Yemen Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Yemen
Yemen recorded 5.8 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2013, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Yemen #62 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 77% over the past decade (from 3.3 in 2003). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Yemen at Level 4 of 4: Do Not Travel.
Homicide Rate
5.8 /100k
Safety Rank
#134 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 4 of 4
Data Year
2013
Homicide Rate Trend (1998-2013)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 77% over the past decade (from 3.3 in 2003). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Yemen Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Armed Conflict Context
Yemen has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
918(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Yemen:
The Department of State renewed its Travel Advisory for Yemen on December 19, 2025. There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Do not travel to Yemen due to risk of terrorism, unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, and landmines . Advisory summary U.S. citizens should not travel to Yemen for any reason. The U.S. Embassy in Sana'a suspended its operations in February 2015. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency or routine consular services to U.S. citizens in Yemen.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Yemen
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated February 05, 2026).
Terrorism
: Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack American citizens outside of the United States. They are using simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets. High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) For more information, see our Terrorism page. Since September 2014, the Houthis, who control Sana’a and other areas of northern Yemen, have detained U.S. citizens, including those with dual Yemeni-U.S. citizenship. Reports say that U.S. citizens are targeted just because they are U.S. citizens.
Crime
: Due to the ongoing civil unrest and weak government institutions, travelers should not rely on assistance from local authorities. Foreigners are frequently the target of kidnapping and carjacking, particularly when traveling outside of urban areas.
Scams
: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Yemen. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration. Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.
Victims of Crime
: The U.S. government is extremely limited to the consular assistance it can provide in Yemen. Report crimes to the local police at 199. As there is no U.S. Embassy in Yemen at this time, you should coordinate with a U.S. embassy or consulate in a neighboring country for services. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
Domestic Violence
: The law in Yemen protects against domestic violence under general prohibitions of violence, but authorities do not enforce this provision effectively. The law criminalizes rape, but not spousal rape. Authorities may prosecute rape survivors on charges of fornication if the perpetrator is not charged with rape. According to law, without the perpetrator’s confession, the rape survivor must provide four male witnesses to the crime. The law allows leniency for persons found guilty of committing an “honor” killing or violently assaulting or killing a woman for perceived “immodest” or “defiant” behavior. The law does not address other types of gender-based abuse, such as forced isolation, imprisonment, and early or forced marriage. See Section 6 of our Human Rights Report for additional information. As there is no U.S. Embassy in Yemen at this time, U.S.
Tourism
: No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place in Yemen on any level. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. 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.
Yemen Population & Demographics
Population of 40,583,164, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yemen safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Yemen at Level 4 of 4 (Do Not Travel). The homicide rate of 5.8 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Yemen?
Yemen has an intentional homicide rate of 5.8 per 100,000 people (2013, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #62 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Yemen?
Yemen is currently at Level 4: Do Not Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Yemen compare to other countries?
Yemen's homicide rate of 5.8 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Asia average of 2.0.