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
Safety Guidance for Kosovo
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated December 02, 2024).
Crime
While violent crime against U.S. citizens is rare, be aware of your public profile. Avoid drawing attention to yourself as a U.S. citizen. Theft and petty street crimes occur, especially in tourist areas. Do not leave anything of value in plain view in unattended vehicles. Park your vehicles in a secure, off-street location. Street crime and home invasion occur with some frequency. Criminals target the vulnerable and the wealthy. They exploit low police presence, such as on holidays and at big events, to commit opportunistic crimes. Securely lock the windows and doors of your residence when not home and set your home alarm if you have one. Robberies, thefts, and burglaries often rise sharply during year-end holidays. Criminals target shoppers with cash and gifts, which they store in their cars. If possible, avoid carrying and/or displaying large amounts of cash or packages.
Victims of Crime
Victims of crime or sexual assault should first find a safe place and then immediately call the local police to report the incident. After that, contact the U.S. Embassy. Report crimes to the local police by calling 192. In an emergency, after calling the local police, you can contact the U.S. Embassy at +383 (38) 5959-3000 (available 24/7). Police responsiveness to criminal reports varies greatly. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Kosovo’s Victims’ Advocacy and Assistance Office (VAO) has a 24-hour, toll-free help line at 0800 11 112. The VAO provides information and guidance. It also allows the public and victims to report crimes. The VAO may help with medical exams, protection orders, or case updates.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizens who are victims of domestic violence may reach out to the embassy for help.
Tourism
The tourism industry is not regulated. Inspections of equipment and facilities are rare. Hazardous areas may lack proper signage and staff lack proper training. Certification by the host government or recognized bodies may not exist. Injuries can be treated only in or near major cities. First responders usually can't reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
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.