Belgium Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Belgium
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated May 22, 2025
Belgium recorded 1.1 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2021, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Belgium #148 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Europe average of 1.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Belgium at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
1.1 /100k
Safety Rank
#48 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2021
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2021)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Belgium Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Belgium, the homicide rate for men is 10.5× higher than the rate for women — 2.0 vs 0.2 per 100,000 (2021).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Belgium has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
3(2018)
Military Spending
1.3% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Belgium:
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in Belgium due to terrorism. Country Summary: There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other related activities in Belgium. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target: Tourist locations Transportation hubs (e.g. airports, train stations, mass transit) Markets and shopping malls Local government buildings Hotels, clubs, and restaurants Places of worship Parks Major sporting, music, and cultural events Schools Public areas Visit the U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
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.
Belgium Population & Demographics
Population of 11,858,610, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belgium safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Belgium at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Belgium?
Belgium has an intentional homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 people (2021, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #148 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Belgium?
Belgium is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Belgium compare to other countries?
Belgium's homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Europe average of 1.6.