are best done by taxi late at night. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable for solo women. Catcalling is uncommon; the usual care with drinks and late-night taxis applies. |
| Other risks | Landmines off marked trails outside the city; Winter smog from coal and wood heating; Icy steep streets in winter |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Street taxis quoting flat fares instead of using the meter
- Currency exchange touts offering poor rates near the bazaar
- Cafés adding unlisted items to bills in tourist zones
Take care
- Unmarked hillsides and forests around the city: leftover mines, stay on paths
- Crowded trams and the bazaar in summer: pickpockets
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 Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women. Catcalling is uncommon; the usual care with drinks and late-night taxis applies.
Is Sarajevo safe at night?
Central streets and Baščaršija stay lively and feel safe; quieter side streets and hill roads are best done by taxi late at night.
What is the crime rate in Sarajevo?
Pickpocketing in Baščaršija and on trams, overcharging by taxi drivers, and occasional bag theft from cafés. Nationally, Bosnia and Herzegovina records 1.2 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Sarajevo?
Police 122 · Ambulance 124 · Fire 123.
More about Sarajevo
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Sarajevo International Airport
- Clinical Center University of Sarajevo
- Sarajevo Tourism
- 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.