Bosnia and Herzegovina is as safe for tourists as any other European country. A beautiful, historic, heart-shaped land it is a great way to see one of the most beautiful areas of Europe. But you should be careful when you are there, keep in mind that this region has been subjected to repeated wars and there are still scars left. Despite all the historical events, unrest and wars, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that offers a wealth of resources and natural beauty, attractive places. The greatest wealth of Bosnia and Herzegovina are the rich forests and crystal clear mountain rivers that should not be missed. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay When it comes to crime, Bosnia and Herzegovina is relatively safe. As in most cases of travel to any other country, tourists should take precautions and be careful to stay safe. Sarajevo does not have a high level of street crime, but pickpocketing and bag snatching do occur and, of course, tourists are the main targets. The landmine issue has been minimized and there is no threat of mines in any densely populated areas, national parks or other tourist destinations. It's all perfectly safe. Avoid marked areas - red or yellow signs mean the area may still be contaminated and listen to locals. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a very safe place for anyone to visit, but that means tourists have nothing to worry about when it comes to tourism safety. Let's take a look at crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The crime rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina is moderate. Every city in Bosnia and Herzegovina suffers from the same criminal activity as any other city in the world. The level of crime against tourists is generally low, but you should be careful of pickpockets in the tourist and pedestrian areas of Sarajevo and other larger cities and in public transport. Also, you should pay close attention to your belongings, avoid wearing expensive watches, jewelry and cameras, especially on public transport and in crowds. Bring only what you need with you. Leave other valuables in a safe place. Use ATMs in controlled areas such as banks, shops and shopping centers and avoid ATMs that open onto the street, especially at night. Always be careful, especially after dark. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Be aware of your surroundings when traveling in tourist locations and crowded public places. But you should not decide not to visit this wonderful country located in the heart of south-eastern Europe, just because you are worried about crime that could occur anywhere else in the world. Safety Tips There's so much to see, from historic temples and war scars to stunning landscapes and tranquil spa towns. Bosnians are extremely friendly, which comes from their pride in their heritage. Sarajevo, Zenica and Tuzla have terrible levels of air pollution from factory emissions, coal and ancient vehicles. If you suffer from asthma or other respiratory illnesses, there is a chance that you may react negatively to air quality. Also, if cigarette smoking is a problem for you, get ready because Bosnians love to smoke!Risk of adventureIf you love the mountains and want to go hiking, skiing or even rafting, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the perfect place for you, since that the country is quite mountainous. You can enjoy the Olympic Mountains in many waysdifferent. If you want to try skiing for the first time, consider getting a guide and all ski centers offer professional, licensed instructors. The same goes for rafting on the unpredictable waters of the beautiful Neretva or Una, so always use the right equipment and a guide. Additionally, there is a certain risk of landmines in some mountainous areas and countryside, so taking a guided tour is highly recommended. Do not enter abandoned, abandoned and ruined buildings and unpaved roads outside the city as they can be dangerous for the same reasons. Bosnia and Herzegovina has spectacular scenery that makes driving through the country very beautiful. Most of the trip you will pass through mountains and you will hardly be able to drive on the highway because there is almost none. Make sure you have enough fuel, because going uphill will quickly drain the tank and not everywhere is it easy to find a petrol station. Driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not difficult as the traffic is quite cold and the road conditions are good. One of the highlights to see and experience in Bosnia is its scenic and winding roads and even driving from place to place you will be able to see the most beautiful landscapes. If you get lost, ask the locals to help you. Bosnians are the friendliest people and always happy to help tourists. However, if you leave the main roads you may find problematic roads, but driving there shouldn't be a big problem either. The only problem is aggressive drivers who do not respect speed limits and other rules, so drive carefully and you will not encounter any problems. Petrol stations are usually located on the edges of cities. But first make sure you can drive there because licensing could be an issue. Drivers must carry their "green card" liability insurance, driver's license and ownership documents, which are usually checked at border crossings. Make sure you have the rental document with you that indicates the actual dates for which the car contract was made. The best time to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina is spring and summer as there is a high possibility of fog in winter. Sarajevo (Butmir) International Airport (SJJ) is subject to fog from October to March and especially during December and January. If you decide to travel there during the winter, make sure you have enough money if you are forced to extend your stay due to delays caused by adverse weather. Healthcare Healthcare in Bosnia is not as standard as in Western Europe. The biggest danger in Bosnia and Herzegovina are uncleared landmines. Avoid marked areas and abandoned villages. If you plan to hike or wander along rural trails, be sure to go with a guide or local who knows the terrain. Please ensure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. If you need emergency medical assistance while traveling, call 124 and ask for an ambulance. Depending on what you need, the best solution may be to contact your family, friends, airline, travel agent, tour operator, employer or travel insurance company. Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number. Tap water is considered safe to drink in Bosnia and Herzegovina; however, due to the different mineral content, some people may experience stomach upset when drinking the water if they are not used to it. A better option is to find rather filtered waterthan relying on bottled water. All tap water in Sarajevo is clean, pure and definitely safe. However, in other parts of Bosnia, particularly in the Posavina region and eastern Bosnia, drinking tap water is highly discouraged as it causes disease. Boiled tap water is still not safe to drink. Most cities in these regions have tap areas (especially near hospitals) with labels clearly marked "Drinking Water." This water is safe to drink, as is the bottled water you can buy in stores and from street vendors. Be aware of the harmful, thick smog covering cities such as Sarajevo, Zenica, Tuzla, Brčko and Visoko. If you are asthmatic or have lung problems, be sure to wear a medical mask to avoid illness and ruining your trip. Air pollution is caused by emissions from industry, motor vehicles and burning of waste, which is very common throughout the country. The situation is worse during winter in Sarajevo, when soot covers the basin. It is advisable to escape to the mountains on bad days and breathe clean air that is above the “smog bank”. Since the food is very rich, a little extra exercise can help. Smoking is allowed everywhere in the country and more than half of the population uses tobacco. Therefore, be prepared to endure very smoky restaurants, bars and shopping malls. When traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina it is important to take out holiday travel insurance to ensure you have access to travel assistance and cover if your travel plans are interrupted or if you need emergency medical assistance. We recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance. Read the entire policy description and check whether all valuables will be fully covered. Also, check that your policy covers an emergency flight home. Bosnia and Herzegovnia has a legal system comparable to that of most first world countries. But there are exceptions. The first is that photography of military installations, government checkpoints, troops and the US embassy is prohibited. Please note that this may include civilian airports, bridges and equipment used for military purposes, so if you are unsure, simply ask. Better safe than sorry. You don't want to interrupt your vacation just to take a quick photo of a bridge. Some local laws are also different than in other European countries. For example, there are no anti-smoking laws. So expect restaurants, bars and even public transport to be filled with clouds of smoke. Political situationWhen it comes to the political situation, it is important to remember that occasional protests are possible in major cities. These are normal peaceful demonstrations which however can cause traffic disruption and limit access to public buildings. Tourists are advised to keep updated and avoid any protests. The important travel tip for wherever you go is to invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your trip. Also, check the entry requirements first and make sure you have the correct visas and that your passport is valid. Make a photocopy of your passport and carry it with you or store it online. If you decide to drive through Bosnia and Herzegovina make sure your license is current and valid and be aware of the driving laws. Get travel insurance and make sure it covers any activities you might engage in, including extreme or water sports. inform yourself about local habits and customs, behave accordingly and respect local laws, memorize useful numbers like those in your phoneof the local police, if you intend to practice adventure or water sports during your trip, only use adequately authorized and insured operators. Be smart when traveling on foot. Use marked sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. Pay attention to traffic around you, especially in crowded areas. Remember, people on foot don't always have the right of way in other countries. Respect the religious differences of the people in the region and their effort to overcome the Yugoslav war. It is important to exercise caution in areas where there is still tension and ensure that we do not offend a particular group out of indifference or sheer ignorance. Likewise, respect the environment. Much of the country has been saved from pollution and it is important to be careful of your influences. Furthermore, it is equally important to be careful as the rivers tend to be violent, the mountains and valleys often unguarded and the pace uncertain. Always carry a tour guide with you or consult a local for advice on natural hazards and landmines. If you decide to drive in Bosnia, choose a vehicle that is newer, has more safety features and is more reliable, and consider hiring a qualified, licensed driver familiar with the area. Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis. Avoid driving at night; street lighting in some parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina may be poor. Don't use your cell phone or text while driving (illegal). Travel only during daylight hours, especially in rural areas. If you choose to drive a vehicle in Bosnia and Herzegovina, inform yourself about local traffic laws and have the appropriate documentation. Make sure you have liability insurance. Avoid using non-scheduled local aircraft. Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather. Be alert for changes in weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become dangerous. Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and carrying protective items, such as mosquito spray, sunscreen and a basic first aid kit. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose, light clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures. If you're out for long hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating. The currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnian mark (KM or BAM). ATMs are common in major centres. Credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted outside Sarajevo, but you'll still need cash on hand, especially outside major cities. Bosnia is a cash-based society, perhaps because the country has only just begun to recover from the economic collapse following the Bosnian War. ATMs are available where you can expect to pay up to 7% in fees, conversions and fees. Not all places accept credit cards. Bring cash. Border Delays Keep up to date on border conditions by checking local news sources and asking transportation providers directly. If you are traveling by road or train, give yourself extra time to cover any inconveniences and make emergency plans. Avoid large groups. Follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you are visiting Sarajevo and are concerned about safety, be sure to pay attention to these travel safety tips: Visitors should use common sense to protect themselves. Walking around the citySarajevo is a fantastic city for walking. Stay on main roads and routes and always cross at intersections, especially be careful at night. Follow road signs and pay attention to cars and cyclists. Avoid wearing high heels,.
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