Is Bosnia and Herzegovina Safe to Visit? An Honest Local Perspective

An Englishman in the Balkans is a weekly podcast about the people, places and everyday life of Bosnia and Herzegovina, told by David Bailey, who has lived here for more than 25 years. New episodes arrive every Tuesday.

Is Bosnia and Herzegovina safe for tourists? It is one of the questions I am asked most often, and after living here since 1998, my honest answer is yes, provided you travel with ordinary awareness, curiosity and common sense.

In this episode, I look beyond the outdated headlines and talk openly about what visitors should genuinely be aware of. I cover everyday crime, pickpocketing, landmines and unexploded ordnance, driving on Bosnia’s mountain roads, changing weather conditions, solo travel and personal safety.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a country that should be approached with fear. It is a welcoming, fascinating and deeply rewarding place to explore. With a little preparation, respect for local advice and a willingness to take your time, most visitors will discover a country that feels far safer and more relaxed than they expected.

This is not an official travel advisory, but the personal perspective of someone who has lived in a small village in northwest Bosnia and Herzegovina for nearly three decades.

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