Bosnia And Herzegovina🇧🇦
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a Southeastern European country located on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west, and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, the country has a rich history influenced by several cultures. Known for its diverse traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and historical sites, Bosnia and Herzegovina's beauty lies in its remarkable cities such as Sarajevo, Mostar, and Banja Luka, and natural wonders like Una National Park, Sutjeska National park and the picturesque Vrelo Bosne. The country is famous for the historic Ottoman Bridge Stari Most, the symbol of Mostar, which was rebuilt after the war. Bosnia and Herzegovina is special for its mixture of cultures and religions that coexist harmoniously.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid showing dissatisfaction or disagreement over religious or political topics. Bosnian society is diverse, and sensitivity towards different perspectives is required.
- Don't leave personal items unattended in public places. Petty thefts like pickpocketing or bag snatching occur occasionally.
- Avoid discussing the Bosnian War. Many people were deeply affected and the topic can evoke unpleasant memories.
- Avoid taking photos of government buildings, military facilities, and airports. It is prohibited, and you could be fined or detained.
- Avoid walking in unfamiliar areas without a map or GPS device. Many streets are unnamed and can be confusing.
- Avoid isolated areas at night, especially in cities. Despite a generally low crime rate, it's always better to take precaution.
- Avoid drinking tap water in remote areas without boiling it. While tap water is mostly safe in cities, in rural areas drink bottled water.
- Don't swim in rivers without checking with locals first. Some rivers have strong currents and are not suitable for swimming.
- Don't take tavern and bar recommendations from people you have just met. Incidents have been reported of newly made 'friends' leading foreigners to taverns/bars where there are often high drink prices, and confrontations can occur when the bill is delivered.
- Don't ignore weather warnings. Bosnia is prone to heavy rains and flooding which can cause landslides.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Criminal activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina is moderate with localized areas of high activity, most notably in major cities like Sarajevo, Mostar, and Tuzla. Crime categories range from petty theft to organized criminal activity. Pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins are the most common types of crime facing tourists in Bosnia.
Terrorism 💣
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Bosnia and Herzegovina have a low risk of terrorism, with no major incidents reported in recent years. However, in the past, a shooting occurred in 2015 when a lone gunman attacked the police station in Zvornik, a town in eastern Bosnia. Authorities are vigilant and have taken steps to deter terrorist activities.
War ⚔️
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The last major war in Bosnia and Herzegovina was the Bosnian War from 1992-1995. Since then the country has been peaceful, and no major military conflicts or war incidents have been reported. However, signs of the war are still visible in some places in the forms of ruined buildings and monuments.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Bosnia and Herzegovina is prone to seasonal flooding and wildfires, especially in summers, with more severe events occasionally occurring. In 2014, Bosnia suffered from the worst floods in over a century, which resulted in loss of lives and enormous property destruction.
Medical Care 🏥
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Healthcare in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally of a good standard in major cities, but specialist treatment might require travel to neighboring countries. Hospitals in rural areas might lack some basic facilities and medical supplies.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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In major cities and towns, tap water is generally safe to drink. However, in rural areas, it is recommended to drink bottled water or boil tap water before consumption.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Disease prevalence in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally low. Infectious diseases are controlled effectively, and there are no recent outbreaks. Standard precautions are adequate for most travelers.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is a critical problem in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Several incidents of bribery, misuse of official positions, and financial fraud have been reported in the past years. These acts have a profound impact on the country's socio-economic development.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Bosnia and Herzegovina is relatively safe for women. However, as in any country, females should be cautious, especially when traveling alone or at night. Instances of harassment are isolated rather than widespread.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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While homosexuality is legal in Bosnia and Herzegovina, its acceptance within society varies. Pride parades have taken place without significant incidents, but discretion is advised outside the major cities and events.
Censorship 📺
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Bosnia and Herzegovina generally observe freedom of speech and press, but journalists may face threats and intimidation, primarily when covering sensitive topics such as war crimes and corruption.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is reliable but not very punctual. Buses are the primary mode of inner-city transport, while trains connect the major cities. There are occasional reports of petty crime on public transit.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally a safe country for residents and tourists. However, you should always be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur, especially in large cities such as Sarajevo where tourist traffic is high. Always secure your valuables and beware of your surroundings.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Many countries have embassies in Sarajevo, including the USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and others. Please contact your own government to find the closest embassy.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all travelers be up to date on their routine immunizations. Depending on your travel activity, vaccines for Hepatitis A and B, and Rabies might be recommended.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Bosnia and Herzegovina have a diverse wildlife. It's recommended to take precautions in rural and forested areas where you may encounter animals such as wolves, bears, and vipers. Always keep a safe distance from wild animals.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Visa requirements can vary based on the traveler's nationality. Many countries, including the EU nations, USA, Australia, and Canada, are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days. Always check with the nearest Bosnian embassy or consulate before travel.
💲 Currency
The currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnian Convertible Marka (BAM). Money can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, and larger hotels.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Major credit cards are widely accepted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in larger cities, hotels, and restaurants. However, in rural areas and small towns, cash remains the preferred method of payment.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Depending on your nationality, it can be possible to work in Bosnia and Herzegovina while traveling. However, a working visa typically requires a valid job offer, and work options for tourists may be limited.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina is growing but still less mainstream compared to some neighboring countries, making it a relatively affordable destination. Food, accommodations, and transportation are more inexpensive compared to Western Europe.