Bosnia & Herzegovina
About Bosnia & Herzegovina
| Currency | Convertible mark (BAM) |
| Language | Bosnian and Croatian. Serbian is also spoken. |
| Capital | Sarajevo |
Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordering countries include Serbia and Montenegro on the east and Croatia and the Adriatic Sea on the north, west, and southwest. The population is about 4,500,000 people.
The government is a parliamentary democracy that is transforming its economy into a market-oriented system. The executive branch of the government is a rotating presidency among representatives of the three major groups: Bosniak, Croat, and Serb. Each of the three representatives is elected by the people to a four-year term. The Office of the High Representative was established by the Dayton Accords of 1995, and this office is the state’s ultimate authority.
Bosnia and Herzegovina became an independent state after the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s. The economy has suffered in the face of rebuilding after the war.
The country is increasingly becoming a tourist destination. The influence of the Turks and the Austro-Hungarian Empire has contributed to a rich history and culture.
Recommended Vaccinations For Bosnia & Herzegovina
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
**There is a risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in all areas of this country. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn. Vaccination against Tick-Borne Encephalitis is recommended if travelling in areas where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities).**
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Recommended Medications For Bosnia & Herzegovina
There are no recommendations for Bosnia & Herzegovina at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Bosnia & Herzegovina
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Hepatitis B
There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
For Some Travellers
Measles
There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever
There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
There is a risk of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis occurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Personal Safety
Crime levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina sit at moderate levels. Petty crime targets tourists regularly, with pickpocketing and bag-snatching common on public transport and in pedestrian areas of Sarajevo and other cities. Theft from vehicles has increased in popular tourist areas around Sarajevo, particularly Mount Trebevic. Violent crimes such as robbery and murder occur due to widespread firearm availability remaining from the war. Many locals possess firearms, creating risks of being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Highway robberies happen, especially at petrol stations and highway parking areas. Organized crime incidents occasionally involve violence but rarely affect tourists directly.
Extreme Violence
There were no reported terrorist incidents in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2023, though one person was arrested in August for allegedly planning an attack on a mosque. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks and may strike with little warning. Targets could include tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, sporting events, educational institutions, and airports. The country focuses on countering violent extremism including radical Islam, extreme ethnonationalism, and foreign influence. International terror groups and violent extremist ideologies remain concerns. Public areas attracting large crowds present higher risks.
Political Unrest
Bosnia and Herzegovina faces a deepening political crisis centered on Republika Srpska’s secessionist moves. In 2025, arrest warrants were issued for Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik for violating the state constitution. The Republika Srpska entity has passed laws prohibiting state-level judicial and law enforcement institutions from operating on its territory. This represents a serious threat to the country’s sovereignty and constitutional order. Ethnic and religious tensions regularly result in demonstrations and traffic disruptions. Protests can turn violent and may target foreigners. Political protests occur in response to economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Anti-UK rhetoric from some politicians in Republika Srpska could translate into wider anti-UK sentiment. The country marked 30 years since the Dayton Agreement amid concerns about state stability.
Areas To Avoid
Unexploded landmines and ordnance from the 1992-1995 war remain the most serious hazard to avoid. As of 2024, approximately 838 square kilometers of contaminated land remained, with around 180,000 mines still in the ground. Over 500,000 citizens live under the threat of mine contamination. Since 1995, 1,781 people have been injured and 624 killed in mine accidents. The problem affects 129 of 143 municipalities. Most dangerous areas for landmines include Doboj, Teslic, Maglaj, Usora, Zavidovici, Gornji Vakuf, Sanski Most, Velika Kladusa, Travnik, and Ilijas. Mines are scattered in rural areas, forests, hillsides, near old frontlines, and around abandoned structures. Tourist areas in cities like Sarajevo and Mostar are cleared, but going off-trail or exploring abandoned structures in the countryside creates serious danger. Minefields are normally marked but several people are killed or injured each year. Stay on hard-surfaced roads and marked paths. Avoid isolated mountain areas. Travel only during daylight in rural regions.
