Delaware, the First State, packs remarkable diversity into the nation's second-smallest state — from the cosmopolitan Wilmington riverfront and historic New Castle's cobblestone streets to the Victorian beach resort of Rehoboth Beach and the wild marshes of Cape Henlopen. Rich in colonial and Revolutionary War history, home to major corporate headquarters and the DuPont dynasty's legacy estates, and bordered by Atlantic beaches, Delaware rewards visitors who look beyond its modest size.
Delaware is generally safe for tourists. The state's beach resorts (Rehoboth, Bethany, Dewey, Fenwick Island) are well-patrolled with very low crime rates. Wilmington has some high-crime neighborhoods that visitors should be aware of, but the downtown, riverfront, and Brandywine Valley areas are safe for tourists. Dover's downtown core is safe; avoid peripheral neighborhoods after dark. The primary hazards for beach visitors are rip currents, sun exposure, and summer traffic congestion.
Current safety advisory
Low-Moderate Risk (For Tourists)
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Sun and Heat
- Advice
- Delaware's Atlantic beaches are exposed — apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every 2 hours, wear hats, and hydrate. The heat index in July-August can exceed 100°F with high humidity.
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- Rip Currents
- Advice
- If caught in a rip current, do not fight it by swimming directly to shore. Swim parallel to the shore until out of the current, then return to beach. Call for lifeguard help (flag or shout).
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- Lyme Disease
- Advice
- Deer ticks carrying Lyme disease are present in Delaware's forests and parks. Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded areas, use insect repellent with DEET, and check for ticks after outdoor activities.
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- Jellyfish
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- Moon jellyfish and sea nettle jellyfish sting at Delaware beaches in summer, especially July-August. Lifeguards post jellyfish flags when concentrations are high. Treat stings with salt water and remove tentacles carefully.
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- Healthcare
- Advice
- Travel insurance is recommended for international visitors. ChristianaCare (Newark) is the state's major trauma center. Beebe Healthcare (Lewes) serves the beach region. Urgent care clinics operate in Rehoboth Beach and Lewes during summer.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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