Health & Safety Info
Driving – Many roads are poorly maintained and are sometimes blocked because of debris and traffic accidents. Two-lane roads between major cities are typically narrow, lack guardrails, and curvy. Driving in winter is hazardous because of fog, snow, and ice. Be alert for drunk drivers, drivers traveling at excessive speeds, heavy vehicles, and agricultural equipment. Street lights are uncommon outside of major cities. The main problem for foreigners can be aggressive drivers who do not show any respect for speed limits and other rules. Drive carefully and you will not face any problems.
Do not try to cross the street on the crosswalk and expect people to stop. Bosnians have very poor traffic culture and you might get hurt.
If driving on rural and empty roads, especially at night, and you come across a person asking for help, never go outside your car. There have been cases of people being robbed, carjacked and/or beaten. Larger group will usually hide in the woods next to the road, waiting for their victim, and you can easily be overpowered. If you suspect you could be getting into a trap, ignore the person and try to drive past them, or turn around, and try to find a different road. If you believe the person in question genuinely needs help, stay in your car and call emergency services. Allowing the person inside your car is wise only if they are obviously hurt. Otherwise, play it safe.
Health – You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. If you require medical assistance during your visit, contact the local health center. Hospital emergency services should be used only in serious situations (serious injury, poisoning, burns, infarction, thromboses, breathing difficulties, etc.). Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Your insurance should also include cover for evacuation by air ambulance.
Tick- borne encephalitis is present in rural sections of the country and all visitors to these regions are urged to wear plenty of protective clothing and insect repellent for defense. Hepatitis B is present throughout the region and all visitors are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when dealing with bloody or infected needles or when engaging in sexual activity during the course of their visit. Travelers suffering from Asthma and other respiratory diseases should exercise considerable caution if choosing to visit Sarajevo or other cities throughout the country and should bring a sufficient amount of medicine suitable for their personal needs with them into the country. More info can be found here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/bosnia-and-herzegovina.
Water – Tap water is safe for drinking around the country. If you’re unsure, buy bottled water, which is cheap to buy.
Air – Air pollution is a big problem during winter. Be aware of the harmful thick smog that blankets cities such as Sarajevo, Zenica, Tuzla, Brčko and Visoko. If you are an asthmatic or sensitive on the lungs, be sure to wear a medical mask as to avoid illness and wrecking your trip. Air pollution is caused by emissions from industry, motor vehicles and burning of rubbish, which is very common around the country. It is worst during the winter time in Sarajevo when soot covers the basin. It is recommended to escape to the mountains on bad days, and to breathe clean air found above the “smogbank”.
Land Mines – Landmines and other unexplored ordnance remain from the 1992-95 war. Highly populated areas and major routes are clear of mines and are safe to visit, but you should take special care near to the former lines of conflict. Although roads themselves may be clear on major routes, there are many landmines close to the edge of roads. Unless you have an experienced guide, you should avoid the open countryside and especially destroyed or abandoned buildings, neglected land, unpaved roads, woods and orchards, private property and abandoned villages.
Natural Disasters – Earthquakes and small tremors are recorded throughout the year, usually without consequences. Forest fires are common in Herzegovina (the southern part of the country) during summer heat waves, mostly occurring in inaccessible areas. Fires are normally kept under control, but if they get close to populated areas, road closures are possible. Flash floods and landslides remain a risk in all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina after heavy rain. In such cases, follow the instructions and guidance provided by local officials and traffic police.
Crime – The level of crime is generally low, and crime against foreigners is particularly low, but you should beware of pickpockets on public transport, and in the tourist and pedestrian areas of Sarajevo and other cities. Petty crimes have been on the rise in recent years but not to a worrisome degree. Be vigilant and make sure personal belongings including your passports are secure. Excessive displays of wealth, including large quantities of cash or jewellery and luxury vehicles can make you a target for opportunist thieves. Make sure your vehicle is locked and your belongings are out of sight. Take particular care in areas popular with foreign tourists. Report all incidents of crime to the local police station and get a written report. Local police don’t always have English language skills and you may need the services of a translator.
Although the war ended over fifteen years ago, the country remains politically unstable and acts of inter ethnic violence occasionally occur throughout the region. All potential travelers to the country are strongly advised to stay informed regarding the current political situation prior to beginning their journey and should avoid any possible demonstrations or scenes of violence.
Smoking – Smoking is rife in Bosnia & Herzegovina, where the price of a pack of cigarettes is one of the lowest in Europe. The country ranks number 8 in the world in terms of smokers per capita. Smoking is permitted in restaurants, bars and most public places and institutions. Areas dedicated to non-smokers are few. In better hotels (4-5 stars), smoking is not permitted in the rooms. However, smoking in the rooms is common in smaller hotels (3 stars and below). The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina within the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has banned smoking in public buildings since 1 September 2007. This ban however, has had little or no effect.
LGBT Activities – Even though homosexuality is fully legal in the country and even protected by the constitution, you will find that it’s overwhelmingly negatively looked at. Try to restrict these activities to private areas, as showing affection in public may even earn you negative comments from others, and weird looks are unavoidable. It’s not inherently dangerous, and it’s likely you won’t get into serious trouble (at least in major cities), but do stay cautious.
Respect – You will find the people in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be very hospitable and helpful. Due to hardships they have endured throughout history, they have learned to help each other out in any way possible. Still, there are ways to metaphorically step on someone’s toe, unknowingly.
Avoid speaking about the war. There are still ethnic tensions going on inside the country. If you find yourself in the middle of such a conversation, avoid taking sides. It’s okay to ask questions if you are genuinely interested, but avoid saying anything that might be misinterpreted.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally, a very religious country, being divided into Islam, Orthodox Christianity and Roman Catholicism. Avoid speaking badly about religion and don’t disrespect it in any way, as most people won’t take it kindly. This especially holds true in rural areas (which tend to be more religious), where you can get yourself into trouble.
Even though the younger people in cities are western-oriented and cosmopolitan, Bosnia and Herzegovina is still very much a conservative country. Even in cities, wearing flashy or revealing clothing, for instance, will get you a lot of stares. Drinking alcohol is also frowned upon in certain areas. In short, keep a low profile and don’t put yourself in the spotlight.
If you get into a conversation regarding the language, most people will adamantly claim that Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian are three distinct languages (even though most international linguists disagree on this). Do not refer to the language as Serbo-Croatian. There are some regional dialectal differences, but generally speaking, the three official languages are very close and 100% mutually intelligible between educated speakers. Make sure to ask the person you talk to what language they speak, and proceed accordingly.
Useful Phone Numbers
- 112 – General emergency
- 122 – Police
- 123 – Fire department
- 124 – Ambulance
- 1261 – SOS hotline for prevention of human trafficking
- 1262 – Search and rescue services
- 1282 – Road assistance in Federation of Bosnia & Herzegovina
- 1285 – Road assistance in the Republic of Srpska
More info can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_numbers_in_Bosnia_and_Herzegovina.