Barbados Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Barbados
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated April 10, 2026
Barbados recorded 7.4 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Barbados #50 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 14% over the past decade (from 8.6 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Barbados at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
7.4 /100k
Safety Rank
#146 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 14% over the past decade (from 8.6 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Barbados Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Barbados, the homicide rate for men is 21.7× higher than the rate for women — 14.8 vs 0.7 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 Barbados:
There are no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise normal precautions in Barbados. Barbados is generally a safe destination for travelers. Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Review our travel guidance for Barbados to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Barbados
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated October 03, 2023).
Crime
U.S. citizens are not specifically targeted for crime in Barbados. However, crimes of opportunity such as petty larceny, burglary, automobile break-ins; as well as incidents of violent crime, such as murder, sexual assault, robbery, shootings, and drug related crimes do occasionally occur. As you would in any major metropolitan area of the U.S., use the below personal security measures while traveling: Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas, on beaches, unsecured in hotel rooms, or in rental homes. Avoid walking alone, especially at night, on beaches, and in isolated or poorly lit locations. Go out in groups or with a companion and limit nighttime activities to established safe and reputable venues. Use only clearly marked taxis and avoid rides with strangers. Stick to well-lit and well-traveled routes.
Firearms
Do not enter Barbados with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Barbados government. Please contact the Embassy of Barbados with questions regarding travel with firearms. See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 211 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (246) 227-4000.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance at (246) 227-4000. Watersports Advisory: Carefully assess the potential risks of recreational water activities and consider your physical capabilities and skills. Never venture out alone, particularly at isolated beaches or far out to sea. Avoid entering the water above your waist if you have been drinking and always be mindful of jet ski and boat traffic in the area.
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 are able provide urgent medical treatment, though very serious injuries often require medical evacuation. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
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.
Barbados Population & Demographics
Population of 282,467, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barbados safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Barbados at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 7.4 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Barbados?
Barbados has an intentional homicide rate of 7.4 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #50 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Barbados?
Barbados 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 Barbados compare to other countries?
Barbados's homicide rate of 7.4 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and below the Americas average of 20.8.