Europe

There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. 

 

On 9 October 2008, an explosive device went off in the FIS Shopping centre in the central Bosnian town of Vitez. One person was killed and three people sustained injuries.

 

For more general information see terrorism abroad.

The level of crime is low, and crime against foreigners is particularly low. You should be aware of pickpockets in the tourist and pedestrian areas of Sarajevo and other ctiies, and on public transport. There have been a number of thefts from 'locked" compartments on trains. You should ensure that the compartment door is properly locked and that all valuables are placed out of sight or well away from the door. You should also be aware that excessive displays of wealth, including large quantities of cash or jewellery and luxury vehicles can make you a target for opportunist thieves. You should remain vigilant and ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure.

All incidents of crime should be reported to the local police station and a report obtained. The loss or theft of a passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the British Embassy in Sarajevo. The Embassy can assist you in obtaining a replacement passport (see General section).

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

In recent years there have been a number of small demonstrations across Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in Sarajevo and Banja Luka. Some have been targeted at Western interests. You should remain vigilant and avoid large crowds or public demonstrations.

Local travel

There continues to be a widespread danger of landmines and other unexploded ordnance from the 1992-95 war. Highly populated areas and major routes are now clear of mines and are safe to visit. But although the tarmaced roads themselves may be clear on major routes, there are many landmines close to the edge of roads. You should therefore be careful not to stray from roads and paved areas without an experienced guide. Unless you have an experienced guide, you should also avoid the open countryside and especially avoid destroyed or abandoned buildings and abandoned villages. Abandoned buildings, even in the towns or cities may be booby trapped with mines. For further information, check the Mine Action Centre.

English is not widely spoken but getting around is not difficult. Local rail, bus and tram services are generally reliable if sometimes slow. Taxis in Sarajevo and the major towns are well-regulated, metered and generally safe to use. It is however, still advisable to look for taxi stands to ensure that you are using an official taxi driver. Taxi drivers from the Republika Srpska might be unwilling to drive to a destination in the Federation, and vice versa.

Road travel

You must have a valid international driving licence or a UK photocard driving licence with your image and signature to drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you are driving to, or through, Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the 9.5 km road section at Neum on the Dalmatian Coastal Highway, you should ensure that your Green Card includes cover for Bosnia and Herzegovina. If this is not the case, temporary third-party insurance can be purchased at the main border posts, or in Split and other large Croatian cities. Insurance cannot be obtained at the Neum border. You should also ensure that you have all original registration and ownership papers relating to your vehicle with you as border guards, customs or the insurance company may want to see them.

Traffic laws and regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina are similar to those of other western European countries. Details are available on AA and RAC websites. Drivers should familiarize themselves with these before commencing their journey. Apart from the outskirts of Sarajevo there are no dual carriageways in the country. You should exercise caution when travelling outside the main towns and cities, especially in winter when road conditions can deteriorate rapidly.

From 15th November to 15th of April the following year you are legally required to use winter equipment on your vehicle. This means:

• all tyres on a vehicle should have MS, M+S or M&S mark on a side of a tyre as well as stylised symbol of a snowflake; the thread of tyre should be at least 4 mm deep
• summer tyres with minimum 4 mm deep thread, but the set of chains for a driving wheels should be carried in a vehicle and used in winter conditions (snow and/or ice).
  
  

You should exercise extreme caution when driving at night as many roads are badly lit or have no lighting at all. Long-distance travel at night should therefore be avoided. You should take care when overtaking and when approaching traffic lights as local drivers have a habit of breaking suddenly when traffic lights change to amber. If you are involved in an accident you should remain at the scene of the accident until the police arrive. The police may breathalyse those involved. Traffic police have the power to impose on the spot fines for any traffic offence.

You should keep to surfaced roads and not stray off-road without an experienced local guide as there continues to be a widespread danger of landmines and other unexploded ordnance.

For more general informationi see driving abroad.

Air travel

Sarajevo (Butmir) International airport is particularly prone to fog during the winter months – October until March and particularly during December and January.  If travelling into or out of Sarajevo during the winter, ensure that you have sufficient finances if you are forced to extend your stay, as most airlines will no longer take responsibility for accommodation due to delays caused by adverse weather.