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Philippines · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Davao City scores 69/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Davao City is a relatively safe destination within the Philippines, but caution is advised, particularly regarding petty crime and awareness of regional instability. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Philippines · Assessed 13 October 2026
69
/ 100
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 Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago FCDO advises against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.”
Updated 2026-10-07T11:19:22Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Philippines: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-09-25T07:02:51.804176-04:00
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
ModerateWhile Davao City is considered safer than many Philippine cities, opportunistic street robberies can occur, particularly in less crowded areas or at night.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are risks in crowded tourist areas, markets, and public transportation hubs.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
73/100
Davao City is frequently cited as one of the safest urban centers in the Philippines, with reports indicating a high level of traveler satisfaction regarding safety.
Davao City is a relatively safe destination within the Philippines, but caution is advised, particularly regarding petty crime and awareness of regional instability.
While Davao City is recognized for its safety, official advisories highlight the need for a high degree of caution due to regional security concerns. Petty crime can occur, and travelers should remain vigilant.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Davao City is recognized as one of the safest urban centers in the Philippines, with a strong emphasis on public safety initiatives, including the exploration of AI and robotics for security. However, official advisories from Canada and the UK recommend exercising a high degree of caution, particularly due to regional security concerns in Mindanao.
While the city itself maintains a good safety record, travelers should be aware of potential petty crime. Incidents like a daylight jewelry store robbery in a mall in April 2026 and a recent robbery attempt where victims fought back highlight the need for vigilance. Crowded areas, markets, and public transport are common spots for pickpocketing and bag-snatching.
It is important to note that while Davao City is generally safe, the broader region of Mindanao has security advisories against travel. Travelers should stay informed about local news and any security developments. The presence of a financial crimes unit and ongoing efforts to enhance public safety suggest a proactive approach to security within the city.
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06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 6 Davao City districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution. See them plotted on the Davao City safety map.
AgdaocautionA busy district; be aware of petty crime and crowds.
BuhangincautionSite of a recent mall robbery; maintain vigilance, especially in commercial areas.
Samal Island (nearby)cautionWhile a popular tourist spot, be aware of general safety advice for island destinations.
BajadasaferGenerally safe, with commercial and residential areas.
TalomosaferA large district with mixed residential and commercial zones, generally considered safe.
Poblacion DistrictsaferThe city center, usually well-policed and safe for visitors.
07 · After Dark
While Davao City is considered safer than many Philippine cities, opportunistic street robberies can occur, particularly in less crowded areas or at night.
After dark, be most careful around Agdao, Buhangin, Samal Island (nearby). Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Davao City is a relatively safe destination within the Philippines, but caution is advised, particularly regarding petty crime and awareness of regional instability. While Davao City is recognized for its safety, official advisories highlight the need for a high degree of caution due to regional security concerns. Petty crime can occur, and travelers should remain vigilant. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Davao City 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.
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
Davao City ranks #9 of 9 Philippines destinations we've assessed, scoring 69/100. See the Philippines safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 12+ 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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Raw data: davao-city.json (CC BY 4.0).
