Uruguay Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Uruguay
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated May 7, 2025
Uruguay recorded 11.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is high by global standards. That places Uruguay #37 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 45% over the past decade (from 7.8 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Uruguay at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
11.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#159 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 45% over the past decade (from 7.8 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Uruguay Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Uruguay, the homicide rate for men is 6.2× higher than the rate for women — 19.8 vs 3.2 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Uruguay:
Reissued after periodic review with changes. Exercise increased caution in Uruguay due to crime . Country Summary: Crime is most common in these departments: Montevideo Canelones Maldonado Rivera Violent crimes, such as homicides, armed robberies, car jackings, and thefts occur throughout the country. These crimes happen at any time and have affected U.S. citizens. Criminals commonly travel in pairs on motorcycles to approach unsuspecting victims with a weapon and demand personal belongings.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Uruguay
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 28, 2022).
Crime
The volume of crimes against persons and property, to include homicides, is high throughout Uruguay. Street crime, including armed robberies, theft and carjackings occur in tourist centers within Montevideo with large numbers of tourists, such as Ciudad Vieja, the Rambla, and the neighborhood around the U.S. Embassy. Even upscale residential neighborhoods, such as Punta Carretas, Pocitos, and Carrasco are not immune to criminal activity. Maintain situational awareness and practice good personal security at all times while traveling throughout Uruguay as criminals typically seek out victims in vulnerable situations. Thefts, burglaries, armed robberies, assaults, and other violent crimes are common throughout Uruguay. Criminals tend to conduct surveillance on potential targets including ATMs, residences, restaurants, vehicles, and individuals prior to committing robberies.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations, some expressing anti-U.S. sentiment, regularly occur in Uruguay, particularly near the Legislative Palace, City Hall, Parque Batlle, Plaza Libertad, and the universities in Montevideo. Protests directed toward the U.S. government, usually small in size, can occur around the U.S. Embassy. U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Uruguay should avoid large gatherings or events where crowds congregate to demonstrate, protest, or cause damage as a byproduct of celebrating an event, such as after soccer matches.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (598) 1770-2000 or MontevideoACS@state.gov . Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. 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 a list of local attorneys provide information on our victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of destitution help you find accommodation and arrange flights home replace a stolen or lost passport
Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy at (598) 1770-2000 or MontevideoACS@state.gov for assistance. If you are in immediate danger, call the police at 911.
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 major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
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.
Uruguay Population & Demographics
Population of 3,386,588, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uruguay safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Uruguay at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 11.3 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Uruguay?
Uruguay has an intentional homicide rate of 11.3 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #37 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Uruguay?
Uruguay is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Uruguay compare to other countries?
Uruguay's homicide rate of 11.3 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and below the Americas average of 20.8.