10 Nations Where Tourist Crime Is Rising, Recent Reports Say
Travel warnings and security reports paint a troubling picture for vacationers around the globe. Recent analyses reveal specific destinations experiencing notable increases in crimes targeting international visitors. These trends reflect various factors including economic instability, overtourism pressures, and changing criminal patterns that authorities struggle to contain.
Brazil: Street Crimes Target Unprepared Visitors
Brazil had the seventh-highest crime rate in the world in 2020 with exceptionally high rates of violent crimes. Brazil’s homicide rate was approximately 26.7 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020 – and it had risen as high as 30.8 in previous years. Recent data shows the situation hasn’t improved significantly for tourists. Brazil and Mexico reported a combined total of over 50,000 homicides in 2024. Brazil’s safety concerns are diverse, with 27.9 sexual assaults per 100,000 population and a high crime index of 65.6. The country also grapples with 15.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 and a human trafficking score of 5.0.
South Africa: Tourist Safety Reaches Crisis Levels
With a staggering 72.1 sexual assaults per 100,000 population and the highest crime index of 75.5 among analyzed destinations, South Africa demands extra vigilance from travelers. The situation has worsened in recent reporting periods. South Africa alone reported an 18% increase in armed robbery cases in 2024, driven by poverty and unemployment. This surge affects both urban centers and popular tourist areas where international visitors concentrate.
Italy: Pickpockets Overwhelm Tourist Hotspots
Tourism-dependent Italian cities face escalating theft problems targeting foreign visitors. Italy topped the index with 478 mentions per million visitors, followed by France (251), Spain and Germany (both 111), and the Netherlands (100). The scope of the problem becomes clear in major destinations. Rome has experienced a significant increase in pickpocket incidents, with reports indicating approximately 40% more thefts compared to previous levels. Florence, Milan, Naples, and Venice also report frequent thefts.
Spain: Barcelona Leads Europe in Tourist Theft
Spanish authorities document concerning increases in crimes targeting international visitors in major destinations. Street Theft in Barcelona & Madrid: Spain’s biggest tourist cities have seen a surge of pickpocketing in recent years. Barcelona police report that nearly half of all reported crime in the city is theft (48% of Barcelona’s crimes involve pickpockets). The concentration of criminal activity in tourist areas has reached unprecedented levels. Barcelona, often referred to as the “pickpocketing capital” of Europe, continues to be a hotspot for petty theft, particularly in tourist areas. Pickpocketing accounted for 48.1% of crimes in Barcelona in 2023, with scams, especially those related to housing and accommodation, making up another 15.1%.
France: Paris Experiences Growing Safety Concerns
Recent crime statistics reveal increasing challenges for tourists visiting France’s capital and other major destinations. In 2023, the city recorded a crime index of 56.9, positioning it 13th among European cities. Residents have expressed significant concern about crime, with 62.26% perceiving it as high and 73.22% believing it has increased over the past five years. The situation affects key tourist areas where foreign visitors concentrate their activities.
Philippines: Tourism Safety Under International Scrutiny
Despite official claims of improving security, international advisories paint a different picture for tourist safety. In the Philippines, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported a 62% decrease in crime between 2022 and 2024, but foreign governments still warn of terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest, particularly in the Sulu archipelago and Mindanao. The U.S. Department of State maintains its travel advisory and placed the Philippines at Level 2, meaning “exercise increased caution.” The advisory warns of violent crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping, and urges travellers to avoid the Sulu archipelago and parts of Mindanao due to ongoing insurgencies.
Indonesia: Bali Confronts Rising Visitor-Related Incidents
Popular Indonesian destinations face mounting challenges from both tourist-related crimes and crimes against visitors. In Bali, Indonesia, a long-time magnet for budget and luxury travellers alike, authorities have been forced to crack down on unruly foreign visitors. In Bali, where the Alliance for Marginal Tourism Operators has reported a noticeable uptick in violent incidents involving foreign nationals – including fights and brawls – officials are stepping up regulatory efforts. These incidents reflect broader challenges affecting the region.
Mexico: Tourist Areas Face Security Challenges
Multiple Mexican destinations struggle with crime affecting international visitors despite popular tourist zones. Acapulco, Mexico, has a very high murder rate at 142 per 100,000 people. Recent data confirms broader security concerns. Brazil and Mexico reported a combined total of over 50,000 homicides in 2024. The situation varies significantly across different tourist destinations within the country.
Thailand: Increasing Scam Sophistication
Thailand experiences growing challenges with tourist-targeted crimes despite overall safety statistics. It is true that Thailand has a very high rate of petty theft, including street crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching. Many countries even include this information in their travel advisories for people considering travel to Thailand. Thailand as a major tourist destination is infamous for scams and touts. Among the most famous and lucrative are the gem scam, Thai tailor scam, and fake travel agents and Thai zig zag scam.
Jamaica: Persistent Tourist Safety Issues
Caribbean destinations including Jamaica continue experiencing elevated crime rates affecting international visitors. Number ten on the 2020 list of countries with the highest crime rates was Jamaica, which is still plagued by government corruption, gang activity, and high levels of violent crime, including sexual assault. The U.S. Overseas Security Advisory Council describes the Jamaican police force as understaffed and possessed of limited resources. Recent developments suggest these challenges persist for tourists visiting the island.
These troubling statistics underscore the need for enhanced awareness and preparation when traveling internationally. While millions still enjoy safe experiences abroad, understanding which destinations face rising crime challenges helps travelers make informed decisions about their safety precautions. The data clearly shows that certain popular tourist destinations require extra vigilance and security measures from international visitors.
