Argentina Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Argentina
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated May 20, 2026
Argentina recorded 4.5 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Argentina #72 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 38% over the past decade (from 7.2 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Argentina at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
4.5 /100k
Safety Rank
#124 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (2001-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 38% over the past decade (from 7.2 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Argentina Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Argentina, the homicide rate for men is 4.7× higher than the rate for women — 7.5 vs 1.6 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Argentina:
The health risk indicator was added. There were no changes to the advisory level. Advisory summary was updated. Updated to include Health Information. Exercise normal precautions in Argentina due to health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Health The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Level 1 Travelers' Health Notice for Andes virus (Hantavirus) in the region. The risk for most travelers is extremely low; the United States is working with international partners to investigate and prevent further viral spread.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Argentina
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated March 11, 2025).
Demonstrations
occur frequently in Buenos Aires and take place in other cities as well. Protesters often block streets and highways. Demonstrations are usually nonviolent, but always have the potential to turn confrontational. Avoid demonstrations if possible.
Crime
Street crime is a problem in most urban areas including Buenos Aires City, Buenos Aires province, Rosario, and Mendoza. Look out for muggers, pickpockets, scam artists, cellphone and purse-snatchers who work on the street, in restaurants and hotel lobbies, at bus and train stations, in public transportation, and in cruise ship ports. In Buenos Aires City, the (San Telmo, La Boca, Retiro, and Florida Street areas experience higher crime rates.) Areas outside of the city with higher levels of violent crime include Rosario, and the Buenos Aires suburbs of Lomas de Zamora, Quilmes, and Moreno. Although the La Boca neighborhood is a well-known tourist destination, there have been violent robberies in the daytime as well as nighttime. Stay on the main streets in the tourist zone and use radio taxis to and from the neighborhood.
Robberies
Robberies involving motorcycles (called “motochorros”) occur frequently in cities. These thieves normally operate in pairs: one operates the bike, an the other jumps off and takes the watches, purses, and backpacks of pedestrians. The motochorros also reach, or break, into cars to snatch valuable items. Robberies involving drugs that incapacitate victims are becoming more common in Argentina. Thieves use dating apps to schedule “dates,” at a hotel room or private residence and then drug and rob the victim. Individuals have also been drugged at bars when socializing with strangers. Criminals identify potential drugging victims in bars, night clubs, or through dating apps. Consider meeting in a public area and always be cautious of accepting drinks from people or allowing others to have access to your drink. Be cautious when using ATMs.
General Precautions
Do not place handbags on the back of your chair or on the floor at a restaurant. Keep them in your lap. Do not leave your drink unattended. Do not leave cellphones on tables at restaurants. Avoid openly displaying your cell phone Travelers should not pack valuables in checked bags. Avoid using ATMs in unfamiliar, secluded, or lightly protected areas.
Climbing, Hiking, and Trekking: Do not trek alone.
The U.S. Embassy in Argentina strongly discourages U.S. citizens from hiking alone or even separating from larger traveling parties while on a trail. In recent years, U.S. citizens and other foreigners have disappeared or been seriously injured while solo climbing/hiking and trekking. Sexual assaults have been reported against solo hikers and bikers on trails in regions along the border with Chile. Hike in groups and remain alert to your surroundings . Follow Park Ranger and Search and Rescue Team advice and instructions. Update your SOS or GPS emergency locator information. Make sure your device is enabled to function in the park and your provider has the correct information for authorities. Add local rescue teams as your first emergency contact (see recourses below) and add the U.S. Embassy’s emergency contact phone number as an alternative: +54-11 5777-4354.
Tourism
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, hospitals can provide urgent medical treatment, though very serious injuries often require medical evacuation. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at the numbers below and contact the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires : Dial 911 to report emergencies, call the police, an ambulance, or the fire department. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
We can
Replace a lost or stolen passport Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home Provide information on victims' compensation programs in the U.S . Provide a list of local lawyers who speak English
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Argentina Population & Demographics
Population of 45,696,159, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Argentina safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Argentina at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). Cited risks include health. The homicide rate of 4.5 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Argentina?
Argentina has an intentional homicide rate of 4.5 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #72 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Argentina?
Argentina is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Argentina compare to other countries?
Argentina's homicide rate of 4.5 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Americas average of 20.8.