Venezuela Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Venezuela
US State Department Travel Advisory
Reconsider Travel
Updated March 19, 2026
Venezuela recorded 12.7 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2022, a rate that is high by global standards. That places Venezuela #32 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 fallen 77% over the past decade (from 54.4 in 2012). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Venezuela at Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel.
Homicide Rate
12.7 /100k
Safety Rank
#164 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 3 of 4
Data Year
2022
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2022)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 77% over the past decade (from 54.4 in 2012). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Venezuela Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Venezuela, the homicide rate for men is 17.6× higher than the rate for women — 90.1 vs 5.1 per 100,000 (2017).
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 Venezuela:
The travel advisory level decreased to 3. The "Wrongful Detention," "Unrest," and "Other" risk indicators were removed. Areas of increased risk were added. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations. Reconsider travel to Venezuela due to risk of crime , kidnapping , terrorism , and poor health infrastructure. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Venezuela
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated April 20, 2026).
Crime
Violent crime is pervasive throughout Venezuela. Venezuela has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, and kidnappings are a serious concern. If you are in Venezuela: Be alert of your surroundings at all times and take personal security precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime. Maintain a low profile. Travel in groups of five or more, and Provide family or friends with your itineraries prior to departure. Avoid police activity. Corruption within the police forces is a concern, and criminals may be posing as police officers or National Guard members. National Guard members may target U.S. citizens, especially at remote land border crossings, for bribery, extortion, or detention, possibly in collusion with criminal organizations. Criminal gangs operate openly and with little repercussion, often setting up fake police checkpoints.
Drugs
Do not attempt to bring any narcotics or controlled substances into Venezuela, or substances that may be confused with illegal drugs. Do not accept packages from anyone. Always keep your luggage with you. U.S. citizens have been actively recruited as narcotics couriers or “drug mules.” Arrestees can expect extended jail terms under extremely difficult prison conditions.
Transportation
Do not use any taxis hailed on the street. Use only radio-dispatched taxis from taxi services, hotels, restaurants, and airline staff. Some taxi drivers in Caracas are known to overcharge, rob, injure, and even kidnap passengers. Do not use public transportation such as city buses and the metro (subway) in Caracas. If you drive, be aware of attacks in tunnels and avoid obstacles in the road.
Maiquetía International Airport
Only travel to and from Maiquetía International Airport near Caracas in daylight hours. Kidnappings, robberies at gunpoint, thefts, and muggings are common. Individuals wearing seemingly official uniforms and displaying airport or police credentials have been involved in crimes inside the airport, including extortion and robberies. Do not pack valuable items or documents in checked luggage. Make advance plans for transportation from the airport to your hotel or destination using a trusted party or dispatch taxi service.
ATMs
Most ATMs do not accept U.S. debit or credit cards, and malfunctions are common. Many ATMs do not have cash. Criminals target ATM users for robberies. ATM data is often hacked and used to make unauthorized withdrawals. Use only ATMs located in well-lit, public places.
Demonstrations
occur occasionally. They may take place 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. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for additional information. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Venezuela. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include: Romance/online dating Money transfers Grandparent/relative targeting
Victims of Crime
The U.S. Embassy in Caracas suspended operations on March 11, 2019, and therefore cannot provide consular services to U.S. citizens in Venezuela. The U.S. Embassy in Colombia assists U.S. citizens in Venezuela when possible. U.S. citizen victims of crime are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bogota. Report crimes to the local police and contact the U.S. Embassy in Bogota by completing our online form at https://co.usembassy.gov/services/contact-acs-form/ or dialing +57 (1) 275-2000 or +57 (1) 275-4021 after hours. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. Note that emergency numbers may not function in Venezuela and travelers should be prepared to make direct contact with the nearest police station to reach emergency service personnel. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crimes overseas .
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Bogota for assistance.
Colombian Border
The area within 50-miles of the entire Venezuela and Colombian border is extremely dangerous. U.S. citizens near the border are at risk of detention by authorities. U.S. citizens must obtain a visa to enter Venezuela legally. Visas are not available upon arrival. U.S. citizens attempting to enter Venezuela without a visa have been charged with terrorism and other serious crimes and detained for long periods. Maduro authorities do not notify the U.S. government of the detention of U.S. citizens and the U.S. government is not granted access to those citizens. Additionally, cross-border violence, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and smuggling are common. Some kidnapping victims are released after ransom payments, while others are murdered. Do not attempt to cross the land border.
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.
Venezuela Population & Demographics
Population of 28,405,543, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Venezuela safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Venezuela at Level 3 of 4 (Reconsider Travel). Cited risks include wrongful detention. The homicide rate of 12.7 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Venezuela?
Venezuela has an intentional homicide rate of 12.7 per 100,000 people (2022, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #32 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Venezuela?
Venezuela 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 Venezuela compare to other countries?
Venezuela's homicide rate of 12.7 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and below the Americas average of 20.8.