Posted on 12/23/2005 4:07:07 AM PST by kronos77
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and on Safety and Security - Terrorism and Crime and Local Laws. The overall level of the advice has not changed. [top] Summary
* We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Bosnia because of the risk of being caught up in incidents associated with ethnic tension or criminal activity, including violent attacks. * Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks. * Australia has a Consulate in Sarajevo headed by an Honorary Consul which provides limited consular assistance. The Australian Embassy in Vienna provides full consular assistance to Australians in Bosnia and Herzegovina. * Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas: o organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy o register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency o subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
On this page: Summary Safety and Security Local Laws Entry and Exit Requirements Health Issues Where to Get Help [top] Safety and Security Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers. There is a risk of terrorist attack in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Since October 2005, a number of individuals have been arrested in Bosnia and Herzegovina on suspicion of planning terrorist attacks. Civil Unrest/Political Tension
Serious ethnic and religious tensions remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina and have the potential to turn into violent incidents.
You should avoid protests and demonstrations as they may become violent and foreigners could be targeted. Crime
We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Bosnia because of the risk of being caught up in incidents associated with ethnic tension or criminal activity, including violent attacks. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
There is an increasing incidence of violent crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including organised shoot-outs and explosive attacks. Firearms and explosives are widely available. The number of muggings and home robberies is also on the increase.
Petty-crime such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching is also prevalent, particularly at markets and bars, at train and bus terminals, and on public transport. Local Travel
Widespread danger from unmarked landmines and other unexploded ordnance continues throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly on minor roads, unpaved surfaces and in abandoned or derelict buildings. Money and Valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques and cash.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina credit cards, debit cards and travellers� cheques are not widely accepted. Often cash payment in the local currency is expected. Check with your bank on the availability of ATMs and banking services before heading overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
Since 1 July 2005, Australians have been required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports. For Parents
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or child care facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Childwise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council. [top] Local Laws
When you are in Bosnia and Herzegovina, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for the possession, use or trafficking of drugs, including cannabis, include heavy fines and imprisonment.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia. Information for Dual Nationals
Bosnia and Herzegovina does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit the ability of the Australian Government to provide consular assistance if you are arrested or detained.
Australian/Bosnia and Herzegovina dual nationals may be required to complete national service obligations if they visit Bosnia and Herzegovina. For further information, contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina before you travel.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals. [top] Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the most up to date information.
You do not require a visa for stays of up to three months in Bosnia and Herzegovina. If you are intending to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for longer than three months you should obtain a temporary residence permit. If you are staying in Bosnia and Herzegovina for more than 30 days you are required to register at the local police station. [top] Health Issues
Medical and dental facilities are limited, particularly outside major towns. If you require medical attention, you may be expected to provide payment upfront in cash.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for staying healthy while travelling overseas.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. [top] Where to Get Help
Australia has a Consulate in Bosnia and Herzegovina headed by an Honorary Consul. The Consulate provides limited consular assistance which does not include the issue of Australian passports. You can obtain full consular assistance from the Australian Embassy with consular responsibility for Bosnia and Herzegovina which is in Vienna:
Australian Embassy Mattiellistrasse 2-4 1040 Vienna AUSTRIA Telephone + 43 1 506 740 Facsimile + 43 1 513 1656 E-mail austemb@aon.at
Contact details for the Consulate are:
Australian Consulate Obala Kulina bana 15/I 71000 Sarajevo BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA Telephone +387 33 206 167 Facsimile +387 33 251 238
If you are travelling to Bosnia and Herzegovina, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register on-line or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305. This Advice was issued on Tuesday, 20 December 2005, 16:36:29, EST.
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