Pakistan · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Lahore scores 55/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Lahore due to a complex security environment and potential for civil unrest. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Pakistan · Assessed 29 July 2026
55
/ 100
Safer than ~48% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
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 Pakistan-Afghanistan border FCDO advises against all travel to within 10 miles of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.”
Updated 2026-07-22T14:17:02Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Pakistan: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWorry about mugging or robbery is moderate, with a crime index suggesting it is a local problem.
Pickpocketing
ModerateProperty crime is considered a local problem, indicating a moderate risk of pickpocketing and bag-snatching in crowded areas.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed but leaning positive
66/100
While some reports indicate a moderate level of concern regarding crime, a recent local report suggests Lahore has secured top safety rankings, indicating a generally positive sentiment among residents and visitors.
Exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Lahore due to a complex security environment and potential for civil unrest.
While Lahore has a moderate composite safety index, official advisories and recent incidents highlight significant risks. Travelers should be aware of potential political instability, protests, and crime, particularly in certain areas.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Lahore presents a mixed safety profile for travelers, necessitating a high degree of caution. While the city has a moderate composite safety index and some local sentiment suggests it ranks highly for safety, official advisories and recent events point to underlying risks that visitors must acknowledge. The Government of Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution, and the UK FCDO advises against all travel to certain border regions within Pakistan, indicating a broader national security context that can impact major cities.
Recent incidents highlight potential vulnerabilities. Protests, such as those against fuel price hikes in April 2026, can occur and may escalate, as seen in past demonstrations related to geopolitical events. The US ordered non-emergency consular staff to leave Lahore in March 2026 due to regional tensions, underscoring the volatile international environment. On a local level, criminal activity, including the use of fake social media accounts for scams, has been reported. While the homicide rate is lower than in many Western countries, concerns about mugging, robbery, and property crime persist, particularly in crowded areas.
Travelers should remain vigilant and informed. It is crucial to stay updated on local news and avoid large gatherings or demonstrations, which can arise unexpectedly. Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in busy markets and at night, and consider using trusted transportation services. The risk of bribery during interactions with officials is noted, so maintaining a professional and respectful demeanor is advisable. Additionally, be aware of health advisories, including those for drug-resistant typhoid and polio, and ensure your vaccinations are up to date.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Lahore districts for visitors: 4 safer, 4 needing caution. See them plotted on the Lahore safety map.
Johar TowncautionA large, developing area; while generally safe, petty crime can occur, and some parts may be less well-lit at night.
Old City (Walled City)cautionHistoric but can be crowded and congested; exercise vigilance against pickpocketing and be aware of surroundings, especially after dark.
Bhaati GatecautionPart of the Old City, can be very crowded; maintain awareness of your belongings and surroundings.
Ravi TowncautionAn older, more densely populated area; general caution is advised, particularly regarding petty crime and traffic.
DHA (Defence Housing Authority)saferGenerally considered a well-maintained and secure residential and commercial area.
GulbergsaferA prominent commercial and residential hub, typically safe with good infrastructure.
Model TownsaferA planned residential area known for its greenery and relatively low crime.
Cantt (Cantonment)saferA military-controlled area, usually well-policed and secure.
07 · After Dark
83% of people in Pakistan say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2019).
Worry about mugging or robbery is moderate, with a crime index suggesting it is a local problem.
After dark, be most careful around Johar Town, Old City (Walled City), Bhaati Gate, Ravi Town. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Lahore's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Lahore due to a complex security environment and potential for civil unrest. While Lahore has a moderate composite safety index, official advisories and recent incidents highlight significant risks. Travelers should be aware of potential political instability, protests, and crime, particularly in certain areas. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
Lahore ranks #3 of 6 Pakistan destinations we've assessed, scoring 55/100. See the Pakistan safety overview for the full list.
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.
Browse the Pakistan safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: lahore.json (CC BY 4.0).
