Balkan Safety Guide: Tips for a Worry-Free Trip

Safety checks are part of trip planning. What matters on your journey depends on the country, route, season, activity and what is happening locally when you travel.

Check before you go

Before each stop, check the latest official travel advice for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, or Slovenia.

Emergencies: save the current local emergency contacts for every country on your route. 112 is the free European emergency number in EU countries; do not assume identical coverage or routing elsewhere.
Routes and activities: check local weather, wildfire, road, hiking and border updates on the day. In any marked mine or UXO area, stay on marked roads and paths and follow local instructions.
In towns and at night: keep passports, cards and valuables secure; use licensed or pre-booked transport; avoid demonstrations and leave if a crowd becomes disorderly.
Your circumstances: check medical and insurance cover for your itinerary and activities. LGBTQ+ travellers should review current local legal and social guidance for each destination.

Everyday precautions

Official advice for several destinations warns about pickpocketing, card fraud, taxi overcharging or venue overcharging. Keep valuables and cards secure, check fares where appropriate, and seek local police help if you feel unsafe.

Driving, hiking and changing conditions

If you are driving, check official road and weather conditions plus your hire-car and insurance requirements for every country. Drive to conditions and avoid a route if local authorities advise against it. For hikes and remote areas, check weather and route information on the day.

Mines and unexploded weapons

Official travel advice identifies mine or unexploded-weapon risks in some remote or war-affected parts of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo and Serbia. Follow signs and local instructions, stay on marked roads and paths, and use an experienced guide where official advice recommends one. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, check the Mine Action Centre before heading into affected areas.

Common safety questions

Is the Balkans safe for travellers?

Safety conditions vary by country, route, season, activity, and current events. Before travel, check the latest official advice for every destination and follow local authorities’ instructions.

What scams or theft risks should I prepare for?

Official advice for several destinations warns about pickpocketing, card fraud, taxi overcharging, or venue overcharging. Keep valuables and cards secure, use licensed or pre-booked transport, check fares where appropriate, and seek local police help if you feel unsafe.

What emergency number should I use?

Save the current emergency contacts for each country on your route before travel. In EU countries, 112 is the free European emergency number from fixed and mobile phones. Do not assume identical 112 coverage or routing in non-EU destinations; check the relevant official country advice.

What should solo women and LGBTQ+ travellers check?

Check the current official advice for each destination, including local legal and social guidance for LGBTQ+ travellers. Use the same practical precautions you would elsewhere: choose licensed or pre-booked transport, keep someone informed of late plans, protect drinks and valuables, and leave any situation that feels unsafe.

Are landmines or unexploded weapons a concern?

Official travel advice identifies mine or unexploded-weapon risks in some remote or war-affected parts of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, and Serbia. Follow signs and local instructions, and stay on marked roads and paths; where official advice recommends it, use an experienced guide.