State Department: Bosnia - Herzegovina - Travel Warning, February 19, 1999

Bosnia - Herzegovina - Travel Warning
February 19, 1999

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the potential for increased danger of travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. In particular, the potential exists in the Republika Srpska (RS) entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina for retaliation against United States citizens and interests, as members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are considering military action against neighboring Serbia and Montenegro. Given the recent history in the region, the possibility exists for spontaneous reactions against U.S. citizens in the RS, which might require the withdrawal of U.S. Government personnel at short notice.

U.S. citizens who remain in the RS are advised to be sensitive to their personal security, avoid crowds and demonstrations, remain in touch with their headquarters, monitor local media for any change in the threat level, and be prepared to depart the RS at short notice.

The war in Bosnia and Herzegovina was halted by the Dayton Peace Accords in November 1995. However, there are still risks from occasional localized political violence, landmines, unexploded ordnance, and carjacking. As many as one million landmines are still scattered throughout the country, and visitors are advised to remain on well- trafficked surfaces and roadways. There are also occasional flare-ups of violence, sometimes linked to protests over the return of displaced persons and arrests of war criminals. Visitors should avoid crowds and stay away from demonstrations.

U.S. citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina are urged to contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo to register and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Consular Section is located at Ali Pasina 43, tel. (387)(71)445-700, fax (387)(71) 659-969.

This supersedes the January 12, 1999, Travel Warning on Bosnia and Herzegovina to note the increased danger of travel to the RS.