Colombia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Colombia
US State Department Travel Advisory
Reconsider Travel
Updated April 17, 2025
Colombia recorded 24.9 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the highest in the world. That places Colombia #18 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 fallen 25% over the past decade (from 33.4 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Colombia at Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel.
Homicide Rate
24.9 /100k
Safety Rank
#178 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 3 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 25% over the past decade (from 33.4 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Colombia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Colombia, the homicide rate for men is 13.6× higher than the rate for women — 47.0 vs 3.4 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Colombia has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
225(2024)
Military Spending
3.4% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Colombia:
Updated information on civil unrest and kidnapping. Reconsider travel to Colombia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping . Some areas have an increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to: Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayn), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism . The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime , kidnapping , conflict between armed groups , and the risk of detention . Country Summary : Violent crime, like murder, assault, and robbery, is common in many areas in Colombia. In some places, organized crime is rampant.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Colombia
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated August 11, 2025).
Emergency Phone Numbers
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack American citizens outside of the United States. They use simple methods of attack like knives, explosives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets. High-profile public events (sporting events, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants visited by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights) For more information, see our Terrorism page .
Crime
Crimes and scams against tourists in Colombia are common: Individuals seen as wealthy are the primary targets. Well-organized crime occurs in cities and affluent neighborhoods. Firearms and knives are common in Colombia. Criminals use these in muggings and robberies under the threat of violence. Ride-by robberies of cell phones, bags, and valuables are common. Thieves often spot victims by their visible jewelry, fancy wristwatches, and expensive clothes. Crimes can happen while victims are in public (malls, restaurants, and airports). Narco-trafficking groups, including the Clan del Golfo, often attack civilians and security forces.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Demonstrations can be frequent in the capital city, Bogotá. Past demonstrations have turned violent.
How to Stay Safe
U.S. citizens must always be aware of their surroundings: Check local news and reports Keep a low profile and do not flash wealth (cell phones, cash, jewelry, etc.) Avoid demonstrations
Kidnapping
The Embassy sometimes receives reports of U.S. citizens being kidnapped for ransom in Colombia: Kidnappers may force victims to use multiple ATMs to get money. They may ask relatives or friends to wire money through banks , and sometimes hold victims for long periods. Always tell friends and family your plans, including where and when you’ll arrive or leave places. Give your trusted contacts a unique "alert word" to use if you’re in danger during a phone call. Avoid isolated or unfamiliar areas, stay alert to suspicious behavior, and contact local authorities if you feel threatened.
Dating apps (robberies, murders, and disabling drugs)
Criminals use dating apps to attract victims. They ask to meet in hotels, restaurants, and bars. Many U.S. citizens in Colombia have been drugged, robbed, and even killed by Colombian criminals posing as dates. They often work with accomplices. If using dating apps or websites in Colombia: Let your friends and family know where you are. Meet in a popular public place. Avoid locations where you can be isolated (hotel rooms, private apartments, or houses). Tell your family or friends the details about the person you are meeting and on which site you met them. Include a photo. Set up a video call in the initial stages. Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant. Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible. Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers. Provide a local number to friends and family members in case of a drugging.
Scams
Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Colombia. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams page and the FBI’s page on scams for information. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to. Instead of helping, tell them to call the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. We can work with local authorities or through other channels to assist them. Common scams include: Romance or online dating Money transfers Lucrative sales Gold purchase Contracts with promises of large payments Grandparent or relative targeting Free trip or travel bags Lotteries Inheritance notices Work permits and job offers Bank overpayments Acting as a U.S. government official asking payment for services
ATMs
There have been cases of fraudulent charges or withdrawals from “skimmed” cards: If you use credit or debit cards, check for unauthorized transactions. Limit the amount of cash you carry in public and keep in your checking account. Stay alert when withdrawing cash from ATMs. Avoid ATMs located on the street. ATMs inside banks, shopping malls, or other protected locations are preferable. Use credit cards whenever possible.
Taxis
U.S. government employees are prohibited from hailing taxis on the street due to the risk of robberies and assault. U.S. citizens have been killed during robberies while using taxis hailed on the street. Use a dispatch service or car service app whenever possible.
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.
Colombia Population & Demographics
Population of 52,886,363, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colombia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Colombia at Level 3 of 4 (Reconsider Travel). Cited risks include kidnapping, civil unrest. The homicide rate of 24.9 per 100,000 is among the highest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Colombia?
Colombia has an intentional homicide rate of 24.9 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #18 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Colombia?
Colombia is currently at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Colombia compare to other countries?
Colombia's homicide rate of 24.9 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Americas average of 20.8.