Tuvalu Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Tuvalu
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated December 2, 2024
Tuvalu recorded 18.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2012, a rate that is high by global standards. That places Tuvalu #24 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Oceania average of 5.9 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 94% over the past decade (from 9.4 in 2010). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Tuvalu at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
18.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#172 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2012
Homicide Rate Trend (2010-2012)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 94% over the past decade (from 9.4 in 2010). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Tuvalu Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Tuvalu:
Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise normal precautions in Tuvalu. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Tuvalu. Commercial transportation to/from Tuvalu is sporadically available. If you decide to travel to Tuvalu: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter . Review the Country Security Report for Tuvalu. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Tuvalu
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated May 12, 2025).
Crime
Tuvalu has a low crime rate. However, visitors should review their own personal security practices, be alert to any unusual activity around their homes or businesses and report any suspicious incidents to local police authorities.
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. GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +679 331 4466, or after hours at +679 772 8049. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. 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 the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home Replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near Funafuti. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See 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.
Tuvalu Population & Demographics
Population of 9,646, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tuvalu safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Tuvalu at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 18.3 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Tuvalu?
Tuvalu has an intentional homicide rate of 18.3 per 100,000 people (2012, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #24 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Tuvalu?
Tuvalu 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 Tuvalu compare to other countries?
Tuvalu's homicide rate of 18.3 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Oceania average of 5.9.