For nearly a decade, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has surveyed thousands of American travelers about where they have been and how safe they felt during those trips. Because only people who have actually visited a country can rate it, the study offers a rare look at safety based on real experiences rather than assumptions.
The Safest Countries To Visit In 2026
The rankings are combined with independent data from the Global Peace Index, Numbeo, and GeoSure Global, which track crime, health systems, and overall stability. Together, these sources provide one of the most reliable snapshots of travel safety available today.
In this post, we look at the countries ranked as the safest to visit in 2026. Want to know which countries feature on the list? Scroll to find out.
15. Denmark
Denmark ranks near the top of safety indexes, especially for personal security. Travelers often point out how comfortable the country feels for women, LGBTQ visitors, and tourists of color.
Violent crime is uncommon, and most communities are well-connected to emergency services. The country’s trusted and organized healthcare system makes it stand out from other destinations.
14. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom earns good scores for both general safety and public health. Many areas visited by tourists are well monitored, which helps keep crime relatively low.
Tourists feel comfortable using local transportation, even in large cities. The country also benefits from a low homicide rate compared to other nations of its size.
13. France
France ranks highly for transportation security and public health systems. Major cities maintain a strong police presence in areas with heavy foot traffic, which is reassuring for tourists.
Public transit is widely used and considered dependable. Although France is busy with visitors year-round, authorities have developed systems to manage crowds safely.
12. Portugal
Portugal is regularly recognized as one of the most peaceful countries in the world. Violent crime is rare, and transportation networks are considered dependable for both locals and tourists.
Visitors often comment on how calm major cities feel, even during busy travel seasons. Local authorities provide clear safety guidelines for beaches, hiking areas, and other outdoor spaces.
11. Belgium
Belgium scores well on safety rankings for most categories except firearms rules, which are more flexible than in some neighboring countries. Even so, crime levels remain low, and tourist areas are well monitored.
Cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges have public transportation that travelers find convenient. Overall, the country remains a safe and steady choice for travelers in Western Europe.
10. Ireland
Ireland ranks highly on the Global Peace Index due to low levels of violent crime. Most major cities are walkable and feel comfortable for both solo travelers and families.
Public transportation is generally reliable, helping visitors move safely between urban and rural areas. Healthcare services are easily accessible, especially in larger cities, adding to the country’s reputation.
9. Japan
Japan is considered to be one of the safest densely populated countries in the world. Tourists often remark on how comfortable they feel using trains, walking through markets, or navigating busy neighborhoods.
Public health systems and medical care are easily accessible. Even with large crowds in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, social norms encourage order, quiet behavior, and safety.
8. Switzerland
Switzerland is consistently ranked among the safest countries because of its strong institutions and low crime rates. Many Swiss cities score highly on international safety lists, especially for personal security and transportation reliability.
Visitors appreciate the high-quality healthcare available across both major cities and smaller alpine towns. Even though the country is known for its high cost of living, travelers often mention that the sense of safety makes it worthwhile.
7. United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates stands out for having several of the safest cities in the world. Places like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah often top international safety indexes due to low crime rates and stringent laws.
Streets, public transit, and tourist areas are constantly monitored, which helps maintain order. The UAE also invests heavily in public health and emergency services, which support both residents and visitors.
6. New Zealand
New Zealand has a long-standing reputation for safety and calm daily life. Cities commonly appear near the top of global safety lists with low rates of violent crime and strong community policing.
Tourists benefit from well-marked trails and good emergency response systems in national parks. Health services are reliable with a developed infrastructure prepared for emergencies and natural disasters.
5. Canada
Canada is viewed as one of the safest countries on the American continent. Transportation networks, from city rail systems to long-distance highways, are well-maintained and generally considered safe.
National healthcare gives residents broad access to medical services, and visitors often comment on the high quality of care. The country’s cultural diversity helps create welcoming environments for tourists.
4. Iceland
According to the Global Peace Index 2025, Iceland is the world’s most peaceful country. Its crime rate is among the lowest, with a low level of violent incidents.
Tourists should still prepare for unpredictable weather, since nature is the biggest risk for those exploring the country. Local authorities offer reliable safety updates for travelers who plan outdoor activities.
3. Austria
Austria earns a high safety ranking due to its low crime levels and steady political climate. It ranks highly on the international peace index, which measures things like violent crime, protests, and weapons access.
Public transportation is ordered and reliable, making it easy for tourists to explore neighborhoods and nearby towns conveniently. Tourism offices in major cities provide clear safety guidance that is easy for first-time visitors to follow.
2. Australia
Australia remains one of the safest travel destinations thanks to its stable politics and low levels of violent crime. The country places heavy importance on public health, and its hospitals are well-equipped to support both residents and visitors.
Its strict gun regulations and strong border controls help keep crime rates lower than in many other large countries. Local governments work closely with emergency services to manage natural risks such as bushfires, cyclones, and floods, with easily accessible information and services for visitors.
1. Netherlands
The Netherlands ranks as the safest place for travelers in 2026, as its cities consistently score highly in global safety surveys. Visitors often note how comfortable they feel using public transportation, walking in busy areas, or exploring smaller towns.
Women, LGBTQ travelers, and travelers of color report particularly positive experiences, which reflects the country’s strong social protections and inclusive culture. The healthcare system is reliable and widely trusted, adding another layer of security for international visitors.
