Poland Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Poland
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated June 5, 2025
Poland recorded 0.8 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places Poland #163 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 (0.8 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.8 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Poland at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
0.8 /100k
Safety Rank
#33 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.8 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.8 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Poland Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Poland, the homicide rate for men is 1.6× higher than the rate for women — 1.0 vs 0.6 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Poland has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
2(2022)
Military Spending
4.2% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Poland:
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise normal precautions in Poland. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Poland. If you decide to travel to Poland: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Poland . Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist . Visit the CDC page for the latestTravel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Poland
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, 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
While Poland has a low crime rate overall, the risk of crime is higher in major cities. Safeguard your belongings in public areas . Thieves and pickpockets operate at major tourist destinations, railroad stations, and on trains (particularly overnight trains), trams, and buses. Report incidents of theft to the police. Do not leave valuables in plain sight inside vehicles . If someone directs you to pull over or signals that something is wrong with your car, continue driving until you reach a safe spot (such as a crowded gas station, supermarket, or a police station) to inspect your vehicle. Only change money at banks or legitimate exchange kiosks (kantor). ATMs at commercial banks, large hotels, shopping malls, and airports are safest. While casinos and gaming establishments are government-regulated, some are affiliated with or have attracted the interest of organized crime.
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. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Poland. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Most scammers pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Tips to avoid scammers: Look for red flags like their location is far away, their profile was recently created or seems to be too good to be true, the pace of the relationship is moving too quickly, or they ask for money. Set up a phone call/video chat in the initial stages. Do a reverse image search on the profile picture. If they ask for help, you should refer them to the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate so we can work with local authorities to assist.
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobiles Devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated and use virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. 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 a GPS app, make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation apps may give you the shortest route without safety considerations. Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and do not consume suspicious food or drinks.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the local police. Report crimes to the local police by calling 112 (multilingual emergency dispatch centers serving Poland and EU countries), and contact the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw at +48 (22) 504-2000 or the U.S. Consulate in Krakow at +48 (12) 424-5100. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Provide a list of health care providers in Poland Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms Provide a list of local attorneys Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence should contact local authorities and the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw or the U.S. Consulate in Krakow for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated. Rules (with regards to best practices and safety inspections) are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers .
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.
Poland Population & Demographics
Population of 36,559,233, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Poland safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Poland 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 Poland?
Poland has an intentional homicide rate of 0.8 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #163 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Poland?
Poland 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 Poland compare to other countries?
Poland'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.