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

4.5 /5

Based on 30 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.2 /5

Based on 5 experiences from local women

Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently ranked #36 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.5 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Bosnia and Herzegovina?

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: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: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: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

4.6 /5

based on 30 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

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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Summer

New Zealand

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Solo travel

Travelling Bosnia solo was incredible! Before coming I did not know what to expect, so I was happily surprised by the stunning nature, interesting history and friendly locals here. The river Neretva is great to swim in on a hot summers day - stop off in Mostar or Konjic (or both!) to do this. If I could travel here again I would rent a vehicle as I feel like there is so much more to see outside of Mostar and Sarajevo which is where most people go!

Posted: August 1, 2024

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Arwa

United States

Sarajevo, Solo travel

It was amazing in Bosnia 🇧🇦 i fall in love with nature, it was really like meditation for me i enjoy going to the mountains and rivers, people are so friendly, life is simple, i rent a car snd i was driving and exploring the areas , truly i will come back snd i recommended to stay a 3 night in Sarajevo and going to other villages and cities near to Sarajevo

Posted: June 10, 2024

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Bosnia and Herzegovina, Group travel

I was traveling with my family. Bosnia so I did feel safe. The food was wonderful even though I am a vegetarian. The only problem I had was the language barrier. Not many people understood English there. 100% I will be visiting again

Posted: June 8, 2024Experienced: June, 2023

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Bosnia and Herzegovina, Family travel

Bosnia is safe and cheap. It is a great destination that you can visit with your family. I have visited with my parents and they loved the country. Foods are very delicious and cheap compared to other countries

Posted: May 7, 2024

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nisa

Turkey

Mostar, Solo travel

I went to Mostar dailey so I didnt stay at anywhere. I went to Mostar by train from Sarajevo and the travel was outstanding, it was really beautiful. I went to a walking tour, ı thought there was going to be a group but unfortunately it was just the guide (male) and me. His behaviors was disturbing and I didn’t feel safe at all. Because of that I didn’t really enjoy my travel in Mostar but the place itself was not that bad.

Posted: February 19, 2024

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Chen

France

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Solo travel

Bosnia is very safe but my hostel was on a hill and it’s bit of a walk so it was a bit scary but it is safe. A lot of great museums about the war and tragedy happened here, the one by sacred heart cathedral called 1995/07/11? I think is really amazing. Take the cable car to the top! And do a little hike. It’s great meditation. The restaurants are all in the city center. There is one recommended by my hostel called singing nettle which I didn’t have time to visit but the menu looks nice enough

Posted: January 29, 2024

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Bosnia and Herzegovina, Solo travel

I was there in May and I must admit, Mostar and Sarajevo made a huge impression on me. The ruined buildings, of which there are much more in Mostar than in Sarajevo, particularly moved me, as did the Museum of Crimes Against Humanity, which was created by close relatives of war victims and those who survived it. The museum mainly consists of the victims' memories, descriptions, films, memorabilia from these victims, and exhibits such as a chair and tools from a torture house.

Posted: December 24, 2023

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Mostar, Solo travel

I went to Mostar this October. I stayed at the Majdas hostel, which was a 20-minute walk from the old town and I felt completely safe walking around on my own. The food was great, and the people were very hospitable. I recommend a visit to the Genocide Museum if you are interested in history, and a free guided walk organized by Sheva. There you can see beautiful mosques, and also Mostar Bridge, from which some people jump. As for safety, it was fine. I didn't have any problems. I think the only time I felt uncomfortable was when I went to a local cafe/pub outside the old town and got a few looks because I was the only young woman/non-local there.

Posted: December 16, 2023

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Mostar, Solo travel

not a popular tourist destination but I promise that you will fall in love with Mostar after you go. The local people are friendly(Balkan haha), the food was amazing, a little bit pricey but acceptable. One thing I don’t satisfied with is that the mosques charged entrance fee (3-10 euros). Very suitable for solo travellers because the bunk beds are affordable.

Posted: November 12, 2023

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Is Bosnia and Herzegovina safe for women?

Safety index

3.2 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Crime index

1.6 /5

Based on 5 local experiences

Sarajevo

I would say it’s a safe city; the crime rate is low, but there are some exceptions, as there are everywhere. People are nice and polite; I personally haven’t been harassed by anyone in any way. The city is full of migrants, though, and they could be the ones making trouble.

Posted: November 4, 2024

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Tuzla

It's pretty safe. I haven't had any specific bad experiences, but I still take some precautions when returning home late, e.g. I always take a taxi as it's cheap here. You can call 1517 or 1525 - reliable taxi services and be sure to come home safely. During the day, you shouldn't have any problems in the city, as it's a smaller city so there aren't specific bad neighborhoods.

Posted: August 23, 2024

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