Serbia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Serbia
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated April 11, 2025
Serbia recorded 1.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Serbia #135 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 31% over the past decade (from 1.9 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Serbia at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
1.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#61 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (2000-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 31% over the past decade (from 1.9 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Serbia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Serbia, the homicide rate for men is 3.2× higher than the rate for women — 2.0 vs 0.7 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 Serbia:
Reissued with minor changes. Exercise increased caution in Serbia due to crime . Country Summary: Violence associated with organized crime and high-profile sporting events in Serbia is common. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Serbia. If you decide to travel to Serbia: Be aware of your surroundings. Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry. Do not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is. Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
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.
Serbia Population & Demographics
Population of 6,586,476, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Serbia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Serbia at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Serbia?
Serbia has an intentional homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #135 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Serbia?
Serbia is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Serbia compare to other countries?
Serbia'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.