Iceland Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Iceland
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated May 5, 2026
Iceland recorded 1.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Iceland #136 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 (0.3 per 100,000 in 2013, 1.3 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Iceland at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
1.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#60 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1996-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.3 per 100,000 in 2013, 1.3 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Iceland Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Iceland, the homicide rate for men is 3.8× higher than the rate for women — 2.0 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 Iceland:
Exercise normal precaution in Iceland . Iceland is generally a safe destination for travelers. Iceland regularly experiences quickly changing weather, dangerous natural features, active volcanoes, and earthquakes. Review our information on weather and natural disasters in Iceland. Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Review our travel guidance for Iceland to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Iceland
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated March 28, 2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Tourism infrastructure Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) Please view the current Travel Advisory for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza for detailed information regarding the terrorism threat in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Mortar and Rocket Fire or Hostile Aircraft Intrusion
In the event of mortar or rocket fire or Hostile Aircraft Intrusion , a “red alert” siren may be activated. Treat all such alerts as real. Follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. U.S. government personnel and their family members may be restricted from traveling to areas affected by rocket activity, sirens, and/or the opening of bomb shelters. For additional information on appropriate action to take upon hearing a siren or explosion, see the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command website (available on devices within Israel) or view the Preparedness Information. U.S. citizens may also wish to download the free Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command application on Android or Apple devices to receive real-time security and safety alerts.
Crime
The crime rate is moderate in Israel and the West Bank. Parked vehicle break-ins are common at public beach areas, national parks, and other tourist sites. Vehicle theft also remains a problem. U.S. citizens should not leave their valuables (including passports) unattended in parked vehicles, on the beach, or unsecured in hotels. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings in tourist areas and watch for crimes of opportunity, such as pickpockets. The crime rate in Gaza is now unknown given the ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Hamas. For additional information, read the most recent Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Crime and Safety Report for Israel .
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Technology Usage Abroad
: Mobiles Devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices include making sure all software (operating system and apps) are updated prior to traveling abroad and using virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible while abroad. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS navigation applications (apps) can help you get around in a foreign country. Prior to using a 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 accounting for the safety of that route. Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police. The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Israel and the West Bank is 100 for police, 101 for an ambulance, and 102 for the fire department. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact U.S. Embassy Jerusalem or Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv for assistance. You can reach U.S. Embassy Jerusalem or Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv at the contact information provided above. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should contact local police and/or the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (#118 from a local cell phone or via text at +972-50-227-0018) but may also contact U.S. Embassy Jerusalem or Embassy Branch Office Tel Aviv to report it.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated in Israel and the West Bank. Rules with regards to general practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and trained staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.
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.
Iceland Population & Demographics
Population of 386,506, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iceland safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Iceland at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Iceland?
Iceland has an intentional homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #136 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Iceland?
Iceland is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Iceland compare to other countries?
Iceland's homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Europe average of 1.6.