Kiribati Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Kiribati
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated December 2, 2024
Kiribati recorded 7.1 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2012, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Kiribati #51 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Oceania average of 5.9 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 Kiribati at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
7.1 /100k
Safety Rank
#145 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2012
Homicide Rate Trend (1996-2012)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Kiribati Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Kiribati:
Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise normal precautions in Kiribati. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Kiribati. Commercial transportation to/from Kiribati is sporadically available. If you decide to travel to Kiribati: Monitor local media. Bring a sufficient supply of over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter .
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Kiribati
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated May 12, 2025).
Public Safety
Limited information regarding public safety precautions in Kiribati is available online. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency . Messages are also located on the U.S. Embassy’s website .
Crime
The crime rate in Kiribati is low; however, you should still not be complacent regarding your personal safety or protecting your valuables.
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. 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 are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or other crimes are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance at +(679) 331-4466, or after hours to the Embassy duty officer at +(679) 772-8049. Report crimes to the local police by dialing 992. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See 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 Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near Funafuti . First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See 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.
Kiribati Population & Demographics
Population of 134,518, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kiribati safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Kiribati at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 7.1 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Kiribati?
Kiribati has an intentional homicide rate of 7.1 per 100,000 people (2012, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #51 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Kiribati?
Kiribati 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 Kiribati compare to other countries?
Kiribati's homicide rate of 7.1 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Oceania average of 5.9.