| GENESIS-SCI TRAVEL WARNINGS & ALAERTS |
June 4, 2002
This Travel Warning has been revised to update security information. The situation has largely stabilized;
nevertheless, occasional localized political violence, land mines, and unexploded ordnance still pose risks
to travelers. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Bosnia and Herzegovina dated April
13, 2001.
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the potential danger of travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The situation has largely stabilized since the Dayton Peace Accords halted the war in Bosnia and
Herzegovina in 1995; nevertheless, there are still risks from occasional localized political violence, land
mines, and unexploded ordnance. There were outbreaks of mob violence in reaction to a financial crisis in
Bosnia in 2001. Violence was directed against the international community, including American citizens.
The communities where the violence took place include Mostar, Medjugorje, Grude, Posusje, Livno,
Tomislavgrad, Banja Luka and Siroki Brijeg.
There is also a risk of getting caught up in local violence. Attacks against minority returnees, especially in
the eastern and western parts of the country, continue. Increased operations to capture persons indicted
for war crimes may provoke local disruptions and protests, especially in the eastern parts of the country.
The international community, including American interests, continue to be the targets of occasional threats.
Due to credible threats to U.S. facilities, the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo on several occasions closed for
short periods during 2001. U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert, and
periodically may close temporarily or suspend public services to review their security posture. In those
instances, the Embassy will make every effort to continue providing emergency services to American
citizens.
Official U.S. Government employees and affiliated personnel under the Embassy's authority are subject to
periodic travel restrictions when the security situation warrants it. These restrictions are subject to change
on short notice, and Americans who visit Bosnia-Herzegovina should contact the Embassy in Sarajevo for
updated security information. Although mine and unexploded ordnance clearance continues, there are still
estimated to be more than 500,000 mines and various unexploded ordnance found around the country.
While urban areas have been largely cleared, the location of some minefields is unknown, and the demining
community advises people to remain on hard-surface areas. Abandoned and destroyed buildings should
not be approached, as they often are still surrounded by uncleared mines.
Persons considering travel to Bosnia should check the latest information available before traveling. It is
always recommended to avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay alert for changes
in the security situation. It may not be possible to provide consular services to U.S. citizens in areas where
local authorities will not cooperate with or protect USG officials. Americans in Bosnia and Herzegovina,
visiting or resident, are urged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo and to consult the Embassy for
updated safety and security information.
This Travel Warning has been revised to update security information. The situation has largely stabilized;
nevertheless, occasional localized political violence, land mines, and unexploded ordnance still pose risks
to travelers. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Bosnia and Herzegovina dated April
13, 2001.
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the potential danger of travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The situation has largely stabilized since the Dayton Peace Accords halted the war in Bosnia and
Herzegovina in 1995; nevertheless, there are still risks from occasional localized political violence, land
mines, and unexploded ordnance. There were outbreaks of mob violence in reaction to a financial crisis in
Bosnia in 2001. Violence was directed against the international community, including American citizens.
The communities where the violence took place include Mostar, Medjugorje, Grude, Posusje, Livno,
Tomislavgrad, Banja Luka and Siroki Brijeg.
There is also a risk of getting caught up in local violence. Attacks against minority returnees, especially in
the eastern and western parts of the country, continue. Increased operations to capture persons indicted
for war crimes may provoke local disruptions and protests, especially in the eastern parts of the country.
The international community, including American interests, continue to be the targets of occasional threats.
Due to credible threats to U.S. facilities, the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo on several occasions closed for
short periods during 2001. U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert, and
periodically may close temporarily or suspend public services to review their security posture. In those
instances, the Embassy will make every effort to continue providing emergency services to American
citizens.
Official U.S. Government employees and affiliated personnel under the Embassy's authority are subject to
periodic travel restrictions when the security situation warrants it. These restrictions are subject to change
on short notice, and Americans who visit Bosnia-Herzegovina should contact the Embassy in Sarajevo for
updated security information. Although mine and unexploded ordnance clearance continues, there are still
estimated to be more than 500,000 mines and various unexploded ordnance found around the country.
While urban areas have been largely cleared, the location of some minefields is unknown, and the demining
community advises people to remain on hard-surface areas. Abandoned and destroyed buildings should
not be approached, as they often are still surrounded by uncleared mines.
Persons considering travel to Bosnia should check the latest information available before traveling. It is
always recommended to avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay alert for changes
in the security situation. It may not be possible to provide consular services to U.S. citizens in areas where
local authorities will not cooperate with or protect USG officials. Americans in Bosnia and Herzegovina,
visiting or resident, are urged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo and to consult the Embassy for
updated safety and security information.
| BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA |
