Botswana Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Botswana
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated February 26, 2024
Botswana recorded 11.4 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2021, a rate that is high by global standards. That places Botswana #35 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 22% over the past decade (from 9.3 in 2020). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Botswana at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
11.4 /100k
Safety Rank
#161 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2021
Homicide Rate Trend (2001-2021)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 22% over the past decade (from 9.3 in 2020). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Botswana Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Botswana:
Updated to include information on crime. Exercise increased caution in Botswana due to crime. Country Summary: Crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common in Botswana. Potentially violent crimes, such as home invasions, break-ins, "smash and grabs" from vehicles stopped at intersections and from locked cars in shopping mall parking lots, cell phone thefts, and muggings are routinely reported to police. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Botswana.
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.
Botswana Population & Demographics
Population of 2,521,139, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Botswana safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Botswana at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include crime. The homicide rate of 11.4 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Botswana?
Botswana has an intentional homicide rate of 11.4 per 100,000 people (2021, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #35 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Botswana?
Botswana 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 Botswana compare to other countries?
Botswana's homicide rate of 11.4 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Africa average of 7.6.