Montenegro Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Montenegro
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated November 26, 2024
Montenegro recorded 0.8 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places Montenegro #164 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 rates have fallen 50% over the past decade (from 1.6 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Montenegro at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
0.8 /100k
Safety Rank
#32 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (2002-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 50% over the past decade (from 1.6 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Montenegro Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Montenegro, the homicide rate for men is 4.4× higher than the rate for women — 1.3 vs 0.3 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 Montenegro:
Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise normal precautions in Montenegro. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Montenegro. If you decide to travel to Montenegro: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter . Review the Country Security Report for Montenegro. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Montenegro
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 21, 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, rudimentary Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and vehicles – to more effectively 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 Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Crime
Police have limited ability to speak English. Violent crime is rare. Robberies at ATMs increase during the May to September tourist season. Visitors should protect their PINs when using ATMs and track their card activity.
Demonstrations
occur often and some of them can be anti-American. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. Some are during politically significant holidays, and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable and have the potential to escalate. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Security alerts about demonstrations are posted on the Embassy’s website. Montenegrins are generally open and hospitable to visitors, yet visitors should remain vigilant to the possibility they might encounter anti-foreign sentiment.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime
Visitors in need of emergency assistance may dial 112 to report a crime or request help. 112 is the common emergency telephone number for Europe and may be dialed from mobile telephones even with a foreign SIM card. Victims of crime may also contact the U.S. Embassy at +382 20 410 500. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. U.S. insurance providers may require a local police report to claim losses from theft or property damage. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
Tourism
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are uncommon. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage. Medical personnel may not be trained or certified either by the government or by licensed authorities. In the event of an injury, medical treatment may only be available in/near cities. Outside of cities, urgent medical care may not be available. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage . Montenegrin nightclubs are popular with foreign tourists. These establishments are often crowded and do not follow U.S. standards for occupancy control or fire safety.
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.
Montenegro Population & Demographics
Population of 623,525, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montenegro safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Montenegro at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 0.8 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Montenegro?
Montenegro has an intentional homicide rate of 0.8 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #164 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Montenegro?
Montenegro 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 Montenegro compare to other countries?
Montenegro's homicide rate of 0.8 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Europe average of 1.6.