Burundi Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Burundi
Burundi recorded 5.7 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2016, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Burundi #64 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 14% over the past decade (from 5.0 in 2012). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Burundi at Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel.
Homicide Rate
5.7 /100k
Safety Rank
#132 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 3 of 4
Data Year
2016
Homicide Rate Trend (2012-2016)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 14% over the past decade (from 5.0 in 2012). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Burundi Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Burundi, the homicide rate for men is 4.2× higher than the rate for women — 9.2 vs 2.2 per 100,000 (2016).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Burundi 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
19(2024)
Military Spending
3.8% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Burundi:
Updated to reflect the end of ordered departure of eligible family members and authorized departure for non-emergency employees and updates to U.S. government employee movement restrictions. Reconsider travel to Burundi due to political violence, crime, and health . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to : The former Central Market located on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore in Bujumbura due to the risk of violent crime . Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces and Kibira National Park due to potential armed violence .
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.
Burundi Population & Demographics
Population of 14,047,786, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burundi safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Burundi at Level 3 of 4 (Reconsider Travel). The homicide rate of 5.7 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Burundi?
Burundi has an intentional homicide rate of 5.7 per 100,000 people (2016, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #64 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Burundi?
Burundi is currently at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Burundi compare to other countries?
Burundi's homicide rate of 5.7 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.