Denmark Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Denmark
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated September 17, 2024
Denmark recorded 0.8 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places Denmark #161 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 (0.8 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.8 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Denmark at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
0.8 /100k
Safety Rank
#35 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.8 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.8 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Denmark Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Denmark, the homicide rate for men is 2.0× higher than the rate for women — 1.1 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 Denmark:
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in the Kingdom of Denmark due toterrorism. Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the Kingdom of Denmark. Terrorists can attack with little or no warning. They could target tourist spots, transport hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of religious importance, parks, major sporting and cultural events, schools, airports, and other public areas. The Kingdom of Denmark consists of Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Denmark
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated July 10, 2025).
Terrorism
Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. 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.
Crime
Organized crime groups operate in Denmark, including in and around Copenhagen. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings and immediately leave the area if they feel threatened. In response to crime, Danish police may establish “Search Zones” to stop and search individuals at random.
Pickpockets
and purse-snatchers operate aggressively in areas frequented by tourists, on trains and buses, and at transit stations, including Copenhagen Central Station, Copenhagen Airport, and quays. Do not place any bags containing valuables, such as your passport or credit cards, on the ground or on the back of a chair in public places, such as restaurants, bars, and cafes. Monitor your personal electronics, which are particularly attractive to thieves. Review the OSAC Crime and Safety Report for more information on crime in Denmark. When traveling or living in the Kingdom of Denmark, you should: Be aware of the local security situation and take appropriate steps to bolster your personal security. Monitor media and local information sources, and incorporate updated information and recommendations into your travel plans and activities.
Demonstrations
occur regularly in Denmark. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on holidays, or during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Large public gatherings can affect public and private transportation. Monitor local media for updates and traffic advisories.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +45 3341-7100 for assistance. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. If you are victim of crime in the Faroe Islands, please contact the Embassy at +45 3341-7100 for further assistance. 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 United States provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of destitution help you find accommodation and arrange flights home in cases of destitution replace a stolen or lost passport
Victim Compensation Program
Denmark has a program to provide financial compensation to victims who suffer serious injuries due to crime. You must file a police report within 72 hours. Local police or the Danish Criminal Injuries Compensation Board can provide the forms to file for compensation. The expected case processing time can be found in the acknowledgment letter that the board sends to you or your representative when the board has received the application for compensation and the criminal case from the police. More information about compensation payments to victims of serious crime is available at the Compensation Board’s website.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance by calling +45 3341-7100. Domestic violence victims are also encouraged to file a police report with local police by calling 112.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules regarding 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 arrive and 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 coverage abroad.
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.
Denmark Population & Demographics
Population of 5,976,992, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denmark safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Denmark at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 0.8 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Denmark?
Denmark has an intentional homicide rate of 0.8 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #161 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Denmark?
Denmark 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 Denmark compare to other countries?
Denmark'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.