Bosnia and Herzegovina · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Sarajevo scores 73/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Sarajevo is generally safe for visitors, but exercise increased caution due to petty crime and land‑mine awareness in surrounding areas. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Bosnia and Herzegovina · Assessed 28 July 2026
73
/ 100
Safer than ~77% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased caution in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to terrorism, crime, and land mines. Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Updated Thu, 12 Dec 2024
Full advisory →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
LowMugging and armed robbery against visitors are rare; incidents are mostly reported in isolated peripheral neighborhoods after dark
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing is common on trams, buses and in Baščaršija market; keep belongings secure and avoid back pockets
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Recent traveler reports describe feeling safe while walking downtown during daylight, though some note occasional discomfort after dark in less‑touristy districts.
Yes — Sarajevo is generally safe for visitors, but exercise increased caution due to petty crime and land‑mine awareness in surrounding areas.
Sarajevo’s composite safety index is 70/100 (SAFE) and the city scores 62/100 on the Numbeo crime index, indicating moderate overall risk. Homicide rates are low (1.2 per 100k), terrorism is not a current threat, and violent crime against tourists is rare. The primary safety concerns are pickpocketing on public transport and occasional scams targeting tourists, while land‑mine hazards exist only in rural outskirts, not in the urban core.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Sarajevo is safe for visitors who stay alert and follow basic precautions. The city’s homicide rate of 1.2 per 100 000 is far below the global average, and there have been no recorded terrorist attacks targeting tourists in recent years. Violent crime against travelers is rare; the main safety concerns are petty theft and occasional scams, especially on crowded trams, buses and in the historic Baščaršija market. Pickpocketing is classified as moderate risk, so keep wallets in front pockets, use zip‑up bags and stay vigilant during peak tourist hours.
Recent incidents from the live dossier show a protest in June 2026 that temporarily halted tram service after a fatal crash earlier in the year, and a bridge collapse at the Gradiška border crossing that caused delays for north‑bound travelers. A minor rockslide on a via ferrata route near Sarajevo was also reported in June 2026, but these events do not affect the city centre’s safety. Land‑mine hazards remain limited to rural and mountainous areas outside the urban core; paved streets and tourist sites are confirmed safe.
Scams that commonly target visitors include unofficial taxis that overcharge, street vendors inflating souvenir prices and occasional fake charity collections near historic landmarks. To stay safe, use licensed taxis or reputable ride‑share apps, confirm fares beforehand, and keep valuables secure on public transport. Avoid unmarked rural trails and any areas cordoned off with yellow tape or warning signs, as these may indicate unexploded ordnance. By following these practical steps, travelers can enjoy Sarajevo’s rich culture, historic sites and welcoming atmosphere with confidence.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Sarajevo districts for visitors: 5 safer, 2 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Sarajevo safety map.
Alipašino PoljeavoidKnown high‑crime zone, frequent shootings and violence, stay clear
Novi GradcautionResidential area with higher pickpocket reports, avoid after dark
GrbavicacautionMixed safety record, occasional petty theft, stay alert at night
CentarsaferHeart of the city, well‑patrolled, low petty crime, main sights and tram lines
Stari GradsaferHistoric core, tourist‑heavy but generally safe, keep belongings secure
TrnovosaferQuiet residential district, minimal incidents, safe for evening walks
Novo SarajevosaferModern suburb, well‑lit, low crime, safe for tourists
ButmirsaferUpscale area, low crime, popular with visitors, safe throughout
07 · After Dark
Mugging and armed robbery against visitors are rare; incidents are mostly reported in isolated peripheral neighborhoods after dark
After dark, be most careful around Alipašino Polje, Novi Grad, Grbavica. 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 Sarajevo's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Sarajevo is generally safe for visitors, but exercise increased caution due to petty crime and land‑mine awareness in surrounding areas. Sarajevo’s composite safety index is 70/100 (SAFE) and the city scores 62/100 on the Numbeo crime index, indicating moderate overall risk. Homicide rates are low (1.2 per 100k), terrorism is not a current threat, and violent crime against tourists is rare. The primary safety concerns are pickpocketing on public transport and occasional scams targeting tourists, while land‑mine hazards exist only in rural outskirts, not in the urban core. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Field research flags Alipašino Polje as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Sarajevo scores 73/100 — see the Bosnia and Herzegovina safety overview for country-level data.
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: sarajevo.json (CC BY 4.0).
