These are the 10 safest countries for travellers to visit in 2026 — you’ll want to pack your bags now!
Looking for stress-free travel in 2026? Discover the 10 safest countries for travellers — from the Netherlands to Japan — ranked by real data and traveller experience.
Your parents were right about one thing — safety first. No matter how breathtaking a destination is, nothing kills the travel buzz faster than losing your phone, getting scammed, or constantly looking over your shoulder. The best trips are the ones where you can actually relax — explore without worry, sleep soundly, and wander with ease. So where in the world can you truly let your guard down in 2026? To answer that, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) surveyed thousands of travellers, blending their real-world experiences with hard data from the Global Peace Index and safety indexes across the globe. The result? A definitive list of the 10 safest countries to travel to in 2026 — destinations that offer not just postcard perfection, but peace of mind, too. Take a look...
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1. Netherlands – The World’s Safety Superstar Once again, the Netherlands pedals past the rest to claim the top spot. With bike-friendly cities, well-lit streets, and famously open-minded locals, this country exudes calm and security. Whether you’re cycling along Amsterdam’s canals or wandering through tulip fields in Lisse, safety here feels as natural as breathing. LGBTQ+ travellers, solo adventurers, and families alike consistently rate it one of the most welcoming places on Earth.
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2. Australia – Easygoing and Exceptionally Safe Down Under continues to charm with its mix of laid-back lifestyle and rock-solid infrastructure. From Sydney’s surf beaches to Tasmania’s wild trails, Australia pairs adventure with reassurance. Crime rates are low, healthcare is top-tier, and locals are famously friendly. Plus, the country’s strict safety laws mean you can focus on sunsets, not stress.
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3. Austria – Peace in the Heart of Europe Tucked amid the Alps, Austria blends Old-World charm with modern efficiency. Its clean, walkable cities — Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck — are as safe as they are stunning. It’s a dream for solo travellers who love culture by day and serene evening strolls by night. Add punctual trains, courteous locals, and a national obsession with order, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for peaceful travel.
4. Iceland – Where Safety Meets Solitude Few places feel as untouched — or as reassuring — as Iceland. With almost no violent crime and a deeply trusting culture, this island nation is a haven for explorers. You can chase waterfalls, hike glaciers, and even hitchhike (yes, really) with confidence. Plus, Iceland consistently ranks among the top five countries for women travelling alone.
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5. Canada – Kindness, Culture, and Calm There’s a reason Canada’s nickname is “The Great White Safe.” Whether you’re wandering through Montréal’s cobbled lanes or kayaking in British Columbia, you’ll find an effortless blend of friendliness and security. Its healthcare system, multicultural inclusivity, and low gun violence make it a model of modern safety. Even its wildlife encounters — moose included — tend to be polite.
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6. New Zealand – Adventure Without Anxiety New Zealand has adventure written all over it — but with none of the worry. It’s where you can skydive, hike, or road trip across the Southern Alps without a flicker of fear. Clean air, courteous citizens, and low crime rates make it a dream for solo travellers. Plus, the “Kiwi kindness” is real — expect smiles and help wherever you go.
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7. United Arab Emirates – Safe, Sophisticated, and Surprisingly Welcoming A newcomer to the top ten, the UAE proves that high-tech luxury and safety can coexist beautifully. Dubai and Abu Dhabi boast some of the lowest crime rates in the world, thanks to strong law enforcement and an emphasis on hospitality. Women travellers rate it increasingly high for comfort, and its cultural etiquette — when respected — ensures smooth, secure travel experiences.
8. Switzerland – Serenity in Every Sense In Switzerland, safety comes with a side of postcard-perfect beauty. Between chocolate shops and Alpine peaks, it’s one of the most orderly nations on Earth. The trains run on time (always), the air is clean, and even the tap water tastes like a glacier. Add political neutrality and social stability, and it’s easy to see why travellers feel completely at ease here.
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9. Japan – Precision, Politeness, and Peace of Mind Japan’s safety reputation is legendary — and well-earned. In Tokyo, people leave wallets on café tables and come back to find them untouched. Its public transport is impeccably safe, and its citizens are famously considerate. For solo female travellers, night-time walks through neon-lit alleys are as safe as morning strolls through temples. It’s a country where respect is woven into the culture itself.
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10. Ireland – Where Warmth Meets Security Rounding off the list is the ever-charming Ireland. Beyond its rolling green hills and lively pubs lies a nation known for kindness and care. Violent crime is rare, and visitors often remark that even big cities like Dublin feel more like friendly towns. It’s a place where safety isn’t just about law and order — it’s about community spirit.
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
