Spain Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Spain
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated May 12, 2025
Spain recorded 0.7 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places Spain #170 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 (0.6 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.7 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Spain at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
0.7 /100k
Safety Rank
#26 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 (0.6 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.7 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Spain Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Spain, the homicide rate for men is 2.0× higher than the rate for women — 0.9 vs 0.5 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 Spain:
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in Spain due to terrorism and civil unrest . Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Spain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and target: Tourist locations Transportation centers (airports/train stations) Markets and shopping malls Local government facilities Hotels, clubs, and restaurants Places of worship and educational institutions Parks Major sporting and cultural events Demonstrations are common.
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.
Spain Population & Demographics
Population of 48,848,840, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spain safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Spain at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Spain?
Spain has an intentional homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #170 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Spain?
Spain 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 Spain compare to other countries?
Spain's homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Europe average of 1.6.