Is Bosnia safe now?

[Dr House]

One of my clients has asked me to fly out to Bosnia next week to discuss some business stuff. My question is, how safe is it and where should I stay?

 

[Jonny69]

I don't think Bosnia has actually been a war zone for about 15 years now, but like me you probably grew up seeing it in civil war all the time on the news and assume it still is

 

[Von Smallhausen]

It is a lot safer than it was in the 1990s and although certain troops remain, they do as a monitoring force along with international police officers seconded to the UN.

Any worries, try the Foreign Office.

 

[Foehammer2003]

its safe... just about as much fun as head-butting a landmine tis all.

 

[Belly]

Unless your name is:

Slobodan Milosevic, Karadzic, Dusan Tadic, Tihomir Blaskic, Drazen Erdemovic or Mladic!

I don't think they're having a ball in down town Sarajevo.

 

[Oblivious]

Like Von says go to the Foreign Office. Great advice on there. Looking at Bosnia there appears to be great danger. I have copied the summary from the site FYI.

SUMMARY

* You should be aware that there is a threat from terrorism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There is also a global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

* On 19/20 October 2005, three men were arrested in Sarajevo on suspicion of terrorist activities; on the same day, explosives, weapons and ammunition were found during a search of buildings in the same area.

* Tensions between ethnic and religious groups occasionally result in demonstrations. It is rare that these are targeted at the International Community, but for your personal safety you should avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

* Unexploded landmines remain a real danger. Highly populated areas and major routes are now clear of mines and are safe to visit. However, isolated areas in the mountains and countryside have not all been cleared. You should therefore be careful not to stray from roads and paved areas without an experienced guide.

* An increasing number of British tourists visit Bosnia and Herzegovina each year. Most visits are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Bosnia and Herzegovina is for replacing lost or stolen passports. You should be aware of pickpockets in the tourist and pedestrian areas of Sarajevo and on public transport.

* We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front...7029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618385675

 

[leaskovski]

Safe as houses. I went there in 2000 and there wasn't any problems. Infact, i found them to be very plesant and extremely friendly. I had this cab driver who did not wanna keep my change! There was no need for me to take it as i wouldnt have been able to change it up and i was on the way out. In the end i just put my hands up and said no (in their language which i cant remember any of now) in a firm voice. He laughed and kept it . Bosnia Rocks!

 

[Jimmeh]

I went there less than 8 months ago. I felt far less threatened then I do in most Cities I visit. Nice people, nice place.

 

[DB_SamX]

Make sure you get travel insurance (from company).

 

[D.P.]

probably safer than London