Syria Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Syria
Syria recorded 2.1 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2010, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Syria #114 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Syria at Level 4 of 4: Do Not Travel.
Homicide Rate
2.1 /100k
Safety Rank
#82 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 4 of 4
Data Year
2010
Homicide Rate Trend (1997-2010)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Syria Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Armed Conflict Context
Syria 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
2,732(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Syria:
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Do not travel to Syria for any reason due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, crime, and armed conflict . Advisory Summary Do not travel to Syria for any reason. The U.S. government suspended U.S. Embassy operations in 2012. The Czech Republic is the protecting power for the United States in Syria. The U.S. government cannot offer emergency or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Syria due to the safety risks.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Syria
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated December 19, 2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and those inspired by them may attempt to target U.S. citizens and interests. Unprotected or vulnerable targets may include. High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Tourist sites, hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship – especially Christian churches Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) Syria has been designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism since 1979 and the Bashar al-Assad regime gave support to a variety of terrorist groups, affecting the stability of the region. Syria is home to several groups hostile to the United States. Terrorists often do not distinguish between U.S. government personnel and private U.S. citizens. U.S.
Crime
Since the suspension of operations of the U.S. Embassy in Damascus in February of 2012, the U.S. government has not been able to provide accurate information about crime involving U.S. citizens visiting or living in Syria. Demonstrations may occur 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. Demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Scams
Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Syria. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for more information.
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. It is illegal in Syria to possess specific-use electronic devices including GPS, short-wave or handheld radio equipment, or similar devices.
Victims of Crime
If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Czechia, through the U.S. Interests Section of the Czech Embassy in Damascus, currently serves as the Protecting Power for U.S. interests in Syria; however, their ability to provide services is extremely limited. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . The U.S. Interests Section, in coordination with nearby U.S. embassies and consulates, may be able to: 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 the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Interests Section of the Czech Embassy in Damascus or U.S. Embassy Amman for assistance.
Tourism
No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place on any level. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment are not available in Syria. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
Syrian Conflict
Sources estimate that prior to Asad’s December 2024 departure, the Syrian conflict had resulted in over 500,000 deaths with hundreds of thousands more wounded, arbitrarily detained, or forcibly disappeared since the conflict began in 2011. The Syrian conflict has resulted in over five million registered Syrian refugees, and millions more displaced inside Syria. More than 14 million people in Syria need humanitarian assistance.
Entities Operating in Syria
The Syrian government controls much of the country, but other armed groups exert control over northeast Syria and pockets of southern Syria. Some armed groups have used car bombs, improvised explosive device/indirect-fire attacks, sniper fire, and carried out kidnappings throughout the country. Foreign combatants – including members of Iran-aligned militia groups, Hizballah fighters, violent extremists, ISIS, and al-Qa'ida (AQ) elements – also participate in hostilities. Additionally, Türkiye engages in military operations in Syria, seeking to counter the influence of the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK), a designated terrorist organization. These operations have reportedly resulted in deaths.
Kidnapping and Hostage Taking
There is an ongoing, high risk of kidnapping or hostage taking of U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals throughout the country. U.S. citizens remain a specific target, with several high-profile abductions having occurred since mid-2012. U.S. citizen victims have had diverse professional backgrounds, including journalism and humanitarian work. U.S. citizens held captive by ISIS have been murdered by the group, which released videos of killings and publicly took responsibility for their deaths. U.S. citizens also have been abducted by other individuals and groups in Syria, and from various locations, including Damascus and Aleppo. Other U.S. citizens have gone missing and are believed to have been kidnapped or taken hostage. U.S. citizens’ fate and/or whereabouts remain unknown after being kidnapped or forcibly disappeared in Syria by the Assad regime or non-state actors.
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.
Syria Population & Demographics
Population of 24,672,760, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Syria safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Syria at Level 4 of 4 (Do Not Travel). The homicide rate of 2.1 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Syria?
Syria has an intentional homicide rate of 2.1 per 100,000 people (2010, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #114 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Syria?
Syria 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 Syria compare to other countries?
Syria's homicide rate of 2.1 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and above the Asia average of 2.0.