Philippines · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Davao City scores 70/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Davao City is one of the safest major urban centers in the Philippines for visitors, with low violent crime and a strong local safety culture. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Philippines · Assessed 29 July 2026
70
/ 100
Safer than ~72% 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 Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago FCDO advises against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.”
Updated 2026-07-15T08:55:25Z
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 2026-07-07T09:02:08.170000-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowArmed robbery against tourists is rare; most incidents involve petty theft in crowded markets and are typically opportunistic rather than targeted
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag‑snatching are most common in busy venues such as Bankerohan Public Market, SM City Davao and during large festivals like Kadayawan
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Recent traveler reports and local surveys indicate visitors generally feel safe walking during daylight, though many note heightened vigilance in markets and at night
Yes — Davao City is one of the safest major urban centers in the Philippines for visitors, with low violent crime and a strong local safety culture.
The composite safety index of 67/100 reflects moderate overall risk, driven mainly by institutional weaknesses and occasional scams rather than widespread violent crime; recent data show a 28% drop in focus crimes and Davao consistently ranks as the nation’s safest large city.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Davao City is widely regarded as the Philippines’ safest large urban center, and the latest data reinforce that reputation. The composite safety index of 67/100 reflects moderate overall risk, but this stems primarily from institutional factors such as rule‑of‑law scores and occasional scams, not from high levels of violent crime; homicide rates are low (4.3 per 100 k) and the city’s own police reports show a 28% drop in focus crimes year‑over‑year. Recent headlines confirm its rising safety profile: the World Travel Index crowned Davao the top Philippine destination for 2026, and local outlets repeatedly label it the second‑safest city in the country. Nonetheless, the U.S. Embassy’s June 2026 travel‑restriction alert reminds visitors to exercise caution after dark and to limit movement in peripheral zones.
Pickpocketing and bag‑snatching remain the most prevalent threats, especially in high‑traffic spots like Bankerohan Public Market, SM City Davao and during the Kadayawan festival when crowds swell. Scams targeting tourists include overcharging by unlicensed taxi drivers, fake “tourist police” extortion near popular attractions, and counterfeit durian or souvenir sales in bustling markets. To stay safe, use only registered taxis or reputable ride‑hailing apps, keep valuables concealed, and avoid poorly lit peripheral neighborhoods after sunset; stick to well‑patrolled central districts such as Buhangin, Matina and Agdao where police presence is visible and emergency services are within a few hundred meters. By following these practical steps, travelers can enjoy Davao’s many attractions while minimizing the modest risks that persist.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Davao City districts for visitors: 4 safer, 2 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Davao City safety map.
BasilanavoidIsolated island community linked to armed groups; travel not recommended
BancaoavoidKnown for illegal drug markets and gang presence; high risk for tourists
BuhangincautionResidential area with occasional petty theft at night; stay alert after dark
TalomocautionPeripheral area with occasional drug‑related activity; avoid isolated spots after dark
AgdaosaferCommercial hub with strong police presence and low violent crime
LanangsaferBusiness district and airport vicinity; well‑patrolled and tourist‑friendly
MatinasaferUniversity zone with regular patrols and active nightlife; generally secure
Catalunan PequenosaferResidential suburb with low crime rates and good public transport
07 · After Dark
Armed robbery against tourists is rare; most incidents involve petty theft in crowded markets and are typically opportunistic rather than targeted
After dark, be most careful around Basilan, Bancao, Buhangin, Talomo. 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 Davao City's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Davao City is one of the safest major urban centers in the Philippines for visitors, with low violent crime and a strong local safety culture. The composite safety index of 67/100 reflects moderate overall risk, driven mainly by institutional weaknesses and occasional scams rather than widespread violent crime; recent data show a 28% drop in focus crimes and Davao consistently ranks as the nation’s safest large city. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Field research flags Basilan, Bancao as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Davao City ranks #2 of 9 Philippines destinations we've assessed, scoring 70/100. See the Philippines safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ 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 Philippines safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: davao-city.json (CC BY 4.0).
