Bosnia and Herzegovina : Safety by City
Bosnia and Herzegovina - safety as a country Banja Luka is the second-largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the de facto capital of its Republika Srpska entity.
It is the traditional center of the densely-forested Bosanska Krajina region located in northwestern Bosnia.
The city lies on the Vrbas River and is well known in the countries of the former Yugoslavia for being full of tree-lined avenues, boulevards, gardens, and parks.
There are many historic things to see in the city of Banja Luka: Cathedral of Saint Bonaventure, built-in 1887, The Roman Catholic cathedral was built in 1974, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Banski Dvor (Governor’s Palace) in center of the city. It’s the main concert hall and gallery and many others.
Warnings & Dangers in Banja Luka
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Banja Luka is generally a safe city. People here are kind and ready to help. Mostly organized crime doesn't concern tourists, but you should watch yourself and surroundings.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Taxi is safe transportation. Make sure that the car has a taximeter before you get in. In public transportation keep an eye on your pockets.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common enough. Keep your valuables in the safe place, in the hotel. Do not wear too much jewelry. Do not flash with packs of money.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
The region is particularly vulnerable to extreme precipitation and river basin flooding. Floods and landslides are recurring risks.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
The risk of armed robbery or abduction is low enough here. Tourists are usually safe. Follow normal precautions.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The risk of terrorism is not high here. However, in the history of the country, there have been clashes between warring groups of people. You should study the political environment before traveling.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
There is practically no fraud, but be careful with credit cards at ATM, there is a slight chance of scam. Do not let you in drunk fights on streets and in nightclubs.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Banja Luka is very safe for women travelers. Be cautioned when to walk around at night.
So... How Safe Is Banja Luka Really?
Banja Luka is a very safe place.
The index of crime is low here.
The main problems are corruption and bribes.
It’s better not to talk about the former Yugoslav war, and do not talk about Kosovo.
These are very sensitive matters, and locals can easily get offended and become angry.
Also, fans of the local football team can be aggressive and sometimes attack whoever.
Besides that, you have nothing to worry about in the city if you use your common sense.
The locals are friendly and helpful here. You can ask for help if you needed at any time.
Travelers should remember that there are still some unexploded land-mines in the fields across the whole country.
So if you are traveling trekking or hiking in the hills nearby, it’s dangerous to go away from the marked pedestrian paths.
The chance of being robbed here is negligible.
You can walk around in the city safely both daytime and nighttime.
However, as anywhere, you should be cautioned of surroundings.
The city has many cultures that meet here.
A lot of different religions, like Islam, Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and Judaism are coexisting here for hundreds of years.
And people learn how to respect each other with so different views.
How Does Banja Luka Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Banja Luka | 60 |
| Sarajevo | 48 |
| Brussels (Belgium) | 60 |
| Shanghai (China) | 66 |
| Belize City (Belize) | 37 |
| La Paz (Bolivia) | 52 |
| Sao Paulo (Brazil) | 45 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
Useful Information
Visas
Visa is not required for any stays in Banja Luka if it is shorter than 90 days. A valid passport is a must.
Currency
The Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark is the currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It has a sign: KM, code: BAM. It is divided into 100 pfennigs or fenings.
Weather
The best time to visit Banja Luka for ideal weather is from April to July. The average temperatures in Banja Luka vary drastically. The weather feels cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a chance of rain or snow throughout most of the year.
Airports
Banja Luka International Airport, also known as Mahovljani Airport, is an airport located 18 km of Banja Luka. It handles domestic and international flights.
Travel Insurance
The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.
Banja Luka Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 6 | 8 | 14 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 24 | 19 | 13 | 7 |
| Low °C | -3 | -2 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 11 | 7 | 3 | -2 |
| High °F | 43 | 46 | 57 | 68 | 75 | 82 | 86 | 86 | 75 | 66 | 55 | 45 |
| Low °F | 27 | 28 | 36 | 43 | 50 | 59 | 61 | 61 | 52 | 45 | 37 | 28 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Banja Luka | 60 |
| Sarajevo | 48 |
I need to go back again!
I loved my trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sadly, I went in 2020 so my trip was cut short due to COVID issues. Had I not left when I did, I could have gotten stuck. I am planning on going back again in 2022. I will likely be going with my sister and our mutual friend again.
Get a tour guide
Be careful with your politics there, don’t discuss it there, respect their history and their recovery. It could be misunderstood especially with language barriers and it could cause some fights. It would be best to plan an itinerary ahead before even arriving there and getting a tour guide, I wouldn’t suggest to just “wing” it.
Went 2018 had the time of my life people are friendly food and alcohol are cheap .
Banja luka Republic of Srpska is safe nice people nace city . Food is good people friendly .Police patrolling City everything is nice .