Racism in Eastern Europe For Tourists?

Question

Hello all and thank you for your interest in this question.

Next summer, myself and another friend were planning to do a 4 month Eastern Europe trip - Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Romania, Hungary & Bulgaria.

Ukraine was a possibility as well.

When reading various articles and columns on the amount of racism and discrimination in many of these Eastern European states, I can't help but notice the many warnings to tourists of darker skin color.

I am looking to see if it is safe for darker-skin tourists to visit these countries since this would definitely help us in planning.

Many apologies if this offends anyone, but it would be ideal for us to have first-hand accounts from those who have traveled through here or those that live there.

Again, thank you very much for your help.

Answer 1

You can check the latest news by Amnesty about Ukraine below.

http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updat...

If you are dark skinned, you are advised not to visit those countries, for your safety.

Answer 2

I never been to Slovakia, but I definitely know that it's not like in Hostel - Hostel is just a Hollywood movie, a very bad one, in my personal opinion.

Assuming that you are serious person that doesn't take everything for granted, or rely on Hollywood movies, I will say this:

- maybe there are cases of racism in some of mentioned countries, I can't claim that there isn't, especially if there are reports. But,

- as someone above said, not many black people are actually residents in these countries, so your skin color can easily indicate the fact that you are tourist, which can easily attract robbers and co.

- What I best know are ex-Yugoslavian countries: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro. Thousands of tourists visit these countries every year, especially Croatia and Montenegro during summer. I never heard for any case of racism towards tourists. Bosnia for example is full of foreigners who work for international organizations (civilians) and peacekeeper forces, many of them are black, and they don't just visit, they actually live here. Again, never heard for any case for racism, but even if there was, it's so rare that I just can't remember of any.

On the contrary, according to United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, Balkans countries are safer than the west Europe. Read it yourself:

http://www.worldpress.org/Europe/3190.cf...

Of course, nobody can say that you are 100% safe in any place in the world. But if you ask me, there is no serious reason to be worried.

Answer 3

lol slovakia is nothing like hostel... there are generally no murder-for-pay businesses there. LOL.

Don't let it stop you from going, but you may want to exercise caution. Most people will not give you a problem anywhere in the world but there are always a few you haveb to watch out for.

Answer 4

in serbia...just dont act like a jackass and u'll b fine

Answer 5

Just never go to uncrowded places after 7 or so pm. It's not the racism. There isn't a lot of people with darker skin here so it instantly points out that you are a tourist. Just watch out for sketchy people around you and people usually with tiny pupils (usually alone to 3 people), usually untidy and wearing old sporty clothes (heroin addicts) in large cities, in all of them countries. I say the worst that can happen to you is getting mugged. Always give everything you have before you get stabbed. Also look out for groups of n**i youth, they are common... If you see 3+ people with a bald head and black army boots, run as fast as you can if you are alone to a crowded area. I am being serious about this, I am from the streets. Have a great trip and be really careful. Always pay attention to the people that are around you.

Answer 6

Hi, though I have not been to those East European countries, but I have heard from people who have been there that racism is certainly more than Western Europe. Yours is certainly a valid question, and despite those who are trying to pull your leg, you have every right to ask it.

I would urge you to consider your reasons for trying to visit Eastern Europe. Why are you going there? For tourism? If so, Western Europe offers far better tourism facilities and attractions that in the East. About Bosnia and Montenegro: what prompts you to even consider those countries for tourism? One would think that Russia and Hungary might offer better tourist attractions than those, even within Eastern Europe.

If you have already "been there done that" with Western Europe, still you will be better off sepnding your money in other places like Australia/Malaysia/USA, strictly in terms of tourist attractions than East Europe.

Answer 7

Here's a hint, rent two movies called "Hostel" and "Hostel Two," they'll give you a good idea of what to expect in the God-forgotten country of Slovakia.