Tanzania Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Tanzania
Tanzania recorded 3.8 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2020, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Tanzania #85 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 fallen 57% over the past decade (from 8.7 in 2010). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Tanzania at Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel.
Homicide Rate
3.8 /100k
Safety Rank
#111 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 3 of 4
Data Year
2020
Homicide Rate Trend (1995-2020)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 57% over the past decade (from 8.7 in 2010). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Tanzania Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Tanzania, the homicide rate for men is 3.4× higher than the rate for women — 5.8 vs 1.7 per 100,000 (2020).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Tanzania 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
25(2020)
Military Spending
1.1% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Tanzania:
The advisory level increased from Level 2 to 3. The "unrest" risk indicator was added. Reconsider travel to Tanzania due to unrest , crime , terrorism , and targeting of gay and lesbian individuals . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Advisory summary Unrest Demonstrations often take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on holidays or during large events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. The Tanzanian government increases security presence around protests. This includes stationary checkpoints and roadblocks.
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.
Tanzania Population & Demographics
Population of 68,560,157, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tanzania safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Tanzania at Level 3 of 4 (Reconsider Travel). The homicide rate of 3.8 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Tanzania?
Tanzania has an intentional homicide rate of 3.8 per 100,000 people (2020, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #85 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Tanzania?
Tanzania 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 Tanzania compare to other countries?
Tanzania's homicide rate of 3.8 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.