Philippines · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Iloilo City scores 67/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes — Iloilo City is a low‑risk destination for visitors, but exercise a high degree of caution in crowded areas and during weather‑related disruptions. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Philippines · Assessed 29 July 2026
67
/ 100
Safer than ~68% 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 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
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
LowArmed robbery against tourists is rare; most incidents involve petty theft in busy markets
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing occurs in crowded transport hubs and during festivals; keep bags zipped and phones secured
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Recent traveler posts describe Iloilo as welcoming and safe, with low perceived threat in daily interactions.
Yes — Iloilo City is a low‑risk destination for visitors, but exercise a high degree of caution in crowded areas and during weather‑related disruptions.
The multi‑database profile rates Iloilo’s safety at a moderate composite of 66/100, driven by a homicide rate of 4.3 per 100k and a low‑to‑moderate crime index. Recent local reports show generally peaceful conditions, though petty theft and occasional flooding are noted. Visitors should stay alert to scams and weather‑related hazards.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Iloilo City is a low‑risk destination for visitors, but the official Canadian advisory and the moderate composite safety score (66/100) tell you to exercise a high degree of caution. Homicide rates are modest (4.3 per 100k) and violent crime against tourists is rare, yet the city’s moderate pickpocket risk (level: Moderate) spikes in crowded markets, transport hubs, and during festivals such as Holy Week when police deploy extra personnel. Recent incidents in the dossier underline weather‑related disruptions: a June 2026 tropical storm forced sea‑travel cancellations, an April 2026 4.3‑magnitude quake rattled the city, and heavy rains have led to flash‑flooding that can strand travelers. The crime index from Numbeo (43.4) and the crowdsourced perception of safety (78 % positive) suggest most visitors feel comfortable walking during daylight, but night‑time street crime—mainly petty theft—remains a concern.
Scams targeting tourists are common enough to merit vigilance. The most frequent tricks involve overcharging for taxi or jeepney rides, fake tour guides who promise cheap excursions, and ATM skimming at money‑changing booths. To stay safe, book rides through registered taxis or the Grab app and agree on fares beforehand; keep wallets, phones, and bags secured in a front‑pocket or zip‑pered pouch; avoid isolated streets after dark, especially in districts not frequented by locals; and monitor local weather alerts, as sudden floods or strong winds can affect transport and outdoor activities. By sticking to reputable transport, safeguarding valuables, and staying informed of real‑time weather updates, you can enjoy Iloilo’s heritage, food, and friendly atmosphere while minimizing risk.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Iloilo City districts for visitors: 5 safer, 2 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Iloilo City safety map.
PacoavoidAvoid due to high petty theft and occasional violent incidents near the port area
MolocautionCaution advised after dark due to occasional petty theft and poorly lit streets
ArevalocautionCaution advised after dark due to sporadic theft incidents reported near transport terminals
JarosaferGenerally safe, but stay alert in crowded markets and transport hubs
LaaksaferQuiet residential area, low incident reports, but basic precautions advised
Molo River EsplanadesaferWell-patrolled and popular with visitors; safe during daylight, caution after rain
Iloilo Central Business DistrictsaferHigh foot traffic and police presence; petty theft possible, avoid after dark
Lapu-LapusaferSafe for daytime activities; basic vigilance needed at night
07 · After Dark
Armed robbery against tourists is rare; most incidents involve petty theft in busy markets
After dark, be most careful around Paco, Molo, Arevalo. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes — Iloilo City is a low‑risk destination for visitors, but exercise a high degree of caution in crowded areas and during weather‑related disruptions. The multi‑database profile rates Iloilo’s safety at a moderate composite of 66/100, driven by a homicide rate of 4.3 per 100k and a low‑to‑moderate crime index. Recent local reports show generally peaceful conditions, though petty theft and occasional flooding are noted. Visitors should stay alert to scams and weather‑related hazards. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Iloilo 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.
Field research flags Paco as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Iloilo City ranks #4 of 9 Philippines destinations we've assessed, scoring 67/100. 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.
Browse the Philippines safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: iloilo-city.json (CC BY 4.0).
