Bulgaria Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Bulgaria
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated October 9, 2025
Bulgaria recorded 1.1 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Bulgaria #147 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Europe average of 1.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 27% over the past decade (from 1.5 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Bulgaria at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
1.1 /100k
Safety Rank
#49 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 27% over the past decade (from 1.5 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Bulgaria Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Bulgaria, the homicide rate for men is 1.5× higher than the rate for women — 1.3 vs 0.9 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 Bulgaria:
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Advisory Sumary Exercise normal precautions in Bulgaria. If you decide to travel to Bulgaria: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Bulgaria. Whether you're a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist .
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Bulgaria
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated December 04, 2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, 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, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) The U.S. Department of State has assessed Sofia as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Crime
U.S. government personnel are not prohibited from traveling to any specific areas of Bulgaria due to crime. Most criminal acts in Bulgaria take place in Sofia. Other districts with a slightly lower level of crime than Sofia are Varna, Plovdiv, Burgas, and Stara Zagora. The lowest crime levels are in the districts of Smolyan, Kardzhali, Vidin, Silistra, and Razgrad. Most of Bulgaria experienced a decrease in crime in 2021 compared to 2020. ATM skimming, credit card fraud, and traffic incidents remain the most common threats to U.S. citizens in Bulgaria. Majority of incidents involving U.S. citizens are monetary in nature, though incidents of racism, ethnic slurs, and harassment of African Americans and religious minorities have occurred. Report crimes to the police by dialing 112.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on significant holidays, and during international events. They mainly occur in downtown Sofia in the areas surrounding and between Parliament and the Presidency. Demonstrations can be unpredictable; even those intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Exercise caution if unexpectedly found in the vicinity of large gatherings or demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. In an emergency, U.S. citizens should call the police (#112), seek a safe location, and wait for assistance. Messages regarding demonstrations are posted on the Embassy's website .
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.
Bulgaria Population & Demographics
Population of 6,441,421, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bulgaria safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Bulgaria at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria has an intentional homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #147 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Bulgaria?
Bulgaria 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 Bulgaria compare to other countries?
Bulgaria'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.