Exercise Normal Precautions
“There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.”
Updated Thu, 23 Oct 2025
Full advisory →Is Kos safe? 🇬🇷
Greece · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Kos scores 82/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Kos is generally safe for visitors, with only low‑to‑moderate petty‑theft and scam risks. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Kos 🇬🇷
Greece · Assessed 29 July 2026
82
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~89% of countries
What drives this score
Crime80/100GoodCrime index 46.0 / 100
Sentiment84/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories97Good
Stability70Good
Health80Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“Wildfires in Greece There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. For advice, visit the wildfires section on the Safety and security page.”
Updated 2026-07-14T15:55:49Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for Greece: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-24T12:40:20.1739311-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Homicide rate
0.8 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Greece0.8World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
95
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery against tourists are rare; most incidents involve petty theft in crowded nightlife areas.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing is common in busy tourist spots such as Kos Town harbor, markets and during festivals.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Reported feel78Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors feel comfortable walking during daylight, but many note heightened vigilance at night and in crowded venues.
Yes — Kos is generally safe for visitors, with only low‑to‑moderate petty‑theft and scam risks.
The multi‑database profile rates Kos as SAFE (composite 82/100) and the official advisories are Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions). Recent data show low violent‑crime rates, but summer heat, wildfires and occasional scams targeting tourists are the main concerns.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Travelsafe-abroad.com published a 2026 safety guide warning of increased petty‑theft and scam activity targeting tourists in Kos Town during the summer peak— travelsafe-abroad.com
- Jun 2026Reddit thread (r/GreeceTravel) discussed concerns about wildfire risk on Kos in early August 2026, advising travelers to monitor local fire alerts— reddit.com
- Jun 2023GreekReporter.com reported a murder of a Polish woman on Kos, highlighting isolated violent crime but noting the case is unrelated to typical tourist activity— GreekReporter.com
Common scams
- Hotel and Kos Town Old Town in Kos — 6 documented 2026 scams with red flags and how to avoid them
- 13 documented tourist scams in Kos Town, Greece: taxi, street, accommodation, restaurant, and more
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
Kos is rated SAFE by the World Bank and the U.S., U.K. and Canadian governments, with a composite index of 82/100 and official travel advice at Level 1 – “Exercise Normal Precautions.” Violent crime against visitors is rare; the homicide rate (0.8 per 100 k) is well below the global average. The primary safety concerns are low‑to‑moderate petty‑theft and a handful of documented scams that target tourists, especially in the bustling harbor and market areas of Kos Town.
Recent reports from travelsafe‑abroad.com (June 2026) flag a noticeable uptick in pickpocketing and over‑charging scams during the summer high‑season, while a Reddit discussion (June 2026) warns travelers to watch for wildfire alerts, as Greece’s fire season can flare up quickly under hot, dry, windy conditions. A 2023 incident involving the murder of a Polish visitor received wide coverage but is an isolated violent crime not reflective of typical tourist experiences.
For day‑to‑day safety, keep valuables out of sight, use licensed taxis or rideshare services, and agree on fares beforehand. Stay hydrated, limit sun exposure during peak heat (temperatures often hit 36 °C in July), and check the local fire‑risk map if you plan outdoor activities. By taking these normal precautions, visitors can enjoy Kos’s beaches, historic sites and laid‑back atmosphere with confidence.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 5 Kos districts for visitors: 3 safer, 2 needing caution. See them plotted on the Kos safety map.
Kos TowncautionBusy nightlife hub with higher petty‑theft and scam risk after dark
AntimachiacautionRural area with limited services; thefts reported near parking lots at night
KardamenasaferFamily‑friendly resort strip with low crime and well‑patrolled beaches
KefalossaferQuiet village and coastal paths; occasional heat‑related incidents but otherwise low risk
TigakisaferCalm beach zone with minimal incidents; recommended for relaxed stays
07 · After Dark
Is Kos safe at night?
Mugging and armed robbery against tourists are rare; most incidents involve petty theft in crowded nightlife areas.
After dark, be most careful around Kos Town, Antimachia. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Kos's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight81
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight82
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight81
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight81
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight81
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight81
09 · Questions
Kos safety FAQ
Is Kos safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Kos is generally safe for visitors, with only low‑to‑moderate petty‑theft and scam risks. The multi‑database profile rates Kos as SAFE (composite 82/100) and the official advisories are Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions). Recent data show low violent‑crime rates, but summer heat, wildfires and occasional scams targeting tourists are the main concerns. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Which areas of Kos should tourists avoid?
Kos Town after dark (nightlife district); Antimachia outskirts near parking lots. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Kos?
- Hotel and Kos Town Old Town in Kos — 6 documented 2026 scams with red flags and how to avoid them
- 13 documented tourist scams in Kos Town, Greece: taxi, street, accommodation, restaurant, and more
How does Kos compare with other places in Greece?
Kos ranks #7 of 9 Greece destinations we've assessed, scoring 82/100. See the Greece safety overview for the full list.
How is this Kos safety score calculated?
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
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4 reportsBrowse the Greece safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: kos.json (CC BY 4.0).