Zimbabwe Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Zimbabwe
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated June 27, 2023
Zimbabwe recorded 6.8 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2022, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Zimbabwe #56 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Zimbabwe at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
6.8 /100k
Safety Rank
#140 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2022
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2022)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Zimbabwe Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Zimbabwe, the homicide rate for men is 4.9× higher than the rate for women — 11.6 vs 2.4 per 100,000 (2022).
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 Zimbabwe:
Reissued after periodic review with updates to crime and civil unrest information. Exercise increased caution in Zimbabwe due to crime and official harassment of U.S. citizens. Country Summary : Opportunistic crime, such as pickpocketing, theft, and smashing of car windows with intent to steal, is common. Violent crime, such as assault, carjacking, and home invasion, also occurs. Criminals often target foreigners and residents suspected of having large sums of cash. Demonstrations may occur and increase in frequency around political events, such as elections.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Zimbabwe
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated April 11, 2022).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: 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.
Crime
Criminals operate in the vicinity of hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas of major cities and tourist areas such as Victoria Falls. The downtown sectors of Harare, and its high-density residential suburbs, are particularly high-crime areas. While in Zimbabwe: Always secure your possessions while in in public areas. Avoid displaying or carrying unnecessary valuables and large sums of money. Leave your passport and valuables in the hotel safety deposit box or room safe. For your safety while driving/riding in a car: Be alert for “smash and grabs,” where thieves break car windows while you are stopped at intersections and take things within reach. Keep car doors locked and windows rolled up. Put valuable things under car seats or in the trunk. Leave sufficient room between cars to maneuver and drive away from danger.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Demonstrations
can occur with little notice. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to police at the Harare Central Police Station, 777-777, and contact the U.S. Embassy at + 263 867 701 1000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . 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 information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
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, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. 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.
Zimbabwe Population & Demographics
Population of 16,634,373, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zimbabwe safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Zimbabwe at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include crime, civil unrest. The homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe has an intentional homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 people (2022, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #56 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe compare to other countries?
Zimbabwe's homicide rate of 6.8 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.