Russia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Russia
US State Department Travel Advisory
Do Not Travel
Updated December 29, 2025
Russia recorded 6.8 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2021, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Russia #54 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 40% over the past decade (from 11.2 in 2011). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Russia at Level 4 of 4: Do Not Travel.
Homicide Rate
6.8 /100k
Safety Rank
#142 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 4 of 4
Data Year
2021
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2021)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 40% over the past decade (from 11.2 in 2011). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Russia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Russia, the homicide rate for men is 3.6× higher than the rate for women — 9.9 vs 2.8 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Russia 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
7,670(2024)
Military Spending
7.0% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Russia:
Do not travel to Russia for any reason due to terrorism , unrest , wrongful detention and other risks . U.S. citizens in Russia should leave immediately The U.S. government has limited ability to help U.S. citizens in Russia, especially outside of Moscow. The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has reduced its staff. The Russian government has also restricted travel for embassy personnel. All U.S. consulates in Russia have suspended operations, including consular services. Do not travel to Russia for any reason The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has limited ability to assist in the case of a detention of a U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Russia
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated December 29, 2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack U.S. citizens outside of the United States. They are using simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets. 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) Terrorists continue to plan and carry out attacks in Russia. In 2024, ISIS- Khorasan claimed responsibility for the attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow that killed over 130 people, as well as attacks in Dagestan targeting places of worship. Bomb threats against public venues are common.
North Caucasus Region
A risk of civil and political unrest continues throughout the North Caucasus region including Chechnya, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol Krai, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya. U.S. government employees working in Russia are prohibited from personal travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus. Work-related travel is permissible only if it is mission essential. Local criminal gangs have kidnapped foreigners, including U.S. citizens, for ransom. In the Republic of Chechnya, local authorities may harbor particular hostility towards U.S. travelers. Do not travel to Chechnya or any other areas in the North Caucasus region. Do not attempt to climb Mt. Elbrus, as individuals must pass close to volatile and insecure areas of the North Caucasus region. If you reside in these areas, depart immediately. The U.S.
Harassment
Russian officials have questioned and threatened U.S. citizens without reason. Russian authorities have questioned, detained, and arrested people for “acting against Russia's interests.” Local authorities have targeted people for posting on social media or supporting so-called "anti-Russian" groups. They have punished people for criticizing the government or military. Harassment of U.S.-based religious and student groups can take place in Russia, and you should be aware of the possibility of anti-U.S. sentiment or harassment. U.S. citizens, including current and former U.S. government and military personnel, may be subject to additional scrutiny by Russian security services. Remain alert, avoid any protests or demonstrations, and use discretion when commenting publicly on political developments. You can find safety and security alerts on the Embassy’s website .
Crime
Crimes against tourists do occur at popular tourist sites and on public transportation. Russian authorities are not always willing to investigate crimes. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Exercise caution in the vicinity of large crowds. Do not leave bags unattended. Never leave your drink unattended in a bar or club. Alcohol is a significant factor in most criminal activity reported by foreign visitors. Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
Demonstrations
Avoid public demonstrations. In Russia, peaceful assembly and freedom of speech are not protected by the authorities. U.S. citizens should avoid protests and avoid taking photos of security staff at these events. Russian authorities have arrested U.S. citizens who have joined protests. Russian and U.S. citizens have been detained for posts on social media.
Scams
Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Russia. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information. Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Hackers and organized crime groups often work together.
Electronic devices
Travelers should carefully consider whether they need personal electronics while in or transiting though Russia and, if so, what information is stored on those devices. The Russian security services, under the auspices of the System for Operative-Investigative Measures (in Russian, SORM), have the legal authority to monitor, intercept, and store telephone, cellular, and internet traffic passing through or within Russia. Russian security services have arrested U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals based on information found on electronic devices. This includes information that was created, transmitted, or stored while in another country.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of crime are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Moscow for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 02 or 102, or 112 if using a mobile phone, and the U.S. Embassy at +7 495 728-5000 or moscowacs@state.gov . Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. U.S. law enforcement agencies do not have jurisdiction to investigate crimes against U.S. citizens that occur on Russian territory. 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 a victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Moscow for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry in Russia is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Review 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.
Russia Population & Demographics
Population of 143,533,851, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
China
0.5 /100k
Level 2
Ukraine
3.8 /100k
Level 4
Poland
0.8 /100k
Level 1
North Korea
—
Level 4
Kazakhstan
2.5 /100k
Level 1
Azerbaijan
2.2 /100k
Level 3
Belarus
2.4 /100k
Level 4
Finland
1.0 /100k
Level 1
Norway
0.7 /100k
Level 1
Georgia
2.0 /100k
Level 1
Mongolia
5.9 /100k
Level 1
Lithuania
2.6 /100k
Level 1
Latvia
2.5 /100k
Level 1
Estonia
1.5 /100k
Level 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Russia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Russia at Level 4 of 4 (Do Not Travel). Cited risks include terrorism, wrongful detention. The homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Russia?
Russia has an intentional homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 people (2021, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #54 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Russia?
Russia is currently at Level 4: Do Not Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Russia compare to other countries?
Russia's homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Europe average of 1.6.