Switzerland Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Switzerland
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated May 20, 2025
Switzerland recorded 0.6 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places Switzerland #177 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Europe average of 1.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.7 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.6 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Switzerland at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
0.6 /100k
Safety Rank
#19 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.7 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.6 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Switzerland Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Switzerland, the homicide rate for men is 0.9× that of the rate for women — 0.6 vs 0.6 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 Switzerland:
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise normal precautions in Switzerland. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Switzerland. If you decide to travel to Switzerland: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Switzerland. Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the International Traveler's Checklist .
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Switzerland
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 15, 2026).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)
The local
equivalent to the “911” emergency number in Europe, including Switzerland, is “112.” You can also directly dial 144 for medical emergencies, 117 for the police, and 118 for the fire department.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Monitor media and local information sources as well as Embassy Bern’s safety and security webpage , and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. Address specific safety concerns to law enforcement authorities in Switzerland.
Crime
The majority of crimes directed against foreign visitors, including U.S. citizens, involve pick-pocketing, vehicle break-ins, bicycle theft, and other forms of theft. Do not leave bags unattended. Most reported thefts occur at crowded tourist sites, at airports, car rental agencies, on public buses, trams and trains, and at the major railway stations. Visitors to congested and popular tourist areas (e.g., museums, monuments, train stations, airports, and subways) should be particularly attentive to their surroundings. Be alert to criminal schemes. Organized groups of pick-pockets operate at major tourist sites and when conferences, festivals, shows, or exhibitions occur. Thieves frequently work in pairs. For example, one member of the pair creates a disturbance while the other steals your belongings. While the incidence of sexual assault is statistically low, attacks do occur.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 117, and contact the U.S. Embassy at +41 31 357-7011. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Help you find appropriate medical care Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms Provide a list of local attorneys Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support if you are destitute Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home Replace a stolen or lost passport
Alpine hazards
Switzerland is a popular destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts, including skiing, hiking, and mountain climbing. Alpine hazards such as avalanches and snowdrifts, landslides and flooding, glacial crevasses, falling rocks, sun exposure, and sudden weather changes are common year-round. Although safety standards are excellent, visitors need to be aware that public safety warnings are not comparable to those found in the United States. While hiking paths and ski slopes are clearly marked, not all possibly hazardous situations will have clear warning signs. People are expected to use common sense and caution when enjoying the outdoors.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. Local organizations offer counseling and assistance for victims of crime .
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. 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.
Switzerland Population & Demographics
Population of 9,005,582, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Switzerland safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Switzerland at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 0.6 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Switzerland?
Switzerland has an intentional homicide rate of 0.6 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #177 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Switzerland?
Switzerland 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 Switzerland compare to other countries?
Switzerland's homicide rate of 0.6 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Europe average of 1.6.