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

Based on 4 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on research and crime data

Safety overview

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.

Tap water:Safe

In general, tap water in Bosnia and Herzegovina is considered safe to drink. The purity of water may, however, vary in different regions. Some areas, especially rural ones, could have less reliable water supplies. Hence, using a water purification tablet or drinking bottled water can be an alternative solution when you are unsure.

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Travel experiences

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 4 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

4.4/5

Solo travel experience

I was in Sarajevo and Mostar in August and felt very safe. Super interesting places, with fascinating history and culture, and friendly people.

Posted: October 21, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I visited solo for about three days. It's safe, but quite melancholic. In Sarajevo, you can still see traces of the civil war. It's definitely worth visiting the Srebrenica Museum unless you have a weak stomach, then I wouldn't recommend it. The south has a beautiful Mediterranean atmosphere. It's cheap and has a great ambiance. A bit like in Georgia.

Posted: October 3, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

One of my favorite countries. It's so cheap, the scenery is amazing, the people are lovely and the food is so good. I only went to Mostar and Sarajevo but wish I could have done more places. Mostar was beautiful, and the train journey between Mostar and Sarajevo is a must.

Posted: June 12, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went to Sarajevo as I was in the Balcans because of a Tango festival and I immediately fall in love with Sarajevo, it is such a blend of Europe and Asia, like a small Istanbul. Definitely as solo female it is advised to follow the adequate rules of not walking around late in the night, but during the day it is completely fine to explore the city.

Posted: May 27, 2023
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Meet locals in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Milica

Milica

Speaking

About Me

Hi!, My name is Milica and I'm interested in animals, books, camping, education, food & cuisine, languages, nature, nightlife, rafting, boozing, health, hiking, science, shopping and solo travel

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇾 Cyprus, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden

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Aldijana

Aldijana

Speaking

About Me

Hi! My name is Aldijana. Im an 18 year old girl from Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina and I just finished high school.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria

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Enisa

Enisa

Speaking

About Me

Hey, My name is Enisa and I'm interested in business, cinema, digital nomad, food & cuisine, nature, photography, solo travel, sunbathing, sightseeing and technology

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇲🇰 North Macedonia, 🇷🇸 Serbia

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Stay with locals in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ajla

Ajla

Speaking

You can stay for:

4 days

About me

Hi!, I'm Ajla and I'm interested in culture, dancing, fashion, health, languages, live music, nature, solo travel, swimming, writing, art and business

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇱 Albania, 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇹🇳 Tunisia

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Rea

Rea

Speaking

You can stay 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

Countries I’ve Visited

🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy

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Sladjana

Sladjana

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

About me

Charismatic, sociable, I like to meet new people

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇸🇿 Swaziland, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇦🇹 Austria

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Upcoming visitors to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sevgi

Sevgi

About Me

Hello 🙆‍♀️

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Elaine

Elaine

Speaking

About Me

Hello everyone! 🙋🏽‍♀️ Looking to make new friends abroad and hopefully find a great host for few days while traveling in your country! ✈️ Planning my next travel to Europe and I'm accepting any recommendations about where I should visit as also some food tips!🏙🍕😁 Hope here about you all soon!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇺🇸 United States

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Local discussions

TravelDoes anyone know of an inexpensive shuttle service from Sarajevo to Mostar?

Hello! I am going back to Mostar in three weeks, but I am landing in Banja Luka. Does anyone know of an inexpensive shuttle service from Sarajevo to Mostar?

Posted: August 4, 2023
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TravelWhat advice can you give me for my trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina?

I'm coming to Bosnia and Herzegovina soon. I'm open to advice🤗 (camping, history, social night etc.)

Posted: July 30, 2023
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Safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina