Bosnia and Herzegovina Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Bosnia and Herzegovina
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated December 12, 2024
Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded 1.2 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Bosnia and Herzegovina #138 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Europe average of 1.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.3 per 100,000 in 2013, 1.2 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Bosnia and Herzegovina at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
1.2 /100k
Safety Rank
#58 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.3 per 100,000 in 2013, 1.2 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Bosnia and Herzegovina Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the homicide rate for men is 2.2× higher than the rate for women — 1.7 vs 0.8 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Bosnia and Herzegovina:
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. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas. Theft and other crimes of opportunity are common, especially against tourists.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 21, 2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking soft targets. They are using knives, firearms, rudimentary explosive devices, and vehicles to target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)
Violent incidents
Local criminals use firearms and explosives to settle disputes. The majority of incidents involving improvised explosives in Sarajevo occur after dark. The foreign community is rarely targeted, but collateral damage can occur. For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Crime
The overall crime rate for the country is high, and Sarajevo has a high rate of property-related crime. The most common criminal activities in Sarajevo are: robberies, residential and vehicle break-ins, theft, and pickpocketing in areas frequented by tourists in Sarajevo. Be always alert, especially after dark and in locations frequented by tourists, such as cafés, parking garages, shopping areas, and restaurants. Take precautions to protect your property from theft by always maintaining positive control of your belongings. Travel in groups and stay in well-lit areas after dark. Avoid carrying large sums of money. People wearing backpacks stand out and attract the attention of pickpockets.
Landmines
Landmine explosions have injured and killed many people in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1995. Minefields, active landmines, and unexploded ordnances are a threat throughout the country and deaths from explosions have occurred as recently as March 2023. Stay on hard surfaced areas and out of abandoned buildings. Observe mine warning signs throughout the country. Consult with the latest landmine maps via the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Center . Regardless of an area’s mine status, avoid unmarked trails. For more information about landmines and unexploded ordinance, please visit the website of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Center .
Demonstrations
can occur anywhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international or sporting events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Large demonstrations, even if peaceful, can create traffic congestion and lead to closures of public transportation, roadways, and sidewalks.
Soccer matches
: Rival supporters occasionally fight and cause property damage and physical injuries. Avoid the area. Large crowds before and after matches can create significant traffic congestion. Large groups of soccer fans can quickly become violent. Avoid crowds and large groups. Road and sidewalk closures are common.
Feral dogs
: Avoid stray dogs. Packs or individual dog attacks occur in urban and rural areas and can be unpredictable. Though emergency medical facilities can treat dog bites and rabies vaccines are available, travelers should consider a series of pre-exposure rabies vaccinations prior to arrival. For further information, please consult the CDC’s information on rabies .
International Financial Scams
: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated and use virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S.-based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration. Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and do not consume suspicious food or drinks.
Victims of Crime
: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 122 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (387) 33 704 000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . Assistance the Embassy may be able to provide to crime victims We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Population & Demographics
Population of 3,164,253, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bosnia and Herzegovina safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Bosnia and Herzegovina at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include crime, terrorism. The homicide rate of 1.2 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina has an intentional homicide rate of 1.2 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #138 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina compare to other countries?
Bosnia and Herzegovina's homicide rate of 1.2 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Europe average of 1.6.