Chile Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Chile
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated May 20, 2026
Chile recorded 6.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Chile #58 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 risen 102% over the past decade (from 3.1 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Chile at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
6.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#138 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (2003-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 102% over the past decade (from 3.1 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Chile Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Chile, the homicide rate for men is 8.1× higher than the rate for women — 11.4 vs 1.4 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 Chile:
The health risk indicator was added. There were no changes to the advisory level. Updated to include Health Information. Exercise increased caution in Chile due to crime and civil unrest. Health The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Level 1 Travelers' Health Notice for Andes virus (Hantavirus) in the region. The risk for most travelers is extremely low; the United States is working with international partners to investigate and prevent further viral spread. Review the CDC's Travelers' Health Notice for more information on Andes virus . Country Summary: Street crime (e.g.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Chile
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 21, 2025).
Araucanía Conflict
Some individuals or groups claiming affiliation with the Mapuche indigenous community have sought redress for grievances by burning churches, homes, and pastures, and attacking trucks, buses, and farming/logging equipment, causing property destruction, injuries, and deaths. In 2022, the Government of Chile implemented a State of Emergency in the area that is reevaluated every 15 days. While these groups have mainly targeted forestry corporations and landowners, you should exercise caution in the Araucanía region.
Crime
Street crime, carjackings, telephone scams, credit card fraud, and residential break-ins are common, especially in Santiago, Valparaiso, Viña del Mar, Antofagasta, Calama, and Iquique. Exercise significant caution when touring Cerro Santa Lucia, Cerro San Cristobal, Mercado Central, Plaza de Armas, Bellavista, Yungay, Barrio Lastarria, Persa BioBio, Barrio Meiggs, Patronato, Centro Cultural Estación Mapocho and Los Dominicos in Santiago, or other popular tourist sites as pickpocketing and muggings occur frequently. Small bags and purses have been stolen from hotel lobbies, crowded tourist locations, Santiago’s subway, taxis, and the backs of chairs and floors at bars, restaurants, and cafés. Cell phones are often stolen from restaurant tables. Criminals have drugged and robbed U.S. citizens, leaving them with no memory of events. The murder of a U.S.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 133 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(56) 2 2330-3716. Local authorities are 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 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 in cases of destitution Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home Replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance or call local police at 149.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules about best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand to support 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. See 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.
Chile Population & Demographics
Population of 19,764,771, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chile safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Chile at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include health. The homicide rate of 6.3 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Chile?
Chile has an intentional homicide rate of 6.3 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #58 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Chile?
Chile 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 Chile compare to other countries?
Chile's homicide rate of 6.3 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and below the Americas average of 20.8.