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
Safety Guidance for Guatemala
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated April 30, 2025).
Crime
While tourists are not usually the targets of violent crime, they can still become victims of theft. Do not leave valuables in vehicles or unattended. Some areas of Guatemala have problems with gangs, extortion, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and murder. Reports of sexual violence are also common, and support for victims is limited. Local police may not have the resources to handle serious crime effectively, leading to low arrest and conviction rates.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may occur on politically significant holidays and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Scams
Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Guatemala. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information. Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include: Romance/Online dating Money transfers Lucrative sales Gold purchase Contracts with promises of large commissions Grandparent/Relative targeting Free Trip/Luggage Lotteries Inheritance notices Work permits/job offers Bank overpayments
Technology Usage Abroad
: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. Enable multi-factor authentication if possible. If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS navigation apps can be helpful. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. A GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety considerations.
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 through the tourist assistance program which is available 24/7. Call 1500 from a Guatemalan phone or (502) 2290-2810 or send a message on WhatsApp to +502-5188-1819. You can also contact the U.S. Embassy through our U.S. Citizens Services Navigator . Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. Review 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 . We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Review our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage ).
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.