Rwanda Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Rwanda
Rwanda recorded 3.6 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2020, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Rwanda #88 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 28% over the past decade (from 2.8 in 2010). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Rwanda at Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel.
Homicide Rate
3.6 /100k
Safety Rank
#108 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 3 of 4
Data Year
2020
Homicide Rate Trend (2006-2020)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 28% over the past decade (from 2.8 in 2010). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Rwanda Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Armed Conflict Context
Rwanda 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
1(2024)
Military Spending
1.3% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Rwanda:
There was no change to the advisory level. The 3 areas of increased risk were combined into 1. The Advisory Summary was updated. Exercise increased caution in Rwanda due to crime and unrest . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Read the entire Do not travel to within 10 kilometers of Rwanda's border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to unrest. Advisory Summary Crime Petty crime like pickpocketing is a risk in urban areas. More serious incidents are less common but can happen. This includes burglary or targeted theft. Stay aware of your surroundings.
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.
Rwanda Population & Demographics
Population of 14,256,567, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rwanda safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Rwanda at Level 3 of 4 (Reconsider Travel). The homicide rate of 3.6 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Rwanda?
Rwanda has an intentional homicide rate of 3.6 per 100,000 people (2020, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #88 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Rwanda?
Rwanda is currently at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Rwanda compare to other countries?
Rwanda's homicide rate of 3.6 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.