Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionin India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk.”
Updated Mon, 16 Jun 2025
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Is Varanasi safe? 🇮🇳
India · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Varanasi scores 70/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes, Varanasi is generally safe for visitors who stay alert to scams and petty crime. 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
Varanasi 🇮🇳
India · Assessed 7 October 2026
70
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime66/100FairCrime index 44.2 / 100
Sentiment64/100FairGenerally positive
Advisories75Good
Stability63Fair
Health74Good
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 2026-10-07T10:56:27Z
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 2026-09-24T08:53:34.2574299-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Urban scale factor
1.2M residents
66
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
2.8 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6India2.8World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
79
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging and armed robbery are uncommon but can occur in poorly lit, isolated alleys near the railway station after midnight
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag-snatching are frequent in crowded ghats, markets, and during evening Aarti ceremonies, especially on Assi Ghat and near the main train station
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03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Generally positive
64/100
Reported feel69Generally positive
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk58High risk
Visitors report feeling generally safe but note persistent scams and crowds as daily challenges, particularly during religious rituals and festivals.
Yes, Varanasi is generally safe for visitors who stay alert to scams and petty crime.
Violent crime against tourists is rare, but pickpocketing and scams are common in crowded areas like ghats and markets. The city's intense crowds, traffic, and religious rituals require heightened awareness, especially during festivals and evening aarti.
Recent developments
- May 202617-year-old tourist died after a scuffle with security guards at Varanasi's Namo Ghat; four guards detained— The Times of India
- Jul 2026Semi-naked foreign tourist sparked chaos and bit locals in Varanasi, leading to public disturbance— Firstpost
- Jun 2026Japanese solo traveller ranked Varanasi among places in India where she felt most unsafe during her travels— Hindustan Times
Common scams
- Boat operators overcharging or taking tourists to wrong ghats
- Fake silk shops selling low-quality goods at inflated prices
- Touts at cremation ghats soliciting donations for wood
- Rickshaw drivers claiming hotels are closed to earn commission
Full briefing
Varanasi remains one of India's safer tourist cities despite its intense crowds and chaotic lanes. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare, but the constant flow of pilgrims and tourists creates ideal conditions for pickpocketing, especially during evening aarti ceremonies on Assi Ghat and near the main train station where bag-snatching spikes. Scams are a daily reality, with boat operators frequently overcharging or misdirecting tourists, fake silk shops pushing low-quality goods, and touts at cremation ghats soliciting donations under false pretenses. Rickshaw drivers often claim hotels are closed or flooded to earn commission from alternative establishments, a tactic so common it's described as playful banter by some guides but frustrating for unprepared travelers.
Recent incidents highlight specific risks: in May 2026, a 17-year-old tourist died after a scuffle with security guards at Namo Ghat, leading to the detention of four guards; in July 2026, a semi-naked foreign tourist caused chaos and bit locals, sparking public disturbance; and in June 2026, a Japanese solo traveller cited Varanasi as one of the places in India where she felt most unsafe. These events, while isolated, underscore the importance of respecting local customs, avoiding confrontations, and staying alert in emotionally charged environments like the ghats. Power outages, though rare, can make navigating narrow alleys hazardous due to uneven paving and sleeping cows, so carrying a light is advised.
To stay safe, agree on transport fares before starting any journey and avoid unlicensed rickshaws, especially near tourist hotspots. Keep phones, wallets, and bags secure in crowded areas, and consider using a money belt or hidden pouch. After dark, use only registered taxis or rideshares and avoid walking alone in poorly lit lanes, particularly near the railway station. Carry a flashlight or rely on your phone light during power outages, and remain cautious around stray dog packs that can become aggressive at night. While the city's spiritual intensity is part of its appeal, maintaining awareness of your surroundings and trusting your instincts will help ensure a safe and meaningful visit.
Was this Varanasi, India report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Varanasi districts for visitors: 2 safer, 5 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Varanasi safety map.
ShivpuravoidPoorly lit, isolated alleys near railway station; mugging and armed robbery reported after midnight
Assi GhatcautionPopular with tourists but pickpocketing frequent during evening Aarti and crowded ghats
Dashashwamedh GhatcautionMain ceremonial ghat; high tout activity and scam risk, especially boat and donation scams
Manikarnika GhatcautionSacred cremation site; emotional intensity and tout scams targeting visitors for 'donations'
Godowlia MarketcautionBusy commercial area; pickpocketing and overcharging common in crowds
BhelupurcautionOld city lanes; narrow, chaotic, higher petty theft risk, especially after dark
LahurabirsaferResidential zone near BHU; lower tourist density, fewer scams, generally calm by day
Cantt (Varanasi Cantonment)saferWell-patrolled military area; reliable transport, lower crime, good for night stays
07 · After Dark
Is Varanasi safe at night?
Mugging and armed robbery are uncommon but can occur in poorly lit, isolated alleys near the railway station after midnight
After dark, be most careful around Shivpur, Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Varanasi safety FAQ (2026)
Is Varanasi safe right now (2026)?
Yes, Varanasi is generally safe for visitors who stay alert to scams and petty crime. Violent crime against tourists is rare, but pickpocketing and scams are common in crowded areas like ghats and markets. The city's intense crowds, traffic, and religious rituals require heightened awareness, especially during festivals and evening aarti. (Assessed 7 October 2026.)
Is Varanasi safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Varanasi report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Varanasi should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Shivpur as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Varanasi (2026)?
- Boat operators overcharging or taking tourists to wrong ghats
- Fake silk shops selling low-quality goods at inflated prices
- Touts at cremation ghats soliciting donations for wood
- Rickshaw drivers claiming hotels are closed to earn commission
How does Varanasi compare with other places in India (2026)?
Varanasi ranks #9 of 9 India destinations we've assessed, scoring 70/100. See the India safety overview for the full list.
How is this varanasi safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 14+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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