Safety first

I've met many tourists and expats in Sarajevo, and several times they told me that their parents were worried about them visiting Bosnia. Usually those concerns were about the last war in Bosnia. Therefore, I would like to give some basic information about safe travelling in Bosnia.

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Number 1: the war is over

The war ended more than 20 years ago! There is absolutely no reason to feel threatened or scared. I have to say that Sarajevo has ’war tourism’ thing going on. For example, the war tunnel, the war museum, bullet shaped souvenirs and even a war hostel where you can experience how it was to live in Sarajevo under the siege.

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Number 2: keep an eye on your things

Theft is unfortunately possible and definitely take precautions. Pick pocketing is not rare, so keep an eye on your belongings, especially in public transportation. Trams and the city center are the common place for thieves to search for their victims. General advice that I can give you is:

• Don’t keep your wallet and valuables in your back pocket.
• Don’t keep your valuables in your backpack.
• When walking or in public transportation hold your purse in front of you.
• If your purse is on your side, keep your hand on it, and the zipper on the purse should be on your front side, rather than behind your back.
• In trams, I am always keeping my hand on my phone.

Compared to what I’ve heard from a friend from South America, Sarajevo is totally safe and thefts here aren’t violent as they supposedly are in South America. Nevertheless, the last thing you want is losing your passport and money in a foreign country, so just take some basic precaution and you will be fine.

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Number 3: safety for women, minorities, etc

Women should feel totally safe in Sarajevo. I walked home alone in the middle of the night dozens of times. Just go with your gut and common sense. If you see a dark alley and feel uncomfortable take a detour, but generally there is no difference in safety for women and men.

As for minorities goes, travelers always notice how there is no black or Asian people in Bosnia. There are a few living in Sarajevo, but generally there aren’t really many non-white people in Bosnia. In the Old Town (Baščaršija) you will often see groups of Asian tourists with guides, and recently there has been a huge influx in Arab visitors, but it basically all comes down on a few dozens tourists and no actual Bosnian residents.

But be not afraid, my fellow travelers. Just because there aren’t really non-white people in Sarajevo, doesn’t mean they are threatened or not welcomed in Sarajevo. The reason for not having many foreigners here is simply that we are not economically strong so nobody wants to come to live here (compared to Germany for example), and we never had colonies (compared to France for example, where we have many people from former French colonies living in France now). In conclusion, people of all colors from every part of the world are welcomed in Sarajevo!

Lastly, Bosnia is unfortunately still a very conservative society. It is very difficult for homosexual and trans people. I am sorry to say this, but I would advise a homosexual couple against holding hands, or kissing etc. in public. Girls can get away with it, but there is a risk for guys to be physically and/or verbally attacked.

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