Sarajevo - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
There are still some active minefields in the country. These are marked and maps available online. - Mar 2024
No, this is a very safe city. I've never felt unsafe even walking late at night with dogs. - Apr 2021
This is a very safe post. Pickpocketing and minor property crime seems to be about as bad as it gets. A few houses have been broken into during our time here, but as far as I know it was always when no one was home. Someone once tried to break into our house at night, but ran away the minute my husband and dogs came down the stairs. - Dec 2017
Nothing major at this point, pickpocketing just like in any bigger city. - Feb 2017
Eh, maybe. There is a local guard force that works with the US embassy. U.S. embassy houses (and most homes) have bars on windows and reinforced doors. Violent crime is low here, it mostly theft. In the 26 months we've been here we know four people who have had their homes broken into. And our car window was smashed (right outside the police station!) last summer. - May 2016
A high unemployment rate makes petty crime a concern. However, I never felt unsafe. - Aug 2014
Nope. This is an incredibly safe city. There is some minor property crime, but criminals tend not to be aggressive or confrontational(break-ins of parked cars and empty houses). The worst case is getting caught between young wannabe gangster-types. There really are no bad neighborhoods in Sarajevo. - Nov 2012
It is a fairly safe city -- with caveats. Petty crime increased while we were there, and the gypsies are very active. There were several pickpocketing incidents while we were there. But, generally, Bosnians are very non-confrontational and more passive/aggressive. Nobody gets mugged or carjacked on the street. It's more common to see/hear about car break-ins and residential break-in attempts (when no one is home). A couple of U.S. Embassy residences were burglarized before we left, but they were the only ones in our time there. There is an element of organized crime within the city and many young OC "wannabees" who often mix it up with each other. But most expats don't frequent the places that they do. Taxis were very safe, and my family often used them with no problems. - Aug 2011
Mostly pickpockets and smash-and-grabs. - May 2011
No. This is a safe city. Many of our friends let their children ride in taxis around town on their own. Petty crime may be on the rise, but overall this is a safe place to live. - May 2010
I've only heard about home robberies, and even those I have heard less about lately. None at U.S. Embassy homes, as they have bars and alarms. Streets are very safe, and we are often out as late as midnight -- as is our teen daughter, with no problems. Many people are walking at all hours, so it's seldom deserted. - Jun 2009
Sarajevo is a fairly safe city. You can walk around town without any problem. There is pick pocketing in public transportation though. - Mar 2009
Non really. The rate of small crime is lower then in the EU. It is safe on the streets, even late at night. Houses usually have fences and are secured by an alarm company. - Dec 2008
