Bolivia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Bolivia
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated April 28, 2026
Bolivia recorded 4.4 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Bolivia #75 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 10% over the past decade (from 4.9 in 2015). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Bolivia at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
4.4 /100k
Safety Rank
#121 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (2015-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 10% over the past decade (from 4.9 in 2015). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Bolivia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Bolivia, the homicide rate for men is 2.3× higher than the rate for women — 5.8 vs 2.5 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 Bolivia:
There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to crime and civil unrest . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to Chapare Province due to crime . Advisory Summary U.S. government employees working in Bolivia need special authorization to travel to Chapare Province due to a higher incidence of crimes associated with narcotrafficking. Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist spots. Stay aware of your surroundings. U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Bolivia
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated May 07, 2026).
Chapare Region
: Criminal groups operate in this region. Also, authorities have used force in past confrontations with residents over coca eradication. Pro-coca groups may try to target U.S. interests. Contact the Embassy before traveling to this regions.
Crime
: Pick pocketing and petty theft are common. Express kidnappings, in which tourists are robbed and forced to withdraw money from ATMs, occur infrequently in La Paz. Use only marked (radio) taxis and don’t travel alone, particularly late at night or if you’re under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Avoid Coronilla Hill in Cochabamba next to the main bus terminal, due to crime. Use caution if you plan to travel from Copacabana to La Paz by bus. Arrive during daylight hours if possible, verify the final destination, and buy tickets directly at the bus terminal. Be aware of impostors. Organized criminal groups sometimes pose as police with the intent to rob foreigners. It is also a common scheme for criminals to pose as a crime victim, only to rob an unsuspecting bystander. Theft of bags, wallets, and backpacks are a problem, especially in tourist areas and on overnight buses.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may happen in response to political or economic issues. They also happen on important holidays and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Avoid roadblocks or public demonstrations. Consider the possibility of flight disruptions. Take extra food, water, and warm clothing on road trips. Roadblocks may occur without warning and could strand you for several days. Messages regarding demonstrations, strikes, and weather-related events are posted on the Embassy’s website .
International Financial Scams
: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
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 110 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +591 (2) 216-8000. After working hours: +591 (2) 216-8000. The National Tourism Police provides free assistance in English to tourists. Contact the La Paz office at 800-14-0081 . Contact the Cochabamba office at +591 (4) 450-3880. In the city of Santa Cruz, contact Interpol at +591 (3) 349-7720. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
Domestic Violence
: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated. Inspectors rarely check equipment and facilities for safety. Hazardous areas and activities might lack proper signs. Staff may lack training or certification by the host government or by recognized authorities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders can't reach areas outside major cities. They can't provide urgent medical treatment there. 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.
Bolivia Population & Demographics
Population of 12,413,315, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bolivia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Bolivia at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 4.4 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Bolivia?
Bolivia has an intentional homicide rate of 4.4 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #75 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Bolivia?
Bolivia 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 Bolivia compare to other countries?
Bolivia's homicide rate of 4.4 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Americas average of 20.8.