Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for Puerto Rico: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-06-24T19:22:34.7934338-04:00
Full advisory →Is San Juan safe? 🇵🇷
Puerto Rico · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, San Juan scores 60/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes — San Juan is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and follow basic precautions. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
San Juan 🇵🇷
Puerto Rico · Assessed 28 July 2026
60
/ 100
Mostly — take normal precautions
Safer than ~57% of countries
What drives this score
Crime39/100ElevatedCrime index 67.0 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment68/100FairMostly positive
Advisories97Good
Stability73Good
Health91Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Elevated
Homicide rate
14.6 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Puerto Rico (US)14.6Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
35
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging and armed robbery are uncommon in tourist zones but can occur in isolated neighborhoods after dark
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing is frequent in crowded markets, cruise‑ship terminals and Old San Juan streets
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
68/100
Reported feel71Mostly positive
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports on forums and review sites indicate visitors generally feel safe during daylight, though some express concern about nighttime street crime and occasional scams
Yes — San Juan is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and follow basic precautions.
San Juan’s composite safety index of 58 reflects moderate risk, driven by higher homicide and crime perception scores, but its strong governance, low terrorism threat, and good health infrastructure keep overall danger low for travelers.
Recent developments
- Jul 2026Large pro‑independence protest near the Capitol building; police used tear gas, no injuries reported— reutersconnect.com
- May 2026Two separate armed robberies on taxis in Santurce district, one driver injured— San Juan Daily Star
- Feb 2026Stowaway discovered with 789 lb of cocaine in San Juan harbor; Coast Guard seized cargo— CBS News
Common scams
- Overcharging taxi drivers who refuse to use the meter
- Fake “tourist police” offering unsolicited help near Old San Juan
Full briefing
Safety Briefing
San Juan is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and follow basic precautions. The city’s composite safety index of 58 marks it as moderate‑risk, a reflection of a higher homicide rate (14.6 per 100 k) and a crowdsourced crime perception score of 67. However, terrorism threats are negligible, governance indicators are solid, and health‑environment scores exceed 90, keeping the overall danger level low for travelers.
Recent incidents from the live dossier illustrate the current landscape. In July 2026 a large pro‑independence protest erupted near the Capitol, prompting police to deploy tear gas; no injuries were reported but the scene could be unsettling for visitors. Earlier in May 2026, two armed taxi robberies occurred in the Santurce district, one leaving the driver injured, and a February 2026 seizure of 789 lb of cocaine at the harbor underscores ongoing narcotics activity that can spill into street‑level crime. These events are isolated but worth noting, especially after dark.
Visitor sentiment remains mostly positive, with a consumer‑sentiment score of 71. Travelers report feeling comfortable walking around Old San Juan and the beachfront districts during daylight, yet many cite heightened vigilance after sunset, particularly in less‑touristed neighborhoods. The most common scams involve taxi drivers who refuse to use the meter and “tourist police” imposters offering unsolicited assistance near popular sites. Pickpocketing is moderate, especially in crowded markets such as Plaza Las Américas and on cruise‑ship docks.
To stay safe, use only licensed taxis or reputable rideshare apps and insist on the meter; keep bags zipped and front‑facing in busy areas; avoid flashing valuables and store passports and extra cash in a hotel safe. Stick to well‑lit, populated streets after dark, and be wary of unsolicited help from strangers claiming to be police. By following these practical steps, visitors can enjoy San Juan’s culture, cuisine and beaches while minimizing risk.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 San Juan districts for visitors: 1 safer, 4 needing caution and 3 best avoided. See them plotted on the San Juan safety map.
SanturceavoidHigh rates of street crime and gang activity; avoid especially near Calle Loíza after dark
Puerta de TierraavoidResidential area with elevated violent crime rates; not recommended for solo travelers at night
CatañoavoidFerry terminal suburb; limited lighting and higher incidence of theft targeting tourists
Old San JuancautionHistoric core popular with visitors but pickpocketing and petty theft increase after dark
Isla VerdecautionBeach resort area; daytime is fine but isolated incidents of bag snatching reported at night
Hato ReycautionCommercial district; generally safe in business hours but caution advised after hours due to occasional muggings
MiramarcautionQuiet residential zone; occasional burglaries reported, stay alert and lock accommodations
CondadosaferTourist hub with strong police presence and well-lit streets; rarely sees violent crime
07 · After Dark
Is San Juan safe at night?
Mugging and armed robbery are uncommon in tourist zones but can occur in isolated neighborhoods after dark
After dark, be most careful around Santurce, Puerta de Tierra, Cataño, Old San Juan. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight San Juan's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight53
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight55
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight60
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight54
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight63
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight58
09 · Questions
San Juan safety FAQ
Is San Juan safe for tourists right now?
Yes — San Juan is generally safe for visitors who stay alert and follow basic precautions. San Juan’s composite safety index of 58 reflects moderate risk, driven by higher homicide and crime perception scores, but its strong governance, low terrorism threat, and good health infrastructure keep overall danger low for travelers. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Which areas of San Juan should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Santurce, Puerta de Tierra, Cataño as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in San Juan?
- Overcharging taxi drivers who refuse to use the meter
- Fake “tourist police” offering unsolicited help near Old San Juan
How does San Juan compare with other places in Puerto Rico?
San Juan scores 60/100 — see the Puerto Rico safety overview for country-level data.
How is this San Juan safety score calculated?
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.
Nearby destinations
4 reportsSimilar safety profile
4 reportsBrowse the Puerto Rico safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: san-juan.json (CC BY 4.0).