Is Bosnia and Herzegovina Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Bosnia and Herzegovina has generally safe neighborhoods, especially in tourist-populated areas. Street crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is relatively low. However, it's recommended that you stay cautious as a solo female traveler. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings at all times, especially at night and in less crowded areas. Use common sense when catching taxis and where possible, book through a reputable company. In terms of cultural respect, it's always best to dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. Lastly, be aware of land mines in rural areas from the recent war.

Safety rating

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How safe is Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally a safe destination for solo female travelers. However, you should exercise caution especially when walking alone at night. While major cities like Sarajevo are relatively safe, it's always best to avoid dimly lit and deserted areas. Most locals are incredibly helpful and hospitable, but as with any place, it's important to stay vigilant and follow your instincts.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally quite reliable and widespread, covering almost all parts of the country. Buses and trams are the most common modes of transport and are often preferred by locals and tourists alike. While pickpocketing in crowded places can happen, it's not a common occurrence. Late-night transport options may be limited in smaller towns. As with any form of public transport, being aware of your surroundings and keeping an eye on your belongings is recommended.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Bosnia and Herzegovina generally maintains a respectful culture towards women. Although street harassment occasionally happens, it is not a prevalent issue. As a traveler, you may experience occasional stares, especially in the more conservative and rural areas. However, overall, this country is considered safe for solo female travelers. Just make sure to exercise usual caution and discretion.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Bosnia and Herzegovina is generally a safe country for travelers, including solo female travelers. Though petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation, these incidents are relatively uncommon. However, travelers should always take precautions in maintaining their personal safety and safeguarding their belongings.

Is Bosnia and Herzegovina worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 40 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.3/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Group travel

I recently went on a trip to Bosnia and it was such a great experience! The views were amazing, especially along the coast. In terms of prices, some things were pretty affordable, but in touristy areas it could get a bit expensive. The food was delicious – I tried fresh seafood, local pastries, and some really good pizza too. Overall, it was totally worth it!

Posted: April 11, 2025Experienced: March, 2024
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Banja Luka, Group travel

It's so safe, The food is first class even at the local shops, You can do anything you want in the city, Some hill areas were restricted when I gone hicking, so I probably don't know much about that,

Posted: April 11, 2025
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Ava

Ava

Moldova

Mostar, Solo travel

Jumped off the historic bridge with thousands of people watching after 8 practice jumps. Bathing suit up my butt, drowned rat hair, didn't buy a drink for the rest of the day. Great town, great people!

Posted: February 11, 2025
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Sarajevo, Family travel

I felt safe in Sarajevo but I don’t know if that’s because i was with my family or not but I think it’s a calm city. I didn’t feel particularly alarmed. Just be aware of your surroundings but I wouldn’t say that it’s dangerous to solo travel here.

Posted: January 31, 2025
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Çiçek

Çiçek

Turkey

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Group travel

The Bosnian cuisine is delicious but I think it depends on person’s taste .Ice cream,meatballs should be tried . I feel safe but there are some popular destinations and you can get scammed and robbed.

Posted: January 23, 2025
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Sarajevo, Family travel

Food was good, people were nice. TIP If u want to buy something in a local street store better ask someone local if he / she can buy it for you. Because when they hear turist price is double😆 .......

Posted: January 9, 2025Experienced: July, 2024
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Simona

Simona

Montenegro

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Solo travel

The trip to Visoko was my first solo trip 😊. I felt very safe and the locals were very willing to help with everything. The pyramids and parks are really something special and I would like to come again

Posted: January 4, 2025Experienced: April, 2024
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Michele

Michele

Germany

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Solo travel

People are super friendly as vegan or veggy almost impossible to eat out :D people smoke cigarettes everywhere also inside which I don't mind. Lots of nice hiking and citys like Sarajevo, mostar and small cute downs!! Many stray dogs

Posted: December 31, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
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Irene

Irene

Greece

Trebinje, Group travel

I felt really safe The people are not that welcoming, but you can find a few that are more than happy to help you Really cheap country There is a lake if you want to go for a swim You can still, however, see what is left from the war

Posted: December 30, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
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JEI

JEI

South Korea

Mostar, Solo travel

It was nice city to travel. In the Mostar, there are old town. There are crowded but nice. If you walk around before the 10am, it will be better experience. Also, you can visit other touristic attraction near the Mostar. There are a one day bus tour. Or you can get there by hitchhike. Hitchhiking in Mostar is safe and easy.

Posted: August 20, 2024
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Is Bosnia and Herzegovina safe for women?

Safety index

3.8 /5

Based on 12 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 12 local experiences

Banja Luka

I haven't been around much. But as far as I know, it's safe and secure for a night walk, travelling alone, and most of the people are kind and understanding. It's all good and fun and I'm curious to meet new people.

Posted: April 10, 2025
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Marija

Marija

City of Čapljina

Čapljina is a small town where everyone knows everyone. It’s really safe, people walk around at night without worry, and there’s not much crime. It’s the kind of place where you’ll often see kids playing outside or people just enjoying coffee in town. Nothing much ever happens here – in a good way.

Posted: April 6, 2025
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Meet locals in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Manju

Manju

About Me

Heyy, This is Manju. Been doing nothing much lately, but interested in outing n stuffs. Travelling to somewhere interesting in Banja Luka is on my next check list. So feel free to chat or meet n we have some fun, what do you say? Interested in meeting like minded n open hearted ppl. Ready for a coffee n chat?

Speaking

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Esma

Esma

About Me

Hi ✨ I am Esma, currently living and working in Sarajevo (BiH). Traveling and discovering new places, meeting new people, and tasting food are some of my greatest joys, especially when it comes to desserts 🍨🍫🍬. Exploring different cultures and trying new activities keeps my life exciting, and I love sharing these experiences with others, as I like to hear and read about other people's travel experiences.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Rea

Rea

Banja Luka

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hi!, My name is Rea and I'm interested in art, books, backpacking, cycling, dancing, fashion, food & cuisine, health, hiking, languages, live music, nature, nightlife, photography, rafting, running, science, shopping, sightseeing, swimming, solo travel, writing, sunbathing, events & social, education, culture, cinema, camping, caving, business and architecture

Speaking

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Tajda

Tajda

Banja Luka

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I am Tajda, I translate literature, write short stories, and teach German. I would like to meet travellers in my town or other places

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Upcoming visitors to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ayşegül

Ayşegül

About Me

I am 30 and I live in Antalya. If we have a good energy, we can be a friend.

Speaking

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Bethcsanders

Bethcsanders

About Me

I’m a full time working mom who’s married. Passionate about social justice. Loves nature and friends.

Speaking

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Safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina