Guatemala Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Guatemala
US State Department Travel Advisory
Reconsider Travel
Updated March 12, 2026
Guatemala recorded 23.4 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the highest in the world. That places Guatemala #20 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 30% over the past decade (from 33.5 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Guatemala at Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel.
Homicide Rate
23.4 /100k
Safety Rank
#176 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 3 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1992-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 30% over the past decade (from 33.5 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Guatemala Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Guatemala, the homicide rate for men is 6.0× higher than the rate for women — 40.2 vs 6.8 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 Guatemala:
There was no change to the advisory level. The "terrorism" risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated. Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime and terrorism . Some areas have higher risks. Please read the full Travel Advisory. Do not travel to: San Marcos Department due to crime and terrorism by cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations. Huehuetenango Department due to crime and terrorism by cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations. Zone 18 in Guatemala City and the city of Villa Nueva due to crime and terrorism by cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations.
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.
Guatemala Population & Demographics
Population of 18,406,359, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guatemala safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Guatemala at Level 3 of 4 (Reconsider Travel). Cited risks include terrorism. The homicide rate of 23.4 per 100,000 is among the highest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Guatemala?
Guatemala has an intentional homicide rate of 23.4 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #20 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Guatemala?
Guatemala 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 Guatemala compare to other countries?
Guatemala's homicide rate of 23.4 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Americas average of 20.8.