Philippines · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Manila scores 65/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes — Manila is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and avoid high‑risk areas. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Philippines · Assessed 28 July 2026
65
/ 100
Safer than ~65% 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
ModerateMugging and armed robbery are uncommon in central Manila but can occur in isolated peripheral neighborhoods, especially at night.
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag‑snatching are frequent in crowded transport hubs, markets and tourist sites.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
63/100
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors generally feel safe in well‑touristed districts but express concern over petty theft and occasional scams.
Yes — Manila is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and avoid high‑risk areas.
Manila’s composite safety index of 66 reflects moderate overall risk, with lower homicide rates than many large cities but elevated petty‑crime concerns. Visitor safety is typically good in central districts, while Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago remain off‑limits due to serious security advisories.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Manila is generally safe for visitors who remain vigilant, but the overall risk is moderate. The city’s composite safety index of 66 reflects a balance between relatively low violent‑crime rates and higher levels of petty theft and scams that target tourists. Recent advisories from the Canadian government and the UK FCDO caution against travel to Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, and they also stress a “high degree of caution” for the capital itself due to occasional unrest and the threat of localized crime spikes.
The most pressing safety issues for a traveler right now involve petty crime. Pickpocketing and bag‑snatching are reported frequently in crowded places such as the LRT/MRT stations, the bustling streets of Quiapo, and the tourist‑heavy areas of Intramuros and Binondo. A recent Travel Safe - Abroad rating from February 2026 specifically flags these neighborhoods as hotspots for opportunistic theft. While armed robbery is rare in central districts, isolated incidents have been documented in peripheral barangays after dark, so it is wise to avoid poorly lit side streets once the sun sets.
Recent news from May 2026 reminds visitors that the Department of Tourism has discouraged non‑essential travel near the Mayon volcano danger zone after a surge in seismic activity and ashfall warnings; although Mayon lies outside Manila, the advisory underscores the importance of heeding local safety notices when planning day trips. More directly relevant to Manila, the February 2026 “Travel Safe - Abroad” safety rating highlighted a moderate robbery risk in certain outer districts and warned that scams—such as overpriced tours, fake police impostors demanding bribes, and unlicensed taxi drivers—are common. The Canadian advisory update in March 2026 reiterates that travelers should exercise a high degree of caution and stay informed about regional travel restrictions.
To stay safe, use only registered taxis or reputable ride‑share apps, keep passports and cash secured in a money belt, and avoid flashing valuables. Stick to well‑lit, busy streets in districts like Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and the historic core of Intramuros during daylight hours, and refrain from walking alone after dark in less‑touristed areas. Be wary of individuals claiming to be police or security personnel who ask for money; verify their credentials before complying. Finally, stay updated on any new alerts by checking local news sources and the official government travel advisories, and consider registering your travel plans with your embassy.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 5 Manila districts for visitors: 3 safer, 1 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Manila safety map.
TondoavoidHigh crime rate and informal settlements; avoid entirely due to frequent petty theft and pickpocketing.
Quezon CitycautionBusy urban area with mixed safety; daytime is fine but stay alert in crowded spots and avoid poorly lit streets at night.
MakatisaferGenerally safe for visitors; busy business district with strong police presence, but standard precautions advised after dark.
Bonifacio Global CitysaferWell-maintained and patrolled area; safe for travelers who keep belongings secure and avoid isolated alleys after dark.
IntramurossaferTourist-friendly historic zone with constant foot traffic and security; petty theft possible, so watch belongings.
07 · After Dark
Mugging and armed robbery are uncommon in central Manila but can occur in isolated peripheral neighborhoods, especially at night.
After dark, be most careful around Tondo, Quezon City. 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 Manila's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Manila is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and avoid high‑risk areas. Manila’s composite safety index of 66 reflects moderate overall risk, with lower homicide rates than many large cities but elevated petty‑crime concerns. Visitor safety is typically good in central districts, while Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago remain off‑limits due to serious security advisories. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Field research flags Tondo as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Manila ranks #2 of 2 Philippines destinations we've assessed, scoring 65/100. 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: manila.json (CC BY 4.0).