Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionin India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.”
Updated Mon, 16 Jun 2025
Full advisory →Is New Delhi safe? 🇮🇳
India · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, New Delhi scores 70/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Delhi is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and follow basic precautions. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
New Delhi 🇮🇳
India · Assessed 29 July 2026
70
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~72% of countries
What drives this score
Crime68/100FairCrime index 44.2 / 100
Sentiment63/100FairMixed
Advisories72Good
Stability61Fair
Health73Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel India-Pakistan border area FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border.”
Updated 2026-07-09T13:54:18Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for India: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-07-13T11:19:39.2642671-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Homicide rate
2.8 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6India2.8World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
79
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging of tourists is uncommon but motorbike‑borne bag snatching occurs, especially in south Delhi and near railway stations
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing is prevalent in Chandni Chowk, Paharganj, New Delhi Railway Station and metro rush hour
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
63/100
Reported feel68Mixed
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk58High risk
Recent traveler reports describe a generally positive experience but note frequent scams, harassment and petty theft that demand vigilance.
Yes — Delhi is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and follow basic precautions.
Delhi scores in the mid‑60s on safety indexes, with low homicide and terrorism risk but elevated petty‑crime concerns. Visitors can travel safely if they use reputable transport, avoid high‑risk neighborhoods, and guard against scams.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Bag‑snatching on an autorickshaw reported in south Delhi; police recovered the item after a chase— The New Indian Express
- Apr 2026Fake tourist‑information centre scam busted near Connaught Place, targeting foreign visitors— The Wire
- Mar 2026DW.com analysis highlighted a surge in harassment reports at night in Old Delhi markets— DW.com
Common scams
- Fake tourist‑information centers in Connaught Place and near railway stations
- Overcharging rickshaw drivers and unauthorized ticket sellers
- Pickpocketing in crowded markets and metro stations
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
Delhi is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and follow basic precautions. The composite safety index sits in the mid‑60s, with low homicide and terrorism risk but a noticeable rise in petty‑crime concerns. Violent mugging of tourists is uncommon, yet motorbike‑borne bag snatching and pickpocketing are frequent enough to warrant heightened vigilance, especially in crowded markets, metro rush hour and railway stations.
Recent incidents documented in July 2026 underscore these risks. A bag‑snatching on an autorickshaw in south Delhi was reported by *The New Indian Express* (June 2026). In April 2026, *The Wire* exposed a fake tourist‑information centre scam operating near Connaught Place, targeting foreign visitors. *DW.com* (March 2026) highlighted a surge in harassment reports at night in Old Delhi markets. These events confirm that scams and opportunistic theft are active threats that can affect travelers.
The official government advisories rate India as “Exercise Increased Caution” (U.S.) and “High Degree of Caution” (Canada), reflecting regional concerns but not a blanket ban. Health notices from the CDC list dengue, measles and polio as worldwide concerns, so standard vaccination and mosquito‑bite protection are advisable. Air quality often reaches “Unhealthy for sensitive groups” (AQI 125), so carrying a mask and limiting outdoor exertion on high‑pollution days is prudent.
To stay safe, use app‑based taxis (Uber/Ola) or prepaid official cabs, keep bags zipped and use a money belt in busy areas, and avoid walking alone after dark in poorly lit neighborhoods such as Anand Vihar, parts of Rohini and certain pockets of East Delhi. Stick to well‑touristed districts like Connaught Place, New Delhi and the central business area, and remain aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded markets and on the metro. By combining these practical steps with the awareness of current scams and incidents, you can enjoy Delhi’s rich history and vibrant culture while minimizing safety risks.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 New Delhi districts for visitors: 4 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the New Delhi safety map.
Rohiniavoidreported gang activity and higher robbery rates, especially nighttime
Connaught Placecautioncentral hub with heavy foot traffic, high pickpocket risk especially evenings
Paharganjcautiontourist‑dense, frequent scams and petty theft, avoid after dark
East Delhi (e.g., Laxmi Nagar Extension)cautionmixed safety, occasional bag‑snatching, stay alert in less‑crowded streets
Karol Baghsaferbusy shopping area, well‑patrolled, but watch for petty theft in crowds
Laxmi Nagarsaferresidential/commercial zone, generally calm, low violent crime
South Extensionsaferupscale, well‑maintained, low crime, but keep belongings secure
Vasant Kunjsafersuburban, quiet, low incident rates, typical precautions for traffic
07 · After Dark
Is New Delhi safe at night?
Mugging of tourists is uncommon but motorbike‑borne bag snatching occurs, especially in south Delhi and near railway stations
After dark, be most careful around Rohini, Connaught Place, Paharganj, East Delhi (e.g., Laxmi Nagar Extension). 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 New Delhi's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight69
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight70
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight70
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight69
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight70
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight69
09 · Questions
New Delhi safety FAQ
Is New Delhi safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Delhi is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and follow basic precautions. Delhi scores in the mid‑60s on safety indexes, with low homicide and terrorism risk but elevated petty‑crime concerns. Visitors can travel safely if they use reputable transport, avoid high‑risk neighborhoods, and guard against scams. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Which areas of New Delhi should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Rohini as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in New Delhi?
- Fake tourist‑information centers in Connaught Place and near railway stations
- Overcharging rickshaw drivers and unauthorized ticket sellers
- Pickpocketing in crowded markets and metro stations
How does New Delhi compare with other places in India?
New Delhi ranks #9 of 9 India destinations we've assessed, scoring 70/100. See the India safety overview for the full list.
How is this New Delhi safety score calculated?
The score blends 13+ 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 India safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: new-delhi.json (CC BY 4.0).