Guyana Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Guyana
Guyana recorded 19.1 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is high by global standards. That places Guyana #23 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 remained broadly stable over the past decade. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Guyana at Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel.
Homicide Rate
19.1 /100k
Safety Rank
#173 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 3 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Guyana Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Guyana, the homicide rate for men is 2.3× higher than the rate for women — 27.1 vs 11.6 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 Guyana:
Reissued after periodic review with minor changes. Reconsider travel to Guyana due to crime . Country Summary: Violent crime, including murder and armed robbery, is common, especially at night. Local police often lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Guyana. If you decide to travel to Guyana: Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking or driving at night. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
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.
Guyana Population & Demographics
Population of 831,087, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Guyana safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Guyana at Level 3 of 4 (Reconsider Travel). The homicide rate of 19.1 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Guyana?
Guyana has an intentional homicide rate of 19.1 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #23 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Guyana?
Guyana 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 Guyana compare to other countries?
Guyana's homicide rate of 19.1 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and below the Americas average of 20.8.