Safest cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
1 city with 100k+ population · data updated 2026-09-04
What official travel advice warns about
Terrorism
- Terrorism in Bosnia and HerzegovinaTerrorist attacks in Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot be ruled out.
Political situation
- Public protests occur from time to time and can cause traffic disruption. Protests are normally peaceful. There is a risk of violent incidents linked to locally controversial issues, usually from the conflict of the 1990s.
Crime
- Protecting your belongingsBeware of pickpockets and bag-snatchers on public transport and in the tourist and pedestrian areas of Sarajevo and other cities. Make sure personal belongings, including your passport, are secure. Obvious displays of wealth, including large quantities of cash or jewellery and luxury vehicles can make you a target for opportunist thieves.
- Organised crimeIncidents of violence between organised crime groups can happen, including shootings. You are unlikely to be targeted. Remain vigilant and follow the advice of the police in the event of an incident.
Old landmines and unexploded weapons
- Landmines and other unexploded weapons remain from the 1992 to 1995 war. While highly populated areas and major routes are largely clear, there is still a risk in less populated and rural areas. Do not step off roads and paved areas without an experienced guide. Take care near:
Laws and cultural differences
- Personal IDAlways carry your passport or official photo ID with you. You must be able to show some form of identification if required, including when checking into hotels. For more information, see the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Dealing with the policeLocal police do not always have English language skills and you may need the services of a translator.
- Illegal drugsIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
- RamadanRamadan is a holy month for Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The dates vary by year and country.
- LGBT+ travellersSame-sex sexual activity is legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but LGBT+ communities continue to report incidents of discrimination and even violence. Showing affection in public is likely to be frowned upon and may receive unwelcome attention.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
- DivingDiving off Mostar bridge is dangerous and has resulted in serious injuries and fatalities.
- RaftingTake care when white-water rafting in rivers or close to waterfalls. Currents can be extremely strong.
Transport risks
- Road travelIf you are planning to drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Bosnia and Herzegovina guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
- Border insuranceIt’s illegal to drive without at least third-party insurance. The Border Police can request printed documents to show you have it.
- Winter equipment requirementsTake care when travelling outside the main towns and cities in winter, as road conditions can worsen quickly.
- TaxisOfficial taxis in Sarajevo and the major towns are well-regulated and metered. Taxi drivers from the Republika Srpska might refuse to drive to a destination in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the same from the Federation to the Republika Srpska.
- Air travelSarajevo (Butmir) International Airport is prone to fog, causing flights to be delayed or cancelled during the winter months, particularly in December and January. Many airlines will not arrange accommodation when delays are caused by bad weather. You may need to find and pay for somewhere to stay.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
- WildfiresWildfires are possible in Bosnia and Herzegovina from April to October due to the dry and hot weather. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. You should:
- FloodingRainfall and snowmelt have increased the risk of flooding and landslides. Road and rail links may be affected. Check and follow advice from local authorities.
- EarthquakesEarthquakes and small tremors are recorded throughout the year, usually without serious consequences. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Headings and opening lines from the UK FCDO “Safety and security” travel advice for Bosnia and Herzegovina, updated 2026-08-13 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Read the full advice on gov.uk →
Country figures
- Homicide rate
- 0.98 /100k2024
- Income inequality
- Gini 30.32021
- Human development
- HDI 0.8042023
- Income
- $25,810/yrGNI per capita PPP
- Road deaths
- 13.5 /100kWHO, 2019
- Political stability
- 57/100WGI, 2024 · higher = more stable
- Rule of law
- 51/100WGI, 2024
- Corruption perceptions
- 34/100Transparency Intl, 2025 · higher = cleaner
- Natural-hazard risk
- 3.3/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Women, Peace & Security
- 0.75GIWPS, 2025 · 0-1, higher = better
- Air quality
- 26.1 µg/m³PM2.5, 2023 · WHO guideline is 5
- Safe drinking water
- 86%of population, 2024 · WHO/UNICEF JMP
- Healthcare capacity
- 2.6 doctors /1k2.4 hospital beds per 1,000
Natural hazards
- Earthquake
- 6.0/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Flood
- 5.9/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
- Drought
- 2.6/10EU INFORM, 2026 · higher = riskier
Hazard types scoring under 1 out of 10 are not listed.
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina (as of 2025).
How Bosnia and Herzegovina compares
| Measure | Bosnia and Herzegovina | World median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 1.0 /100k | 2.4 /100k | −1.4 /100k — better for Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 30.3 | 35.2 | −4.9 — better for Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.804 | 0.763 | +0.041 — better for Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Road deaths | 13.5 /100k | 15.4 /100k | −1.9 /100k — better for Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Rule of law | 51/100 | 52/100 | −1/100 — better for World median |
| Corruption perceptions | 34/100 | 39/100 | −5/100 — better for World median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 26.1 µg/m³ | 19.7 µg/m³ | +6.4 µg/m³ — better for World median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 3.3/10 | 3.8/10 | −0.5/10 — better for Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Measure | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Europe median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide rate | 1.0 /100k | 1.0 /100k | −0.0 /100k |
| Income inequality (Gini) | 30.3 | 30.7 | −0.4 — better for Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Human development (HDI) | 0.804 | 0.911 | −0.107 — better for Europe median |
| Road deaths | 13.5 /100k | 5.5 /100k | +8.0 /100k — better for Europe median |
| Rule of law | 51/100 | 74/100 | −23/100 — better for Europe median |
| Corruption perceptions | 34/100 | 57/100 | −23/100 — better for Europe median |
| Air quality (PM2.5) | 26.1 µg/m³ | 11.2 µg/m³ | +14.9 µg/m³ — better for Europe median |
| Natural-hazard risk | 3.3/10 | 2.5/10 | +0.8/10 — better for Europe median |
Medians, not means, so one extreme country cannot drag the reference value. Each row compares only the countries that have a published figure for that measure, and differences are plain arithmetic between stored values.
All 1 cities, safest first
- Sarajevo77.7 · #2074 worldwide