Cyprus Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Cyprus
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated June 1, 2026
Cyprus recorded 0.8 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places Cyprus #162 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 (1.0 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.8 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Cyprus at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
0.8 /100k
Safety Rank
#34 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 (1.0 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.8 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Cyprus Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Cyprus, the homicide rate for men is 9.9× higher than the rate for women — 1.5 vs 0.1 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 Cyprus:
The advisory level decreased to 1. There were no changes to the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations. Exercise Normal Precautions in Cyprus. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Advisory Summary Cyprus is generally a safe destination for travelers. United Nations Buffer Zone Do not try to enter the United Nations buffer zone anywhere other than a designated crossing point. Police and UN peacekeeping forces strictly enforce this restriction.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Cyprus
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 21, 2025).
U.N. Buffer Zone
Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to enter the United Nations buffer zone at any place other than a designated crossing point. Never photograph military installations or anything that could be perceived as being of a security interest. Pay particular attention to areas marked with “no photography” signs. Police on both sides of the island strictly enforce these restrictions .
Terrorism
Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. All European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. Terrorist groups, including their associates, and those inspired by such organizations, are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack -- including edged weapons, pistols, 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.
Crime
Cyprus generally has low crime rates. Be alert and always aware of your surroundings and of your personal belongings. Criminals often target those who are distracted, alone in an isolated area, or impaired. Do not leave any valuables unattended or out in public view. Avoid so-called “night clubs” (topless bars), as they reportedly employ women trafficked to Cyprus for sexual exploitation. Night clubs have presented foreign patrons with grossly-inflated bar tabs, threatening customers who refuse to pay. Scams: Financial crimes conducted over the internet have increased as scammers attempt to convince you to send them money.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police by dialing 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy by dialing 22-393939 . Remember that 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 Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States 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.
For further information
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution , Travel Advisories , and Alerts. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook . See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.
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.
Cyprus Population & Demographics
Population of 1,358,282, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cyprus safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Cyprus at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 0.8 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Cyprus?
Cyprus has an intentional homicide rate of 0.8 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #162 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Cyprus?
Cyprus 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 Cyprus compare to other countries?
Cyprus's homicide rate of 0.8 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Europe average of 1.6.