Bhutan Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Bhutan
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated October 20, 2025
Bhutan recorded 2.5 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2020, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Bhutan #104 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Bhutan at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
2.5 /100k
Safety Rank
#92 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2020
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2020)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Bhutan Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Bhutan, the homicide rate for men is 2.4× higher than the rate for women — 3.4 vs 1.4 per 100,000 (2020).
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 Bhutan:
Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise normal precautions in Bhutan. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Bhutan. If you decide to travel to Bhutan: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Bhutan. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Bhutan
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated June 27, 2025).
Crime
There is relatively little crime in Bhutan. Take reasonable precautions when visiting major towns. This is especially true when going out at night. Petty crime, like pickpocketing and purse snatching, is occasionally reported. Burglaries, theft, robbery, stolen vehicles, and assault related to skin color, ethnic origin, and religion have increased in recent years. Police report increased arrests related to drug/alcohol abuse and marijuana. Police report an increase in reported rape cases. Tobacco sale is unlawful. Foreigners caught selling tobacco to Bhutanese can be charged with smuggling. Authorities will seize the tobacco and treat it as contraband.
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India, for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 113 and contact the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India at +(91) (11) 2419-8000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and once it is complete Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States.
Domestic Violence
If you are a U.S. citizen victim of domestic violence in Bhutan, you are encouraged to contact the Embassy in New Delhi, India for help.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated. Rules with regards to general practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Trained staff are usually there to help with organized activities. Hazardous areas and activities are not always labeled properly. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to buy medical evacuation insurance. Review our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage
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.
Bhutan Population & Demographics
Population of 791,524, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bhutan safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Bhutan at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 2.5 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Bhutan?
Bhutan has an intentional homicide rate of 2.5 per 100,000 people (2020, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #104 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Bhutan?
Bhutan 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 Bhutan compare to other countries?
Bhutan's homicide rate of 2.5 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and above the Asia average of 2.0.