Flag of British Virgin Islands
#149 safest of 195Americas

British Virgin Islands Crime Rate & Safety

Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for British Virgin Islands

1of 4

US State Department Travel Advisory

Exercise Normal Precautions

Full advisory →

Updated May 22, 2026

British Virgin Islands recorded 8.2 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2006, a rate that is high by global standards. That places British Virgin Islands #47 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 25% over the past decade (from 10.9 in 1996). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates British Virgin Islands at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.

Homicide Rate

8.2 /100k

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Safety Rank

#149 of 195

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Travel Advisory

Level 1 of 4

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Data Year

2006

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Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2006)

Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 25% over the past decade (from 10.9 in 1996). Source: UNODC via World Bank.

World avg: 5.20.04.08.012.116.120.11990199520002005
British Virgin Islands homicide rateWorld average

How British Virgin Islands Compares

British Virgin Islands8.2
Americas average20.8
World average5.2

Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.

Safety for Travelers

Summary of the current US State Department advisory for British Virgin Islands:

There are no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise normal precautions in the British Virgin Islands . Advisory summary British Virgin Islands is generally a safe destination for travelers. British Virgin Islands regularly experiences hurricanes. Review our information on W eather and Natural Disasters in British Virgin Islands. Review our Travel Guidance for British Virgin Islands to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

Level 1

Exercise Normal Precautions

Level 2

Exercise Increased Caution

Level 3

Reconsider Travel

Level 4

Do Not Travel

Read the full advisory on travel.state.gov →

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.

British Virgin Islands Population & Demographics

Population of 39,471, growth trends, economy, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is British Virgin Islands safe to visit?

The US State Department rates British Virgin Islands at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 8.2 per 100,000 is high by global standards.

What is the crime rate in British Virgin Islands?

British Virgin Islands has an intentional homicide rate of 8.2 per 100,000 people (2006, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #47 of 195 countries.

What is the US travel advisory level for British Virgin Islands?

British Virgin Islands 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 British Virgin Islands compare to other countries?

British Virgin Islands's homicide rate of 8.2 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and below the Americas average of 20.8.