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
Safety Guidance for Belgium
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated September 20, 2023).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad, including possible attacks in Europe. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, rudimentary IEDs, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, concerts, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks/festivals Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and airports/scheduled commercial flights) For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Crime
Low-level street crime including robberies, smash and grab car robberies, purse snatchings, stealing electronics, and pickpocketing is common, particularly in major cities, in public areas such as restaurants, the Brussels metro at night, buses/trams, and all train stations. Thieves often operate in teams, by bumping into or shoving the target, especially in crowds. Be alert to distractions. Theft from vehicles is common. Always drive with your windows up and the doors locked, as thieves sometimes target cars stopped at traffic lights. Thieves may smash the window and grab valuables. Use parking garages when possible, and if you must use street parking, look for a spot near a street light. Do not leave anything visible on the seats, floor, or dashboard. Theft of bags on trains has increased, particularly the Brussels-Amsterdam route. Thieves often target light bags placed overhead.
Demonstrations
occur frequently . They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Police routinely monitor protestors and demonstrations. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Monitor the Embassy website for demonstration alerts.
International Financial Scams
U.S. citizens have lost tens of thousands of dollars in scams in Belgium. See the Department of State and the FBI pages for more information. Common internet scams include confidence schemes, in which friends, family, or others receive a message that a U.S. citizen traveler is stranded in Belgium and in need of funds to pay for customs fees. U.S. citizens in the United States who have been victimized by Internet crime should report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center . Check ATMs or other machines for skimmers or removeable readers. When possible utilize bank ATMs. In bars and restaurants, have the card swiped in front of you and do not let it be taken away.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 101 . For all other emergencies, please dial 112 . Contact the U.S. Embassy at +(32) (2) 811-4000 . Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. 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.
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.