British Virgin Islands Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for British Virgin Islands
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
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
Safety Rank
#149 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2006
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.
How British Virgin Islands Compares
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
Safety Guidance for British Virgin Islands
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated October 03, 2023).
Crime
U.S. citizens are not specifically targeted for crime in the British Virgin Islands. However, crimes of opportunity such as petty larceny, burglary, automobile break-ins; as well as incidents of violent crime, such as murder, sexual assault, robbery, shootings, and drug related crimes do occasionally occur. As you would in any major metropolitan area of the United States, use the below personal security measures while traveling: Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas, on beaches, unsecured in hotel rooms, or in rental homes. Avoid walking alone, especially at night, on beaches, and in isolated or poorly lit areas. Go out in groups or with a companion and restrict nighttime activities to established safe and reputable venues. Use only clearly marked taxis and avoid rides with strangers. Stick to well-lit and well-traveled routes.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (246) 227-4000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas and the FBI pages for information on scams. 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 explain the local criminal justice process in general terms provide a list of local attorneys provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States 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 may contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance at (246) 227-4000.
Watersports Advisory
Carefully assess the potential risks of recreational water activities and consider your physical capabilities and skills. Never venture out alone, particularly at isolated beaches or far out to sea. Avoid entering the water above your waist if you have been drinking and always be mindful of jet ski and boat traffic in the area.
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, hospitals are able provide urgent medical treatment, though very serious injuries often require medical evacuation. 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.
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.