Exercise Increased Caution
“Reissued after periodic review with updates to entry/exit requirements. Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism.”
Updated Mon, 16 Jun 2025
Full advisory →Is Delhi safe? 🇮🇳
India · Safety report last updated
As of September 2026, Delhi scores 64/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Delhi is moderately safe for travelers, requiring increased vigilance due to petty crime, scams, and specific safety concerns for women. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk). The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Delhi 🇮🇳
India · Assessed 24 September 2026
64
/ 100
Mostly — take normal precautions
Safer than ~63% of countries
What drives this score
Crime60/100FairCrime index 44.2 / 100
Sentiment62/100FairMostly safe, take normal precautions
Advisories72Good
Stability61Fair
Health69Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
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 India-Pakistan border area FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the India-Pakistan border.”
Updated 2026-07-09T13:54:18Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for India: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-09-15T15:35:51.1596762-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Mugging & robbery risk
Moderate risk
62
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
High risk
58
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
63 / 100 (Mostly safe, take normal precautions)
63
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
11.0M residents
37
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
2.8 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6India2.8World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
79
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging of tourists is uncommon, but motorbike-borne bag snatching can occur, especially in south Delhi and near railway stations.
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing is prevalent in crowded markets like Chandni Chowk, Paharganj, New Delhi Railway Station, and during metro rush hour.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly safe, take normal precautions
62/100
Reported feel63Mostly safe, take normal precautions
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk58High risk
New Delhi scores 63/100 on a composite safety index, indicating it's generally safe for visitors who stay alert and follow basic precautions, though petty crime and scams require vigilance.
Delhi is moderately safe for travelers, requiring increased vigilance due to petty crime, scams, and specific safety concerns for women.
While violent crime against tourists is not common, visitors should be aware of prevalent petty theft, persistent scams, and significant harassment risks, particularly for women. Official advisories recommend exercising increased caution.
Recent developments
- Sep 2026Hundreds protested in the capital following reports of a gang-rape of a teenager, with police investigating.— Reuters / DW.com / The Straits Times
- Jun 2026A hotel fire led to calls for stricter fire safety norms and a crackdown on safety measures.— ET TravelWorld / DW.com
- Apr 2026Canada issued an 'Avoid Non-Essential Travel' warning for a destination cited as the world's top solo travel spot, implying safety concerns.— TheTravel
Common scams
- Fake tourist information centers offering overpriced replacements for supposedly cancelled train tickets.
- Taxi or auto-rickshaw drivers claiming your booked hotel is closed or bad, then redirecting you to commission-earning accommodations.
- Airport and station 'prepaid' taxi counters that may be fake and overcharge significantly.
Full briefing
Delhi presents a mixed safety profile for travelers, with official advisories from the US, UK, and Canada recommending increased caution or a high degree of caution. While the city is generally safe for tourists who remain alert and follow basic precautions, the primary risks stem from petty crime, persistent scams, and significant concerns regarding harassment, particularly for women. Violent crime against visitors is not common, but vigilance is essential.
The dossier highlights that pickpocketing is a high risk in crowded areas such as Chandni Chowk, Paharganj, and New Delhi Railway Station, as well as during metro rush hour. Robbery, specifically motorbike-borne bag snatching, is a moderate risk, with incidents reported in south Delhi and near railway stations. Scams are a significant nuisance, with common tactics including fake tourist information centers, fabricated hotel issues by taxi drivers, and potentially fraudulent prepaid taxi services at airports and stations.
Recent incidents underscore ongoing safety challenges. In September 2026, protests erupted following reports of a gang-rape, with police investigations underway. In June 2026, a hotel fire prompted calls for improved safety regulations. These events, alongside travel advisories, indicate a need for heightened awareness. For women travelers, the situation requires particular attention, with reports of harassment and calls for better policing and safer streets.
To mitigate risks, travelers should prioritize using official transport or reputable ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola, and avoid unmarked taxis. It is advisable to be wary of unsolicited help or directions from strangers, especially near transport hubs. Dressing conservatively and maintaining situational awareness, particularly in crowded areas and at night, is crucial. Valuables should be secured in a money belt, and it's recommended not to openly admit to being a first-time visitor to India to avoid becoming a target for touts. The city's air quality is also a health concern, with an unhealthy US AQI score.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Delhi districts for visitors: 3 safer, 2 needing caution and 3 best avoided. See them plotted on the Delhi safety map.
Chandni ChowkavoidOvercrowded Old Delhi market; extreme pickpocketing, scams, and harassment risk, particularly during daytime
PaharganjavoidBudget backpacker area near New Delhi Station; high scam, theft, and tout activity targeting tourists
New Delhi Railway Station areaavoidMajor transit hub; frequent fake taxi scams, pickpocketing, and robbery, especially at night
Connaught PlacecautionCentral commercial hub; high pickpocketing and scam risk in crowds, especially near metro and railway stations
Karol BaghcautionBusy shopping district; moderate pickpocketing and overcharging risks, safer during day, avoid late night
South Delhi (e.g., Hauz Khas, Greater Kailash)saferUpscale residential and nightlife zone; lower crime, well-patrolled, popular with expats and tourists
Lutyens' Delhi (Government buildings, India Gate)saferAdministrative core; strong police presence, low street crime, safe for daytime sightseeing
SaketsaferModern South Delhi district with malls and hospitals; low violent crime, good infrastructure, popular with visitors
07 · After Dark
Is Delhi safe at night?
Mugging of tourists is uncommon, but motorbike-borne bag snatching can occur, especially in south Delhi and near railway stations.
After dark, be most careful around Chandni Chowk, Paharganj, New Delhi Railway Station area, Connaught Place. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Delhi safety FAQ
Is Delhi safe for tourists right now?
Delhi is moderately safe for travelers, requiring increased vigilance due to petty crime, scams, and specific safety concerns for women. While violent crime against tourists is not common, visitors should be aware of prevalent petty theft, persistent scams, and significant harassment risks, particularly for women. Official advisories recommend exercising increased caution. (Assessed 24 September 2026.)
Which areas of Delhi should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Chandni Chowk, Paharganj, New Delhi Railway Station area as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Delhi?
- Fake tourist information centers offering overpriced replacements for supposedly cancelled train tickets.
- Taxi or auto-rickshaw drivers claiming your booked hotel is closed or bad, then redirecting you to commission-earning accommodations.
- Airport and station 'prepaid' taxi counters that may be fake and overcharge significantly.
How does Delhi compare with other places in India?
Delhi ranks #9 of 9 India destinations we've assessed, scoring 64/100. See the India safety overview for the full list.
How is this Delhi safety score calculated?
The score blends 13+ 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.
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