Ecuador Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Ecuador
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated October 14, 2025
Ecuador recorded 45.7 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the highest in the world. That places Ecuador #6 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 319% over the past decade (from 10.9 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Ecuador at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
45.7 /100k
Safety Rank
#190 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 319% over the past decade (from 10.9 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Ecuador Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Ecuador, the homicide rate for men is 12.7× higher than the rate for women — 84.5 vs 6.7 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Ecuador 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
2(2019)
Military Spending
2.2% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Ecuador:
There was no change to the advisory level. The "terrorism" risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to risk of crime , terrorism , unrest , and kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to these areas due to terrorism and crime : Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqui Avenue. The cities of Huaquillas and Arenillas in the province of El Oro. The cities of Quevedo, Quinsaloma, and Pueblo Viejo in the province of Los Rios. The canton of Duran, in the province of Guayas.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
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.
Ecuador Population & Demographics
Population of 18,135,478, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ecuador safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Ecuador at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include terrorism. The homicide rate of 45.7 per 100,000 is among the highest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Ecuador?
Ecuador has an intentional homicide rate of 45.7 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #6 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Ecuador?
Ecuador 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 Ecuador compare to other countries?
Ecuador's homicide rate of 45.7 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Americas average of 20.8.