Kosovo Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Kosovo
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated December 2, 2024
Kosovo recorded 1.9 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2021, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Kosovo #119 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Europe average of 1.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 45% over the past decade (from 3.5 in 2011). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Kosovo at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
1.9 /100k
Safety Rank
#77 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2021
Homicide Rate Trend (2008-2021)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 45% over the past decade (from 3.5 in 2011). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Kosovo Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Kosovo, the homicide rate for men is 10.3× higher than the rate for women — 3.5 vs 0.3 per 100,000 (2021).
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 Kosovo:
Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with minor edits Exercise increased caution due to terrorism . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Reconsider Travel To: North Mitrovica, Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Zvecan. Due to ethnic tensions, these areas have a potential risk for civil unrest. Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in the Balkans region, including Kosovo. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning.
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.
Kosovo Population & Demographics
Population of 1,594,353, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kosovo safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Kosovo at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 1.9 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Kosovo?
Kosovo has an intentional homicide rate of 1.9 per 100,000 people (2021, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #119 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Kosovo?
Kosovo 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 Kosovo compare to other countries?
Kosovo's homicide rate of 1.9 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and above the Europe average of 1.6.