Security Overview for Bosnia and Herzegovina

The post-conflict security environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina is largely stable, due primarily to the continued presence of an E.U.-led military force. While Bosnia was accepted into NATO's Partnership for Peace (PfP) program in November 2006, several factors continue to pose security risks for visitors, including unexploded ordnance, ethnic tensions and violence associated with organized crime.

Local civil unrest related to the ongoing prosecution of the remaining suspected war criminals can escalate into isolated acts of violence with little warning. In addition, officials have held several military operations to capture war-crimes fugitives and will likely continue to do so. Local residents may express anti-Western sentiments in some parts of the country, especially the Republika Srpska.

While landmine-removal efforts have been underway since the end of the 1992-1995 conflict, parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina remain high-risk zones for unexploded ordnance and unmarked landmines. Avoid buildings that were damaged during the hostilities and remain abandoned, as they could have explosive devices in them. Exercise particular caution in the suburbs of Sarajevo and the towns of Srebrenica, Mostar, Dobrinja, Lukavica, Grbavica and Illidza. Stay on hard-surface areas and, if traveling off-road, employ guides trained in the location, detection and handling of mines.

Ethnic tensions among Muslims, Croats and Serbs exist in the region and may erupt into violent conflict. Grenade attacks or incidents of arson targeting the homes of refugees returning to the country - especially in eastern and western regions - are fairly common manifestations of inter-ethnic tensions. The risk of political violence is highest in Mostar, Livno, Siroki Brujeg, Grude, Medjugorje, Posusje, Tomislavgrad and Ljubuski. Labor disputes are common and workers often conduct demonstrations.

Crime is a moderate threat to foreigners. An international police force working to support and reform the domestic police force in Bosnia and Herzegovina has helped to keep the crime rate steady. Petty theft, burglary and vehicle theft are the crimes that most often affect visitors. The underlying factors of high unemployment, widespread poverty and arms proliferation may cause the crime rate to rise in the coming years as the international community increasingly turns its attention from the Balkans to the Middle East. In Sarajevo, watch out for pickpockets and scams on the tram system.

Organized crime is common in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with numerous criminal gangs operating throughout the country. Violence is often used to settle disputes among organized crime gangs and innocent bystanders may become victims in such disputes. Although criminal activity may occur in places that foreigners frequent, they are not usually targeted.

Bosnian officials insist the country has no organized terrorist groups, although hundreds of Muslim insurgents that came to assist Bosnian Muslims (Bosniaks) during the country's civil war remain in the country. The threat of kidnapping is low.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.