Bosnia and Herzegovina

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 122 for police 
• Dial 123 for Fire
• Dial 124 for ambulance 
• Dial 1265 in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina or 1264 in Republika Srpska for the toll-free domestic violence hotline.  

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools 
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations are common in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.  
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Large demonstrations, even if peaceful, can create traffic congestion and lead to closures of public transportation, roadways, and sidewalks.

Sporting events

Rival supporters sometimes fight and damage property. This can lead to physical injuries. Stay away from these areas.

• Large crowds before and after games can create significant traffic congestion.
• Large groups of soccer fans can quickly become violent. Avoid crowds and large groups.
• Road and sidewalk closures are common.

Crime

The overall crime rate for the country is high. Sarajevo has a high rate of property-related crime.

• The most common criminal activities in Sarajevo are: 
  • robberies 
  • residential break-ins
  • vehicle break-ins 
  • theft
  • pickpocketing in tourist areas in all major cities
• Local criminals use guns and explosives to settle arguments. Most explosions in Sarajevo happen at night. Foreigners are rarely targeted, but you could be hurt or injured if you are nearby when these incidents happen. 
• Always stay alert, especially at night and in tourist locations , including cafés, parking garages, shopping areas, and restaurants.
• Take precautions to protect your property from theft. Always keep your belongings with you. Travel in groups and stay in well-lit areas after dark.
• Avoid carrying large sums of money.
• People wearing backpacks stand out and attract the attention of pickpockets.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.   

Financial scams and internet romance scams occur in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. 

Common scams include: 

• Romance and online dating 
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Money transfers 
• Taxis over charging
• Inflated bar and club bills 

If using dating apps or websites in Bosnia and Herzegovina: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.  
• Meet in a popular public place. 
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (including which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule. 

Landmines

Landmine explosions have injured and killed many people in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1995.

• Minefields, active landmines, and unexploded ordnances are a threat throughout the country. Deaths from explosions have occurred as recently as August 2025.
• Stay on hard surfaced areas and out of abandoned buildings. Watch out for mines warning signs throughout the country. Check the latest landmine maps via the  Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Center. No matter the area’s status, avoid unmarked trails.

For more information about landmines and unexploded ordinance, please visit the website of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Center.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 122.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. Embassy can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Drones 

Bosnia and Herzegovina has strict drone regulations. 

• Flying a drone for recreational or commercial purposes requires prior authorization from the Bosnia and Herzegovina Directorate of Civil Aviation (BHDCA). 
• If you fly a drone without authorization, local authorities will take your drone, and you will have to pay large fines.
• Avoid flying drones over populated areas, historical sites, or near government and military facilities.

GPS 

Prior to using GPS abroad: 

• Research the route recommended by the GPS. 
• The fastest path

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs. 
• Staff may not be trained or certified. 
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care. 
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel 

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

If you go hiking or skiing, be aware that landmines and unexploded ordnance are still a serious danger in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Safety tips: 

• Stay on marked trails or slopes. 
• Do not explore destroyed or abandoned buildings. 
• Pay close attention to all red mine-warning signs. 
• Check the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Center (BHMAC). It provides updated maps and even a mobile app to help identify potential landmine areas. 

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. 
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  
• Travelers who break local laws, even accidentally, have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• It is illegal to photograph military or secure installations, including airports, equipment, bridges, government checkpoints, troops, or embassies. If in doubt, ask permission before taking photographs.
• Penalties are severe for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs. Courts impose long jail sentences and large fines.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Bosnia and Herzegovina, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  

Arrest notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

There are no current legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of gay and lesbian events in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, elected officials in the Republika Srpska have proposed banning gay and lesbian activists from holding events at schools or working in and visiting educational institutions.

• Elected officials have also said that they will not allow any gay and lesbian events in the Republika Srpska entity.

Discrimination and safety concerns

• Discrimination based on sexual orientation is common in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Acts of violence and harassment against lesbian and gay individuals or organizations have occurred. Police are sometimes slow to respond or fail to investigate the incidents and prosecute the people responsible. 
• Government officials have made negative comments about gay and lesbian people and about organizations promoting human rights.
• While the laws at the state, entity, and Brcko District levels prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, authorities do not fully enforce them. Some elected officials have proposed laws to restrict the activities of gay and lesbian rights groups.

Safety risks at events

• People who attend Pride events have been threatened in the past. Expect a heavy police presence at these events. 
• Physical confrontations at soccer matches have sometimes included right-wing nationalist, racist, or anti-gay and lesbian violence.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Bosnia and Herzegovina prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual or mental disabilities. The law is partially enforced. 

The most common types of accessibility may include wheelchair accessibility in newer shopping centers, recently renovated public buildings, and some high-end international hotels. 

Expect accessibility to be limited: 

• City buses and trams often do not have ramps. 
• Historic, boutique, or budget hotels may not be accessible. 
• There are few sign language interpreters, accessible websites, or Braille signs. 
• Sidewalks are often narrow with high curbs, uneven pavement, and steep cobblestone streets.

Where accessibility is available:  

• Accessibility is more common in major transportation hubs like the Sarajevo International Airport, modern shopping malls, and large international chain hotels. 
• There is a big difference between the capital and main cities compared to the rest of the country. 
• Outside of Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar, accessible infrastructure and specialized services are generally unavailable.

Social attitudes and help

• Social acceptance and inclusion are not as common as in the United States. Locals are friendly and will usually offer to help, but there is still some social stigma and a paternalistic attitude toward disabilities. 
• Be prepared to directly and clearly state how you prefer to be helped. 
• Hospitality staff and the public usually lack formal awareness or training on how to properly help travelers with specific accessibility needs.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers  

• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• The 2024 Country Report on Human Rights Practices identified significant concerns including restrictions on media freedom—particularly criminalization of defamation in Republika Srpska—threats and violence against journalists, and impunity for crimes committed during the 1992-1995 war.  For more information, see the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Bosnia and Herzegovina Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 124 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are available. However, training and response time of emergency responders may be poor. 

Ambulances do not have advanced medical equipment.  

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Bosnia and Herzegovina. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment in the local currency, Convertible Marks or BAM.
• Credit card payment is not always available, especially in smaller or rural clinics.
• Private hospitals and clinics often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice 

 Common diseases 

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious health concern in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For more information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.

Healthcare facilities 

Health facilities are available in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, and other major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics may lack basic resources and supplies, to include toilet paper and soap in restrooms.  
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission
• Medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff are available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.
• All major surgery is performed in public hospitals.

Prescription medications 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

• Be sure to bring enough of your prescription medication (as well as over-the-counter medications) to last the entire duration of your trip.
• Check with the Bosnia and Herzegovina Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices to ensure the medication is legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina does not allow the importation of marijuana-derived compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD), even with a prescription. Do not bring CBD products.  
• You can only bring a 7-day supply of any medications that are considered controlled substances in the United States. This includes ADHD stimulants like Adderall and opioids like Oxycontin. Even with a valid U.S. prescription, you may face difficulties bringing these medications into Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Do not have medications shipped for you. Under Bosnian law, importing medications via mail is strictly regulated. Customs will generally only clear shipments if you have a statement signed by a doctor licensed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bring enough medication with you in your carry-on luggage.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 
• Surrogacy is illegal in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  
• If you do not follow local laws, you may risk legal consequences.  

Water quality and food safety 

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking in major cities like Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar. 
• In many rural areas and small villages, tap water is not safe to drink. This is often due to reliance on unmonitored wells or older, poorly maintained pipes. 
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. 
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks when traveling outside major cities, since it may be made using tap water. 
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling. 

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• Air pollution is a significant problem in most cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.
• The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates by season. It is at its worst in the winter. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure are:
• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which include chronic bronchitis and emphysema
• People with heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or are active outdoors
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.
• https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/tuberculosis

Transportation 

Road conditions and safety

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a high rate of traffic accidents.

• Most roads are 2-lanes. They wind through steep mountain passes and deep river canyons. 
• The M17 (E73) highway between Sarajevo and Mostar follows the Neretva River canyon. This road is known for aggressive passing by local drivers, heavy truck traffic, and rockfalls. 
• The M18 route between Sarajevo and Tuzla has steep, winding sections that require extreme caution. 
• Many roads are poorly maintained and are sometimes blocked by landslides, public gatherings, and traffic accidents.

Night driving

• Driving at night outside of major cities is highly dangerous and should be avoided. 
• Rural and mountain roads have no lights or guardrails. 
• You may find stray animals, unlit horse-drawn carts, and slow-moving farm vehicles. 

Winter driving

• Winter driving from November through April is especially dangerous due to heavy snow, black ice, and sudden, dense fog in the valleys and mountain passes.

Other driving dangers

• Watch out for drunk drivers and drivers traveling at excessive speeds. 
• Major highways have adequate signs. However, secondary and rural roads often have poor or no signage.  
• In the Republika Srpska entity, traffic signs are often written in the Cyrillic alphabet. This can be confusing for U.S. drivers. 
• Traffic laws are not consistently enforced.

Roadside assistance

• Roadside assistance is generally reliable but can be slow to reach remote mountain locations. 
• The Bosnia and Herzegovina Automobile Club provides English-speaking roadside assistance 24/7.  
• Dial 1282 or 033-282-100 from an international phone.
• Visit the website of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s  automobile association for road safety information.

Traffic laws  

You must have both a valid U.S. driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally drive or rent a car in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You must obtain the IDP in the United States before you travel.

If you have an accident

• By law, if you are involved in a collision or even a minor fender bender, you must call the police and wait for them to arrive.  
• File a report before moving the vehicle(s), unless the vehicles pose an immediate, severe danger to other traffic.
• If you are driving a rental car, you will need this police report to process any insurance claims or to cross the border out of the country.

Basic traffic rules 

You must always carry your U.S. passport, driver's license, IDP, and vehicle registration and insurance while driving.  

• You must wear a seat belt.
• Talking on a cell phone while driving is illegal.
• The legal blood alcohol limit is .03 percent. This is less than half the legal limit in the United States.
• You must always have a safety vest, spare tire, jack, first aid kit, safety triangle, tow rope, and spare light bulbs in the car.
• You must have snow tires from November through April.

Police checkpoints

• Local traffic police often set up checkpoints and conduct routine traffic stops. 
• While anti-corruption efforts are ongoing, U.S. citizens have sometimes reported traffic police asking for bribes instead of issuing formal tickets. 
• Politely decline to pay on the spot. Instead, ask for an official written citation that you can pay at a local bank or post office.

Taxis and ride-shares

Licensed, officially marked taxis are well regulated, generally safe, and available in major cities.  

• Do not enter unmarked or unlicensed taxis. 
• Make sure the driver turns on the taxi meter as soon as you enter the vehicle. If the driver says the meter is broken, exit the vehicle and find another taxi.
• Most taxis do not accept credit cards and only accept local currency, including Convertible Marks or BAM. 
• Make sure you have small bills before hailing a ride. Drivers may say they do not have change for large bills.
• Ride-shares are not available in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Public and commercial transportation 

• Public transportation such as buses, taxis, trams, and trains operate in and between major cities. These operators are licensed and clearly post fares.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.  

During the winter months, flights at Sarajevo’s airport are frequently delayed or canceled due to heavy fog. Be prepared for last-minute cancellations, schedule changes, long delays, alternate routings, or long overland transportation.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina should check the following:  

• https://www.maritime.dot.gov/msci-advisorieshttps://www.maritime.dot.gov/msci-alertshttps://msi.nga.mil/NavWarningsU.S. Maritime Advisories 
• U.S. Maritime Alerts 
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings  
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Flooding and landslides 

• Heavy rains and rapid snowmelt frequently cause severe flooding and landslides. 
• These events are common in the spring from April to June, and in autumn from October to November. 
• Beyond washing out roads and damaging infrastructure, these floods can move unexploded landmines out of marked areas and into zones previously marked as safe.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have strong disaster recovery or assistance capabilities. 

Wildfires

• Common during the hot, dry summer months from July to September. 
• Wildfires occur in the southern Herzegovina region. These fires can lead to road closures. They can also destroy hiking trails and reduce air quality.

Severe winter weather and avalanches

• Winter conditions generally happen from November to April. 
• It brings heavy snowfall, ice, and dense fog to the mountainous regions. 
• Winter creates dangerous driving conditions. There is a high risk of severe avalanche for backcountry skiers and hikers in the Dinaric Alps. Bosnia and Herzegovina has specific requirements for snow tires and chains during winter months.

Earthquakes

• Bosnia and Herzegovina sits in a seismically active zone. 
• Moderate to severe earthquakes can occur year-round without warning.

U.S citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates