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
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.