Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a developing nation classified as upper middle income. It is divided into two entities, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Srpska, with a separate administrative district for Brcko. Located in southeastern Europe along the Adriatic Sea (south of Croatia), the climate classifications range from humid temperate (no dry season) to dry summer.
Vaccinations
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, mpox, rabies, or tick-borne encephalitis. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
No statement given.CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
Moderate risk exists throughout the country, with minimal risk in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures may be inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.
Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Other Food-Borne Illnesses
Precautions to prevent brucellosis may be needed.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include anthrax disease, hantavirus, hepatitis C, leptospirosis, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Terrorism Risk
Risk of attack by transnational terrorist groups exists throughout Europe. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses, public places and events, including those frequented by tourists, and transportation systems.
Crime
Moderate risk of violent crime (armed robbery, home robbery, and carjacking) exists throughout the country, especially in Sarajevo and Trebevic.
High risk of petty crime exists in Sarajevo and other cities, especially in areas frequented by foreigners, on or near public transportation, and in crowded places.
Theft of valuables from unattended vehicles is common.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations occur throughout the country and are generally peaceful but have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.
Unsafe Areas
Landmines and other unexploded ordnance are present throughout the country, mainly in isolated and mountainous areas.
Transportation Safety
High risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is 12 to 24 per 100,000 population. The rate is less than 10 in most high-income countries.
Seat belt laws are poorly enforced.
Structural standards for vehicles may not meet international standards.
Natural Disasters
Seasonal flooding frequently occurs.
Forest fires occur during the dry season, especially in southern areas.
Seismic activity frequently occurs.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- United States: [+387] 33-704-000; ba.usembassy.gov
- Canada: Canada does not have an embassy or consulate in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- United Kingdom: [+387] 33-282-200; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-sarajevo
- Australia: Australia does not have an embassy or consulate in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: www.bhembassy.org
- In Canada: www.ambasadabih.ca/index.php/ca
- In the U.K.: www.bhembassy.co.uk
- In Australia: www.bihembassy.org
