Bosnia & Herzegovina 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Bosnia & Herzegovina (hereafter Bosnia or BiH). For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Bosnia country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Bosnia and Herzegovina at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to terrorism and land mines. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar as being HIGH-threat locations for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The vast majority of crimes that affect the U.S. and international communities are non-violent street crime, theft, and opportunistic burglary. Begging, pickpocketing, vehicle break-ins, and other related crimes of opportunity are prevalent. Petty theft and pickpocket incidents are common, focusing primarily on tourist areas and public transportation. Residential break-ins, particularly late-night burglaries, are also common, but reports of confrontational home-invasions are rare. Crime, while generally non-violent, may occur anywhere and at any time. The greatest concentration of crime incidents is in Sarajevo and other larger towns (e.g. Banja Luka, Tuzla, Mostar). Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.

As of January 2020, overall crime information was available for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina from January – November 2019. Statistics for the Republika Srpska and the Brčko District were not yet available. There was a decrease in total crime in the Federation by 12.1% compared to 2018. The statistics for specific forms of crime were not available at this moment.

Violent crime (e.g. murder, carjacking, rape, mugging) not associated with organized crime groups is not a significant concern. There is a substantial organized crime element, with numerous criminal gangs involved in smuggling, trafficking, and other transnational crime. There have been incidents of violent attacks in public places that police have attributed to organized crime. Violence among members of these groups/affiliates is quite common. As a result of the 1992 – 1995 war, military grade weapons and munitions are abundant. Consequently, violent crimes often involve war-era munitions (e.g. assault rifles, grenades). There are regular reports of individuals using explosives against local businesses and private properties in Sarajevo and elsewhere. The expatriate community is not a specific target, although members could become victims due to circumstance or proximity.

Be alert at all times, especially after dark and in locations frequented by foreigners, such as cafés and restaurants. People wearing backpacks stand out and attract the attention of pickpockets who easily gain access without the owners’ knowledge.Take normal precautions to protect your property from theft and exercise common sense personal security measures, such as traveling in groups and staying in well-lighted areas after dark. Avoid carrying large sums of money.

Cybersecurity Issues

Cybercrime is rare and mainly consists of relatively unsophisticated website defacement, and attempts to obtain personal data. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics and Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

The emergency number for vehicle assistance and towing service is 1282 in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and 1285 in the Republika Srpska.

Mediocre road conditions, inclement weather, poorly-maintained vehicles, careless pedestrians, and inattentive drivers can make BiH a challenging place to drive. Vehicle accidents are a major concern, as drivers speed and drive recklessly, including passing in no passing zones and on blind curves. Depending on the location, emergency medical care may not be readily available.

The vast majority of roads are two-lane and in poor condition. There are only approximately 200 kilometers of paved four-lane highway throughout the country. Intercity roads tend to be narrow and often lack guardrails; this is particularly dangerous given the country’s mountainous topography. Adverse and unpredictable weather (e.g. heavy fog, rain, ice, snow) compounds these dangers. Nighttime driving presents additional hazards, as most roads outside of city limits do not have proper lighting. Exercise extreme caution while driving vehicles, particularly at night and during the winter. Arrive at your destination before nightfall.

The use of seat belts is mandatory. Talking on a cell phone while driving is illegal. The legal blood alcohol limit is .03%. Bosnian law requires a safety vest, spare tire, jack, first aid kit, safety triangle, tow rope, and spare light bulbs in the car at all times. To drive legally in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you must have an international driving permit and a U.S. license. Snow tires are mandatory for all automobiles from November 15 through April 15.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

Be wary of pickpockets and impostor ticket controllers aboard public transportation.

Taxicabs are plentiful, inexpensive, and generally safe; look for a functional meter and for the letters “TA” on the vehicle license plate.

Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Airport services are reliable but limited. There are daily flights to major transit hubs (e.g. Istanbul, Vienna, Munich) in addition to other airports in the Balkans (e.g. Zagreb, Belgrade). During the winter months, heavy fog frequently delays or cancels flights into and out of Sarajevo (SJJ). Be prepared for last-minute cancellations, schedule changes, lengthy delays, alternate routings, or time-consuming overland transportation.

As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar as being HIGH-threat locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. During the 1990s, a large number of Islamic fighters traveled to BiH to aid the war effort. Several hundred remained, and are active in Islamic fundamentalist congregations and organizations, influencing specific segments of the Bosnian Muslim community.

The most recent incidents with links to terrorism occurred in 2017 and 2018, when police arrested suspected lone wolf operators with explosives and weapons in Sarajevo. In the 2017 incident, the individual, arrested with a large cache of weapons in the trunk of a car, had links to other people with terrorism ties. The State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) for BiH has conducted several raids, arresting persons suspected of joining or supporting foreign fighters. Over the last several years, many Bosnians who traveled to Syria and Iraq have returned home, potentially increasing the terror threat.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar as being MEDIUM-threat locations for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Peaceful demonstrations are relatively common. Most protests are fueled by wage or pension issues.

War veterans protest frequently outside the BiH Federal Government Building. These protests have largely remained peaceful.

Throughout 2019, the “Justice for David” group repeatedly organized protests in Banja Luka, Sarajevo, and other regional cities. Protests remained peaceful, but often drew considerable police attention. The largest protest reached an estimated 15,000 people. In June 2019, Republika Srpska authorities banned the group from conducting protests in Banja Luka. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Harassment and discrimination against members of minorities continued throughout the country, although not as frequently as in previous years. The Interreligious Council of BiH reported, for example, that the number of attacks against religious buildings continued to decrease, as they recorded only six cases during 2018. Members of minority groups also continue to experience discrimination in employment and education in both the government and private sectors. While the law prohibits discrimination, human rights activists frequently complained that authorities did not adequately enforce the law. For example, in 2018, 121 hate crimes were recorded in the country, but only two resulted in convictions. On April 9, unknown perpetrators spray-painted Nazi and Serb nationalist symbols on Arnaudija mosque in Banja Luka. No perpetrators were identified, but government authorities in the RS widely condemned the incident. Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

There is no general anti-U.S. sentiment. Only in rare cases have demonstrations been directed toward U.S. diplomatic facilities.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

BiH experiences natural disasters: earthquakes, floods, landslides, forest fires, droughts, and heavy snowfall.

There are regular small-scale earthquake tremors. In November 2019, an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale occurred 85 kilometers northwest of Sarajevo, resulting in substantial material damage but no reported casualties.

Following heavy rains, many large rivers overflow. Previous major floods have destroyed thousands of homes and displaced persons throughout the country.

The winter brings poor air quality to Sarajevo due to excessive use of coal, wood, and more noxious materials for heating residences. Throughout winter months, Sarajevo and other cities experience several weeks of dense smog, with air pollution levels in the health hazardous range.

Economic Concerns

The official currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (KM or BAM), which pegs to the euro at approximately 2 KM = 1 euro. All official payments must be made in KM. Bosnia and Herzegovina is still predominantly a cash economy. Travelers should not expect to use credit cards to cover all expenses, even though businesses are beginning to accept them more widely. ATMs are available at the banks in Sarajevo and other major cities and towns. Cash transfers from abroad may involve delays, but Western Union transfers are available in many banks and post offices throughout the country. Foreigners attempting to exchange money should be prepared to present their passport to complete the transaction.

Bosnia remains highly vulnerable to money-laundering activity given its primarily cash-based and unregulated economy, weak law enforcement, and instances of corruption.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

Critical infrastructure response services after a catastrophic event may be lacking. The country has inadequate wastewater treatment and flood management facilities. Sites for disposing of urban waste are limited.

Personal Identity Concerns

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in BiH. LGBTI+ travelers may experience harassment in the event of public displays of affection. However, BiH maintains a comprehensive anti-discrimination law, banning discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is a problem in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While reports of physical attacks on people identified as LGBTI+ are rare, hate speech, especially on web portals, is more common. There are no significant Pride events, and the Government has not supported attempts to hold such events. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Gender-based violence is one of the most important problems involving gender equality in BOsnia. NGOs report that one of every two Bosnian women has experienced some type of domestic violence, and that the problem is underreported because the majority of victims did not trust the support system (e.g. police, social welfare centers, judiciary). Although police receive specialized training in handling cases of domestic violence, NGOs report widespread reluctance among officers in both entities to break up families by arresting offenders. Roma, and especially Romani women, continued to be the country’s most vulnerable and discriminated group. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

The law mandates that all public buildings be retrofitted to provide access to persons with disabilities. However, in practice, buildings are rarely accessible to persons with disabilities.Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Drug-related Crime

Bosnia is increasingly a transit point for heroin being trafficked to Western Europe, and a minor transit point for marijuana. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bosnia and Herzegovina are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Kidnapping Threat

Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Other Issues

The law forbids photographing military or secure installations, including airports, equipment, bridges, government checkpoints, troops, and embassies. If in doubt, ask permission before taking photographs. Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

BiH has a significant number of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), as a result of war. Landmines have injured or killed more than 1,700 people in BiH since 1996. While the rate of casualties has decreased over the years, there are still incidents reported every year. There are an estimated 79,000 landmines remaining in known minefields throughout the country. Several mountains around Sarajevo contain known/suspected minefields, which mark former lines of confrontation or munitions depots with UXO.

Most minefields are marked, though some signs and ribbon have shifted or disappeared over time. De- mining experts recommend you remain on paved or hard-packed surfaces. Conduct outdoor activities in officially cleared areas or with a reputable guide.

Soccer matches can be dangerous. Rival fans occasionally get into fights and cause property damage. Plan ahead to avoid the area of any stadium on gameday. Matches can draw large crowds, creating significant traffic congestion and problems for pedestrians. Road closures are common.

Police Response

The emergency line in Bosnia is 122. Local police are generally helpful to the international community but have limited resources (manpower, response capabilities), minimal English (or other foreign language capability), and insufficient capability to deter and/or detect crime. The police and security agencies are broken into federal-level (the Federation, Republika Srpska, and Brcko District) and local-level agencies for each canton in the federation.

The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government does not implement the law effectively, nor does it prioritize public corruption as a serious problem. Courts have not processed high-level corruption cases, and in most of the finalized cases, they pronounced suspended sentences. Officials frequently engage in corrupt practices with impunity, and corruption remains prevalent in many political and economic institutions. Corruption is especially prevalent in the health and education sectors, public procurement processes, local governance, and in public administration employment procedures.

Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Medical Emergencies

The medical emergency line in Bosnia is 124. Medical care is limited, especially outside Sarajevo. All major surgery is performed in public hospitals. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.

Many European-made prescription and over-the-counter drugs are available in Sarajevo and other major towns, but supply shortages are common. Seek routine medical treatment and fill prescriptions prior to arriving. Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

For an emergency air evacuation, an air ambulance must first arrive from another country or arrangements must be made (at a very high level) for a government helicopter to transfer an acutely ill patient to another country. This is very rarely accomplished. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.

Feral dogs pose a potential health threat for the transmission of rabies. Avoid stray dogs. Packs or individual dog attacks occur both in urban and rural areas and can be unpredictable. Though emergency medical facilities are well-equipped for treating dog bites and rabies vaccines are available, travelers should consider a series of pre-exposure rabies vaccinations prior to arrival.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is currently no active Country Council in BiH. Contact OSAC’s Europe team for more information.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

1 Robert C. Frasure Street, 71000 Sarajevo Regular hours: 0800 – 1700, Monday - Friday Telephone: +387-(0)-33-704-000 Website: https://ba.usembassy.gov

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Traveler’s Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)