Staying Safe in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Local Laws
You'll need to keep your official ID, like your passport, with you at all times. It's against the law to take pictures of military or police officers, their vehicles, buildings, or any equipment. While same-sex relationships are legal here, you might want to be mindful that public displays of affection aren't commonly accepted.
Be aware that unexploded landmines and other ordnance can still be a danger, especially in rural and remote mountain areas. It's best to stick to main roads and paved paths, steer clear of abandoned buildings, and only travel during the day. Please don't touch any war relics you might come across.
Political demonstrations can pop up unexpectedly, and it's wise to avoid them as they can sometimes turn violent. If you're staying in a private home for three days or more, either you or your host needs to let the local police know about your stay within 48 hours of arriving.
The penalties for possessing, using, or smuggling illegal drugs are very serious, including hefty fines and jail time. When you're coming into or leaving the country, any cash over 10,000 EUR (or its equivalent) needs to be declared.
If you're driving, remember that seatbelts are a must, using your phone while driving is illegal, and the blood alcohol limit is quite low at 0.03%. You'll also need to have specific car equipment like a safety vest and a first aid kit. If your current car insurance isn't valid here, you might need to get border insurance.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Bosnia and Herzegovina has legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, social attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals are generally conservative, influenced by the country's religious and traditional values. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are not common and may attract negative attention. While cities like Sarajevo are seeing a gradual increase in LGBTQ+ friendly spaces and events, discretion is advisable for travelers, especially outside of urban centers.
Scams
When visiting, keep an eye out for a few common tricks. You might find people offering to take your photo, only to later claim you dropped their camera. It's also wise to be cautious with taxis; always make sure the meter is running, and if possible, opt for official 'TA' taxis.
Be wary of anyone offering help at ATMs, as they might be trying to skim your card. Another tactic involves a "bird poop" distraction to set you up for pickpocketing. You might also see street guessing games that are rigged to take your money.
Some bars have been known to work with others to overcharge customers, and in busy tourist spots, restaurant bills can sometimes be higher than they should be. Be aware that some beggars might be working with pickpockets, using the distraction to their advantage.
Crime
When visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, you'll find that crime rates are generally on the lower to moderate side, and it's quite uncommon for tourists to experience violent crime. However, it's worth being aware that petty theft does happen.
You might find that pickpocketing and bag snatching are more common, especially in busy spots like public transportation, markets, and well-known tourist destinations such as Sarajevo, Mostar, Banja Luka, and Tuzla. We also see thefts from cars and break-ins at homes, with Sarajevo and Mount Trebevic being particular areas where this occurs.
To help keep yourself safe, it’s a good idea to keep your personal belongings secure and out of plain view. Try not to flash a lot of cash or expensive items, and always stay mindful of what’s going on around you, especially when you’re in crowded areas.
If you’re driving, make sure your car is locked and that no valuables are left where they can be seen. While serious crime is rare, firearms are quite common, so there's a small chance you could find yourself in an unfortunate situation if there are disputes between local groups or organized crime, particularly if you're out late at night in certain places.
