Bosnia and Herzegovina is as safe for tourists as any other European country. A beautiful heart-shaped historic land is a great way to discover one of the most beautiful regions in Europe. But you have to be careful when you are there, keep in mind that this region has been subjected to repeated wars and that there are still scars. Despite all the historical events, turmoil and wars, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that offers a wealth of resources and natural beauty, as well as attractive sights. Bosnia and Herzegovina's greatest wealth lies in its rich forests and crystal clear mountain rivers that you should not miss seeing. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay When it comes to crime, Bosnia and Herzegovina is relatively safe. As with most travel in any other country, tourists should take precautions and ensure they stay safe. Sarajevo does not experience a high level of street crime, but pick-pocketing and purse thefts do occur and, of course, tourists are prime targets. The mine problem has been minimized and there is no threat of landmines in highly populated areas, national parks or other tourist destinations. This is all perfectly safe. Avoid marked areas - a red or yellow sign indicates the area may still be contaminated and listen to locals. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a very safe place to visit, but does that mean that tourists have nothing to fear when it comes to tourism safety. We look at crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The crime rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina is moderate. Every city in Bosnia and Herzegovina faces the same criminal activities as any other city in the world. The level of crime against tourists is generally low, but you should watch out for pickpockets in tourist and pedestrian areas of Sarajevo and other major cities as well as on public transport. You should also pay special attention to your personal belongings and avoid wearing expensive watches, jewelry and cameras, especially on public transport and in crowds. Take only what you need. Leave other valuables in a secure place. Use ATMs in controlled areas such as banks, stores and shopping centers and avoid ATMs that open onto the street, especially at night. Be vigilant at all times, especially after dark. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist spots and crowded public places. But you shouldn't decide not to visit this wonderful country located in the heart of Southeast Europe, just because you are concerned about crime that might be happening anywhere else in the world. Safety Tips There's so much to see, from historic temples and war scars to stunning landscapes and peaceful spa resorts. Bosnians are extremely friendly, which comes from their pride in their heritage. Sarajevo, Zenica and Tuzla have appalling levels of air pollution from factory emissions, coal and old vehicles. If you have asthma or other respiratory illnesses, you may be reacting negatively to air quality. Also, if cigarette smoke is a problem for you, be prepared because Bosnianslove to smoke!Risky adventureIf you love mountains and want to go hiking, skiing or even rafting, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the perfect place for you, as the country is quite mountainous. You can enjoy the Olympic Mountains in different ways. If you want to try skiing for the first time, consider taking a guide and all ski centers offer professional, approved coaches. The same goes for rafting on the unpredictable waters of beautiful Neretva or Una, so always use appropriate equipment and a guide. Additionally, there is some risk of landmines in some mountainous areas and countryside, so taking a guided tour is highly recommended. Do not enter abandoned villages, derelict and ruined buildings and unpaved roads outside of towns as they can also be dangerous for the same reasons. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a spectacular landscape which makes the drive through the country very beautiful. Most of the time you will pass through the mountains and you will rarely have the opportunity to drive on the highway as there are almost none. Make sure you have enough fuel, as going uphill will drain your tank quickly and it's not easy to find a gas station everywhere. Driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not difficult as the traffic is rather calm and the road conditions are good. One of the highlights to see and experience in Bosnia are its picturesque and winding roads and while driving from one place to another you will be able to see the most beautiful landscapes. If you get lost, ask locals for help. Bosnians are the friendliest people and always happy to help tourists. However, if you leave the main roads you might find some problematic roads, but even driving there shouldn't be a big problem. The only problem is aggressive drivers who don't obey speed limits and other rules, so drive carefully and you won't encounter any problems. Gas stations are generally located on the outskirts of towns. But first make sure you are allowed to drive there, as licensing can be a problem. Drivers must carry their “green card” liability insurance, driver’s license and ownership documents, which are usually inspected at border crossings. Make sure you have the rental document that shows the actual dates the car is rented for. The best time to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina is spring and summer, because in winter there is a high possibility of fog. Sarajevo (Butmir) International Airport (SJJ) is subject to fog from October to March and especially in December and January. If you decide to travel there in winter, make sure you have enough money in case you are forced to extend your stay due to delays caused by inclement weather. Health care in Bosnia is not as standard as in Western Europe. The greatest danger in Bosnia and Herzegovina is unremoved landmines. Avoid marked areas and abandoned villages. If you plan to hike or wander off rural trails, be sure to go with a guide or local who knows the terrain. Make sure 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 during your trip, dial 124 and request an ambulance. Depending on your needs, the best option may be to contact your family, friends, airline, travel agent, tour operator, employer ortravel insurer. Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number. Tap water is considered drinkable in Bosnia and Herzegovina; However, due to the different mineral content, some people may experience stomach upset when drinking water if they are not used to it. A better option is to find filtered water rather than relying on bottled water. All tap water in Sarajevo is clean, pure and absolutely safe. However, in other parts of Bosnia, especially in the Posavina region and Eastern Bosnia, drinking tap water is strongly discouraged as it causes illness. Boiled tap water is still not drinkable. Most towns in these regions have tap areas (especially near hospitals) with clearly marked labels reading "Drinking Water." This water is safe to drink, just like the bottled water you can buy in stores and from street vendors. Be aware of the thick, noxious smog that covers cities like Sarajevo, Zenica, Tuzla, Brčko and Visoko. If you have asthma or sensitive lungs, be sure to wear a medical mask to avoid illness and spoil your trip. Air pollution is caused by emissions from industry, motor vehicles and waste incineration, which are very common throughout the country. The situation is worse in winter in Sarajevo, when soot covers the basin. It is recommended to escape to the mountains on bad days and breathe clean air found above the “smog bank”. Since the food is very rich, a little extra exercise can help. Smoking is permitted everywhere in the country and more than half of the population uses tobacco. Therefore, be prepared for very smoky restaurants, bars and shopping centers. 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 you need travel insurance . emergency medical assistance. It is recommended to take out comprehensive travel insurance. Read the policy description in full and check whether all valuables will be fully covered. Also check that the policy covers an emergency return flight. Bosnia and Herzegovina 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 U.S. Embassy is prohibited. Be aware that this can include civil airports, bridges and equipment used for military purposes, so if you have any doubts, don't hesitate to ask. Prevention is better than cure. You wouldn't want to cut your vacation short just to take a quick photo of a bridge. Some local laws are also different from those in other countries in Europe. For example, there are no anti-smoking laws. So expect restaurants, cafes and even public transport to be filled with clouds of smoke. Political Situation Regarding the political situation, it is important to mention that occasional protests in major cities are possible. These are normal peaceful demonstrations but may disrupt traffic and limit access to public buildings. Tourists are advised to stay informed and avoid all demonstrations. The important travel tip, wherever you are going, is to invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your trip. Also check the entry requirements first and make sure youhave the correct visas and your passport is valid. Make a photocopy of your passport and take it with you, or keep it online. If you decide to drive through Bosnia and Herzegovina, make sure your license is up to date and valid and know the driving laws. Take out travel insurance and make sure it covers you for any activities you are likely to do, including extreme or water sports. learn about local customs and dress, behave accordingly, and respect local laws. Save useful numbers on your phone, such as the local police. If you intend to participate in adventure sports or water sports during your trip, use only properly licensed and insured operators. Be smart when traveling on foot. Use marked sidewalks and crosswalks. Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in busy areas. Remember that pedestrians do not always have priority in other countries. Respect the religious differences of the people of the region and their efforts to overcome the Yugoslav War. It is important to be careful in areas where tensions still exist and to be careful not to offend any particular group through indifference or simple ignorance. Likewise, respect the environment. Much of the country has been saved from pollution and it is important to be careful of its influences. Additionally, it is equally important to be careful as the rivers tend to be turbulent, the mountains and valleys often unguarded and the foundations uncertain. Always have 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 newer vehicle, they have more safety features and are more reliable and consider hiring a licensed and trained driver. familiar with the area. Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis. Avoid driving at night; Street lighting can be poor in some areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Do not use cell phones or text messages while driving (illegal). Travel only during the day, especially in rural areas. If you choose to drive a vehicle in Bosnia and Herzegovina, find out the local traffic laws and have the appropriate documents. Make sure you have liability insurance. Avoid using unscheduled local aircraft. Try to plan your flights during the day and in good weather. Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become dangerous. Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothing and carrying protective items, such as insect repellent, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose, light clothing, and limit physical activity when temperatures are high. If you're outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace the salt lost through sweat. The currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Bosnian mark (KM or BAM). ATMs are common in major centers. Credit and debit cards are becoming increasingly accepted outside of Sarajevo, but you will still need cash, especially outside of major cities. Bosnia is a cash-based society, perhaps because the country is only just beginning to recover from the economic crash that followed the Bosnian War. ATMs are available where you can,.