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 34 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.4 /5

Based on 6 experiences from local women

Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently ranked #46 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 34 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

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

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

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

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

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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Is Bosnia and Herzegovina safe for women?

Safety index

3.4 /5

Based on 6 local experiences

Crime index

1.6 /5

Based on 6 local experiences

Elenyy

Mostar

Mostar is really safe city. But as a woman I am always worried a little bit. I never had any problem with anything in my city. Sometimes when there are local football matches, it can be little bit ‘dangerous’ but it’s all okay most of the time cuz there is police everywhere ✨

Posted: December 26, 2024

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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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Meet locals in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Alma

About Me

An extroverted bookworm who's keen on traveling, drinking coffee, petting all the cats in the world, hiking, and learning languages.

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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.

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Stay with locals in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Eva

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hello, I'm Eva, I live in a village 13 kilometers from Mostar and 16 kilometers from Međugorje..I like meeting new people and I speak English very well.

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Upcoming visitors to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bailey

About Me

Canadian currently living in London. Prior to the UK I spent a year in Shanghai and 6 in Hong Kong. Fan of street eats, book shops, and dive bars.

Speaking

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Aysah

About Me

Hi I'm Aysah (or Ace for short). I'm Australian with mixed heritage (🇧🇦🇻🇳). I'm fortunate to be a remote worker and I have started taking my work overseas. I'm learning Bosnian/Serbo-Croatian and I'll be solo travelling around the region in 2025.

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Safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo

Mostar

Trebinje

Banja Luka

Zenica

Konjic

Medjugorje

Visoko

Check the safest places in Bosnia and Herzegovina