Is Bosnia Safe? An Honest Guide for Tourists (2026)
Is Bosnia and Herzegovina safe for tourists? An honest local guide to crime, walking at night, travelling as a woman or a family, landmines, road safety and what to do in an emergency.
Photo: hongbin / Unsplash
Yes, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a safe country for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare, people are famously hospitable, and Sarajevo was voted the world's top destination for 2025 by National Geographic readers. Like anywhere popular, there's some petty crime in busy places, and Bosnia has one risk most of Europe doesn't: leftover landmines in some remote areas. Follow a few simple rules and you'll be fine.
This guide is written by the AB Rent a Car team in Sarajevo, people who live here, and answers the safety questions our customers ask most.
In this guide
- The short answer
- Crime and pickpockets
- Is Sarajevo safe at night?
- Safety for women, families and Muslim travellers
- Landmines: the one real risk
- Road safety
- Health and tap water
- Emergency numbers
- Frequently asked questions
The short answer
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is violent crime a risk for tourists? | Rare |
| Is pickpocketing a risk? | In crowded places, yes. Take normal care |
| Is Sarajevo safe at night? | Yes, in the centre and the old town |
| Is it safe for women travelling alone? | Generally yes |
| Is it safe for Muslim travellers? | Yes. About half the population is Muslim |
| Are there landmines? | In some remote areas. Stay on paved roads and marked paths |
| Is the tap water safe? | In Sarajevo, yes |
Many governments rate Bosnia as "exercise increased caution", the same level as several popular EU countries. The reasons given are mostly petty crime and landmines, not danger to tourists in towns. Check your own government's travel advice before you go.
Crime and pickpockets
- Pickpockets work in crowded spots like Baščaršija, on trams and at busy events. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket or a closed bag.
- Car break-ins happen, as in any city. Don't leave bags, laptops or documents visible in a parked car.
- Taxis: use the meter or a taxi app, and agree the price first at the airport.
- Money exchange: use banks or official exchange offices, not people on the street.
Is Sarajevo safe at night?
Yes. The old town and the centre stay lively until late, especially in summer, with families and young people out walking. As in any city, avoid empty side streets and parks late at night, and take a taxi if you're far from your accommodation.
Safety for women, families and Muslim travellers
- Women: solo women travellers generally feel safe in Sarajevo and the main tourist towns. Normal city precautions are enough.
- Families: Bosnia is very family-friendly. Children are welcome almost everywhere, including restaurants in the evening.
- Muslim travellers: Bosnia has a large Muslim population, with mosques, halal food and prayer times part of daily life, especially in Sarajevo. Visitors from the Gulf and Turkey are a familiar and welcome sight.
- Other religions: Sarajevo has mosques, Catholic and Orthodox churches and a synagogue within a few minutes' walk of each other. Respect for different faiths is part of the city's identity.
Landmines: the one real risk
Bosnia still has landmines and unexploded ordnance left from the 1992–1995 war, mostly in remote countryside and on some mountain slopes. Tourist areas, towns, main roads and marked hiking trails are safe.
- Stay on paved roads and marked paths. Don't walk into fields, forests or abandoned buildings away from trails.
- Respect warning signs, usually a red sign with a skull and "Pazi mine".
- Hiking? Go with a local guide on less-known routes.
- Driving: don't pull off onto dirt tracks or verges in remote areas. Our rental cars also aren't allowed on rough gravel roads.
Road safety
Driving in Bosnia is safe if you stay alert. Mountain roads are curvy and some drivers overtake aggressively, so take your time.
- Headlights on at all times, day and night
- The alcohol limit is 0.03%. The safe choice is not to drink at all
- Winter tyres are required from 1 November to 1 April
- Avoid driving remote mountain roads after dark if you don't know them
Read our guide to driving and parking in Sarajevo for the full rules.
Health and tap water
- Tap water in Sarajevo is safe to drink and comes from mountain springs. The city's many public drinking fountains are safe too.
- Pharmacies are easy to find. Some in Sarajevo are open 24 hours.
- Travel insurance with health cover is strongly recommended.
- Air quality: in winter, Sarajevo's valley can have smog on cold, still days. If you have breathing problems, plan more time in the mountains.
Emergency numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 122 |
| Fire | 123 |
| Ambulance | 124 |
| Roadside assistance (BIHAMK) | 1282 |
| AB Rent a Car (24/7, WhatsApp) | +387 62 046 142 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Bosnia safe to visit in 2026?
Yes. Bosnia is safe for tourists. Take normal care against pickpockets in crowded places, and stay on paved roads and marked paths in remote areas because of landmines.
Is Sarajevo safe at night?
Yes, in the centre and the old town, which stay busy until late. Avoid empty side streets late at night, as you would in any city.
Is Bosnia safe for women travelling alone?
Generally yes. Solo women travellers usually feel safe in Sarajevo and the main tourist towns.
Is Bosnia a Muslim country?
About half the population is Muslim, and the rest is mostly Orthodox or Catholic Christian. Bosnia is a secular state with a long tradition of different faiths living side by side.
Can you drink tap water in Sarajevo?
Yes. Sarajevo's tap water comes from mountain springs and is safe to drink.
Are there still landmines in Bosnia?
Yes, in some remote rural and mountain areas. Towns, tourist sites, main roads and marked trails are safe. Stay on paved roads and marked paths.
Planning your trip? Read the complete guide to renting a car in Sarajevo, or see our cars and prices.
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