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Philippines · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Iloilo City scores 73/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes. Iloilo City is generally safe for visitors with low violent crime but moderate pickpocketing risk in crowded areas. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Philippines · Assessed 13 October 2026
73
/ 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
Robbery / mugging
LowArmed robbery against visitors is rare; incidents typically involve locals and occur infrequently in isolated areas after dark.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching happen in crowded jeepneys, markets, and festivals; remain vigilant in Dinagyang-related events and transport terminals.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors feel safe walking in central districts during daylight hours, with concerns mainly focused on nighttime isolation and traffic safety rather than crime.
Yes. Iloilo City is generally safe for visitors with low violent crime but moderate pickpocketing risk in crowded areas.
Iloilo City scores 68/100 on the composite safety index, reflecting moderate overall safety supported by low homicide rates and good air quality. While violent crime against visitors is uncommon, petty theft occurs in busy markets and transport hubs. Visitors report feeling safe during the day but should exercise caution at night in poorly lit areas.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Iloilo City maintains a reputation as one of the safer urban centers in the Philippines, particularly when compared to larger metropolitan areas. The city’s composite safety score of 68/100 is bolstered by low homicide rates and good air quality, though governance indicators reveal weaker performance in rule of law and corruption control. Visitors should note that while violent crime targeting tourists remains uncommon, the city experiences seasonal increases in foot traffic during festivals like Dinagyang and Holy Week, which can elevate opportunities for petty theft.
Recent reports confirm ongoing efforts by local authorities to manage safety during peak periods. In April 2026, Iloilo City was placed on a blue alert ahead of the Holy Week travel surge to coordinate responder deployment and secure public spaces. Similarly, in March 2026, over 450 police personnel were deployed for Semana Santa security to monitor crowds and deter criminal activity. These proactive measures align with visitor sentiment, which remains mostly positive regarding daytime safety in districts like Mandurriao and the city center. However, travelers are advised to avoid walking alone in dimly lit or deserted areas after dark, even if such zones are not formally designated as high-risk.
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching represent the most consistent safety concern for visitors, particularly in congested environments such as jeepneys, the Iloilo Central Market, and transport terminals during festivals. While armed robbery against tourists is infrequent, the July 2026 arrest of two regional most-wanted suspects for robbery and murder underscores that such crimes do occur, though they typically involve local disputes rather than targeting foreigners. Practical precautions include using ride-hailing services or confirming tricycle fares upfront, securing valuables in crowded areas, and staying alert in poorly lit zones at night. Health-wise, travelers should monitor dengue and measles risks, use insect repellent, and ensure routine vaccinations are current.
Was this Iloilo City, Philippines report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 6 Iloilo City districts for visitors: 4 safer, 2 needing caution. See them plotted on the Iloilo City safety map.
City PropercautionHigher risk of petty crime in crowded areas; exercise vigilance.
LapuzcautionSome areas may be less developed; exercise caution, especially at night.
MandurriaosaferGenerally considered safe and well-lit, especially the business district.
MolosaferA generally safe residential and commercial district.
JarosaferA historic district with a generally safe atmosphere.
ArevalosaferKnown for its heritage, generally safe for visitors.
07 · After Dark
Armed robbery against visitors is rare; incidents typically involve locals and occur infrequently in isolated areas after dark.
After dark, be most careful around City Proper, Lapuz. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Yes. Iloilo City is generally safe for visitors with low violent crime but moderate pickpocketing risk in crowded areas. Iloilo City scores 68/100 on the composite safety index, reflecting moderate overall safety supported by low homicide rates and good air quality. While violent crime against visitors is uncommon, petty theft occurs in busy markets and transport hubs. Visitors report feeling safe during the day but should exercise caution at night in poorly lit areas. (Assessed 13 October 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.
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
Iloilo City ranks #1 of 9 Philippines destinations we've assessed, scoring 73/100. 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: iloilo-city.json (CC BY 4.0).
