Exercise Increased Caution
“There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.”
Updated Tue, 07 Jul 2026
Full advisory →Personalize Report NowTailor this report specifically to you and get the latest and most valuable insights with one click.5 districts
Is Surabaya safe? 🇮🇩
Indonesia · Safety report last updated
As of August 2026, Surabaya scores 67/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes — Surabaya is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and use common sense. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Surabaya 🇮🇩
Indonesia · Assessed 1 August 2026
67
/ 100
Mostly — take normal precautions
Safer than ~68% of countries
What drives this score
Crime72/100GoodCrime index 46.2 / 100
Sentiment71/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories50Caution
Stability61Fair
Health78Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Caution
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all travel FCDO advises against all travel to a number of volcanoes in Indonesia: Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province to within 7km of the crater Mount Sinabung, Karo Regency, North Sumatra to within 5km of the crater Mount Marapi, West Sumatra to within 3km of the crater Mount Semeru, Lumajang Regency, East Java to within 5km of the crater in the south-east of Mount Semura to within 500m from any riverbank of the Besuk Kobokan river for 13km from the crater Mount Ruang, Northern Sulawesi to within 7km of the crater Mount Ibu, North Maluku Province to within 7km of the crater See more details about why FCDO advises against travel.”
Updated 2026-06-10T08:18:15Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Indonesia: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Homicide rate
0.3 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Indonesia0.3Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
100
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging is uncommon but can occur in isolated areas after dark; avoid poorly lit streets and travel alone at night
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag snatching are frequent in crowded markets, train stations, and during protests; keep belongings secured
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
71/100
Reported feel78Mostly positive
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports indicate most visitors feel safe during daylight in central areas, though some express concern about traffic chaos and occasional protests
Yes — Surabaya is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and use common sense.
Crime is moderate overall, with pickpocketing and petty scams common in crowded areas; violent crime against tourists is rare but traffic accidents and occasional protests pose localized risks.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Police arrested four participants after an anti-government protest in Surabaya turned violent, resulting in property damage and minor injuries— The Straits Times
- Jun 2026U.S. Embassy issued a demonstration alert for an International Labor Day protest at Grahadi Building, Surabaya on April 30, 2026— U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Indonesia (.gov)
- Apr 2026Dozens arrested in Indonesia after an anti-government protest turned violent, as reported by Reuters Connect— reutersconnect.com
- Apr 2026U.S. Embassy Jakarta travel alert for potential demonstrations in Surabaya related to International Labor Day— U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Indonesia (.gov)
Common scams
- Cloned tour operators selling fake Bromo and Ijen crater trips via bank transfer, often with no real office or insurance
- Taxi overcharging and route padding by unlicensed drivers targeting tourists
Full briefing
Surabaya is generally safe for visitors who exercise increased caution, but the safety picture is nuanced. The composite safety index of 73 reflects moderate crime and institutional challenges, yet violent crime against tourists remains rare. Recent dossier evidence shows several anti-government protests in June 2026 — including arrests after a violent demonstration near the Grahadi Building — which underscore the need to avoid large gatherings and monitor local news. While homicide and terrorism risks are low, traffic accidents are a leading safety concern, and pickpocketing is common in crowded markets and transport hubs. Scams targeting tourists, particularly fake tour operators for Mount Bromo and Ijen crater trips, are documented and can result in financial loss; booking through verified operators is essential. Most travelers report feeling safe during daylight in central business districts, but nighttime travel outside well-lit areas should be avoided. Use app-based rides, keep valuables out of sight, and stay aware of your surroundings — these practical steps allow you to enjoy Surabaya’s vibrant culture and cuisine with minimal risk.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 5 Surabaya districts for visitors: 2 safer, 2 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Surabaya safety map.
Kampung Pakisavoidavoid — documented gang activity and frequent petty theft, high scam risk
Bungkul Surabayacautioncaution — busy streets, pickpocketing and scams reported, stay alert especially after dark
Krembangancautioncaution — industrial zone with occasional night‑time theft, avoid isolated streets after dark
Citralandsafersafe — well‑patrolled, gated community, low crime, frequented by expats and businesses
Wonokromosafersafe — commercial hub with security presence, but remain vigilant for petty scams
07 · After Dark
Is Surabaya safe at night?
63% of people in Indonesia say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2020).
Mugging is uncommon but can occur in isolated areas after dark; avoid poorly lit streets and travel alone at night
After dark, be most careful around Kampung Pakis, Bungkul Surabaya, Krembangan. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Surabaya safety FAQ
Is Surabaya safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Surabaya is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and use common sense. Crime is moderate overall, with pickpocketing and petty scams common in crowded areas; violent crime against tourists is rare but traffic accidents and occasional protests pose localized risks. (Assessed 1 August 2026.)
Which areas of Surabaya should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Kampung Pakis as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Surabaya?
- Cloned tour operators selling fake Bromo and Ijen crater trips via bank transfer, often with no real office or insurance
- Taxi overcharging and route padding by unlicensed drivers targeting tourists
How does Surabaya compare with other places in Indonesia?
Surabaya ranks #7 of 9 Indonesia destinations we've assessed, scoring 67/100. See the Indonesia safety overview for the full list.
How is this Surabaya 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 Indonesia safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: surabaya.json (CC BY 4.0).