Bosnia and Herzegovina – is it safe?

One of the first things I always research before booking a holiday is the safety of the destination, especially if it’s somewhere I haven’t travelled to before. Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) was a bit of an unknown for me, as I’d never been and didn’t know anyone who had.

Is it safe?

In a word, yes! During our stay in BiH we never felt threatened or unsafe. We stayed in places including Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce and Konjic, and had no issues. We found that people were generally friendly and welcoming, and happy to help if needed. Places like central Sarajevo and Mostar were busy well into the evening and we felt safe walking around at different times of day.

Should I take any precautions?

I’d recommend taking precautions as you would in any city or town in Europe – for example, securing valuables, not walking alone in isolated areas at night and letting someone know your plans if travelling alone.

Land mines

This is a specific issue that sadly arises due to BiH’s history. Some areas of the country still have uncleared land mines. It’s not an issue within major towns or cities, but can be if you are looking to go hiking in more isolated areas. I’d recommend checking online and with local guides/information centres for further information specific to any plans you are making.