Bosnia and Herzegovina · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Mostar scores 73/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Mostar is generally safe for visitors, but exercise a high degree of caution due to petty crime and occasional scams. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Bosnia and Herzegovina · Assessed 29 July 2026
73
/ 100
Safer than ~77% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“Travel disruption at the Gradiška border crossing A new border crossing at Gradiška has been temporarily opened as an emergency measure, following a bridge collapse. Delays are expected.”
Updated 2026-06-29T13:24:11Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Bosnia and Herzegovina: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-06-23T12:46:27.8167767-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowViolent robbery against visitors is rare; most incidents involve isolated pickpocketing rather than armed mugging
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing occurs mainly in the Old Town bazaar, Stari Most crowds, and bus stations during summer peaks
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Recent traveler reports describe Mostar as welcoming and safe, with visitors feeling comfortable walking in the Old Town during daylight, though some note occasional petty theft in crowded spots.
Yes — Mostar is generally safe for visitors, but exercise a high degree of caution due to petty crime and occasional scams.
Mostar’s composite safety index of 70 reflects a low overall risk for tourists, with rare violent crime and strong health safety, yet governance scores reveal institutional weaknesses that translate into occasional scams and infrastructure challenges.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
Mostar is a visually stunning city that draws many visitors each year, and the underlying safety data confirms it is generally safe for travelers. The composite index of 70 and the low homicide rate (1.2 per 100k) indicate violent crime against tourists is rare. However, the “Exercise a high degree of caution” advisory from Canada and the UK’s note about border‑crossing delays signal that visitors should stay alert to petty crime and occasional scams.
Recent dossier items show a moderate pickpocketing risk concentrated in the Old Town bazaar, around Stari Most, and at the main bus station, especially during the July‑August tourist peak. Travel Safe‑Abroad’s June 2026 report documented a noticeable increase in taxi overcharging and restaurant bills that are two to three times higher than local rates near the bridge. Another emerging concern is the femicide protest reported in November 2025, which reflects underlying social tensions but does not target tourists directly. Additionally, a Bosnian truckers’ protest in October 2025 caused road gridlock that could affect arrivals and local transport.
Practical tips: Keep wallets and phones in front pockets or zip‑pered bags, use only licensed taxis after confirming fares, and avoid unmarked rural areas where landmines from the 1990s conflict may remain. Stick to well‑lit, busy streets after dark, and stay informed about any protests or road closures via local news. By following these precautions, you can enjoy Mostar’s historic sites, vibrant markets, and warm hospitality with confidence.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 5 Mostar districts for visitors: 2 safer, 2 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Mostar safety map.
Lukavicaavoidoutskirts with abandoned war‑damaged structures and limited lighting; avoid after dark
Stari Gradcautiontourist hub with pickpocketing risk, especially around Stari Most and bazaar after dark
Kujundžilukcautionbusy market area prone to petty theft; stay alert and keep belongings secure
Gornji Gradsaferresidential and quieter district with low foot traffic at night, generally safe for visitors
Donji Gradsafercentral area with good lighting and police presence; safe for evening walks
07 · After Dark
Violent robbery against visitors is rare; most incidents involve isolated pickpocketing rather than armed mugging
After dark, be most careful around Lukavica, Stari Grad, Kujundžiluk. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Mostar's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Mostar is generally safe for visitors, but exercise a high degree of caution due to petty crime and occasional scams. Mostar’s composite safety index of 70 reflects a low overall risk for tourists, with rare violent crime and strong health safety, yet governance scores reveal institutional weaknesses that translate into occasional scams and infrastructure challenges. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags Lukavica as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Mostar ranks #1 of 3 Bosnia and Herzegovina destinations we've assessed, scoring 73/100. See the Bosnia and Herzegovina safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Bosnia and Herzegovina safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: mostar.json (CC BY 4.0).
