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
Safety Guidance for Botswana
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated August 01, 2023).
CRIME
Non-confrontational crime and crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, are common. Home invasions, break-ins, “smash and grabs” from vehicles at intersections and from locked cars in shopping mall parking lots, cell phone thefts, and muggings - often at knife point, are routinely reported to police. Hotels and lodges are not immune from criminal activity. Visitors should remain alert and take reasonable precautions to safeguard personal property (particularly money and electronic equipment). Crime is also reported in game parks, nature reserves, and remote areas frequented by tourists.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to local police at 999 and if American Citizen Services assistance is required, contact the U.S. Embassy at + (267) 395-3982. The Botswana Police Service is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. 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 explain the local criminal justice process in general terms provide a list of local attorneys provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. If you are at risk for bodily injury, contact the Botswana Police Service immediately for assistance
Tourism
The tourism industry in Botswana is unevenly regulated. Many tourism operators provide top quality equipment and facilities; however, authorities conduct annual safety inspections for equipment and facilities inconsistently. Hazardous areas/activities are often, but not always, identified with appropriate signage, and some staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available in the capital, Gaborone, and in the cities of Maun, Francistown, and Kasane. First responders are generally able to access areas outside of the capital and to provide medical treatment, however there may be delays reaching remote areas. 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.
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.