Most dangerous countries in Latin America in 2026
Latin American and Caribbean countries with the highest combined safety risk in 2026, with the dominant driver being violent crime concentrated in specific cities.
Most safety risk in Latin America is criminal rather than political: organised crime, gang activity, and street crime concentrated in specific cities and districts within otherwise functional countries. The country-level number is a poor guide on its own. A specific neighbourhood inside a single city often drives the headline.
These are the Latin American countries with the highest combined Warnely risk score. Several of them contain tourist-focused districts that are statistically safer than the country average. The country-specific guide for each one identifies which districts those are.
The list
Haiti
82/100Gang violence. Kidnapping. Humanitarian crisis.
Venezuela
81/100Economic collapse. Kidnapping, armed robbery widespread.
Honduras
62/100High crime rate. Roatán and Bay Islands have lower risk. Mainland cities require extreme caution.
Mexico
57/100Conditions vary dramatically by region. Tourist areas like Cancun, CDMX, and Oaxaca have lower risk. Avoid cartel-affected areas.
Brazil
56/100Vibrant culture but significant crime risk in cities. Tourist areas are policed but street crime is common. Incredible natural beauty.
Ecuador
55/100Gang violence has worsened conditions. Quito and Galapagos still manageable. Avoid Guayaquil outskirts.
Guatemala
53/100Mayan ruins and beautiful lakes. Crime is a concern, especially in Guatemala City. Antigua is charming.
Colombia
52/100Rapidly improving. Avoid rural conflict zones. Incredible biodiversity and culture.
Jamaica
52/100Beautiful beaches but high crime outside resorts. Stay within resort areas. Incredible music and culture.
El Salvador
50/100Surf culture growing. Uses USD. Historically high crime now reducing.
Data view (click a header to sort)
| Rank | Country | Region | Risk score | Risk tier | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haiti | Latin America & the Caribbean | 82 | Do Not Travel | 82/100 |
| 2 | Venezuela | Latin America & the Caribbean | 75 | High Risk | 81/100 |
| 3 | Honduras | Latin America & the Caribbean | 63 | High Risk | 62/100 |
| 4 | Mexico | Latin America & the Caribbean | 48 | Exercise Increased Caution | 57/100 |
| 5 | Brazil | Latin America & the Caribbean | 47 | Exercise Increased Caution | 56/100 |
| 6 | Ecuador | Latin America & the Caribbean | 47 | Exercise Increased Caution | 55/100 |
| 7 | Guatemala | Latin America & the Caribbean | 57 | High Risk | 53/100 |
| 8 | Colombia | Latin America & the Caribbean | 57 | High Risk | 52/100 |
| 9 | Jamaica | Latin America & the Caribbean | 40 | Exercise Increased Caution | 52/100 |
| 10 | El Salvador | Latin America & the Caribbean | 34 | Exercise Normal Caution | 50/100 |