The 10 Safest Countries for Travelers and 5 That Are the Most Dangerous to Visit

Iceland: The Unshakeable Crown of Safety

Picture this: a country where people leave their babies outside cafes in prams while they grab coffee, where keys are left in car ignitions, and where the biggest crime story might be someone forgetting to pay for their parking. Iceland has consistently topped safety rankings with a score of 18.2 in HelloSafe's 2025 travel safety index and acquired the lowest score in global safety assessments, making it the world's safest country for travelers to visit right now.

The Nordic island nation doesn't just excel in one area - it's like the straight-A student of the safety world. Iceland has been the safest country in the world for the 14th year in a row, according to the Global Peace Index.

What makes Iceland so incredibly safe? Iceland has a very low level of crime, which is typically attributed to its high standard of living, small population, strong social attitudes against crime, a high level of trust in its well-trained police force, and a lack of tension among social and economic classes.

Iceland has no military, and the police do not carry firearms (only extendable batons and pepper spray). The country's approach to safety isn't about heavy-handed enforcement - it's about creating a society where crime simply doesn't make sense.

Singapore: The City-State Safety Marvel

Singapore stands out at the top of the ranking with a remarkable score of 19.99 points, making it the second safest country in the world. This tiny island nation has mastered the art of urban safety in a way that would make other megacities green with envy.

Singapore also ranks as the second-safest city in the world according to the Safe Cities Index from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and in 2019, Singapore ranked first for infrastructure security and personal security, second for digital security, and eighth for health security. What's fascinating about Singapore is how it balances being a bustling financial hub with maintaining extraordinary safety standards.

The city-state has strict laws, yes, but they're coupled with efficient enforcement and a culture of mutual respect. Walking through Singapore at night feels as safe as strolling through a well-lit suburban neighborhood - except you're in one of Asia's most important financial centers.

Denmark: Where Hygge Meets Security

Denmark consistently ranks among the top 3 safest countries in the world to travel to in 2025 with a score of 20.1. Denmark is another one of the safest and happiest countries in the world and is one of the few countries where people report feeling safe at any time of day or night, even children.

The Danish concept of "hygge" - that cozy feeling of contentment and well-being - seems to extend to their entire approach to public safety. The Danish spirit of hygge means taking time to be with the people you care about enjoying life's simpler pleasures and this concept drives much of Danish society and results in a warm, welcoming place for visitors.

It's almost comical how the biggest safety concern visitors might encounter is no right turns on red - it's about all Denmark has for safety concerns.

Austria: The Alpine Haven of Peace

Austria completes the top safest European countries with a score of 20.3. Austria is the third most peaceful country in the world and in Europe, and the country performs well across all the Global Peace Index domains, securing a position within the top 15.

There's something almost fairy-tale-like about Austria's safety record - perhaps it's the Alpine air, or maybe it's the country's long-standing tradition of neutrality and diplomatic finesse. Austria proves that you don't need to be a remote island or a small city-state to achieve top-tier safety.

This landlocked country in the heart of Europe manages to maintain its peaceful reputation while being surrounded by the complexities of European politics and economics. The country's approach to safety is methodical and thorough, much like a well-orchestrated symphony.

Switzerland: The Clockwork Precision of Safety

Switzerland ranks among the top 5 safest European countries with a score of 20.5. Switzerland made a notable advancement by climbing three places in the index and is now ranked 6th, improving from 9th in 2023, and is also the fourth most peaceful nation in Europe and ranks fourth in the Safety and Security domain.

The Swiss have turned safety into an art form - everything runs like clockwork, from their famous trains to their crime prevention systems. What's particularly interesting about Switzerland is the paradox of its safety ranking alongside its military heritage.

Switzerland is among the ten highest weapons exporters per capita. Yet this doesn't translate to domestic violence or instability - instead, it showcases how a country can maintain strong defense industries while keeping its citizens completely safe.

Australia: The Land Down Under's Safety Triumph

Australia has been ranked as one of the top three safest countries for travelers in 2025, and has been climbing in the rankings over the past several years and has regularly made the top ten list. Australia boasts adventures on many travelers' bucket lists, from snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef to catching an evening show at the Sydney Opera House, however, Australia is home to dangerous wildlife, so use caution and follow local guidance while partaking in outdoor pursuits.

The irony isn't lost on anyone - a country famous for having some of the world's most dangerous wildlife consistently ranks as one of the safest places to visit. Australia's urban destinations like Sydney and Melbourne are worthwhile, but also consider visiting the capital city of Canberra, which has the country's lowest suburban crime rates and is home to institutions such as the National Gallery and Parliament House.

Canada: The Great White North's Safety Success

Canada has been ranked as one of the top three safest countries for travelers in 2025, and has been climbing in the rankings over the past several years and has regularly made the top ten list. Low crime rates, strict gun laws, and political stability make Canada a safe haven for residents and tourists alike, with plenty to entice visitors to the Great White North, starting with its stunning national parks — Banff, Jasper, and Yoho, to name a few.

Canada's safety record is like a warm hug on a cold winter day - reliable, comforting, and exactly what you need. The country's vast wilderness might seem daunting, but it's actually part of what makes it so safe.

Canada ranked highly because its cold weather and low population density make for safe travel. However, it's important to watch out for wildfires and the reduced air quality in most major Canadian cities because of them.

Japan: The Land of the Rising Sun's Safety Culture

Japan is the ninth-safest country in the world for 2023 and has been in the top ten countries in the Global Peace Index for 15 years, consistently receiving high marks for low crime rates, minimal internal conflict, and virtually nonexistent political unrest. Though everyday urban crimes, such as pickpocketing and subway theft, do occur, Tokyo and other major cities in Japan have much lower overall crime rates than major U.S.

cities such as New York and Chicago, and in both urban and rural communities, locals welcome guests to learn more about their rich culture. Japan's safety isn't just about statistics - it's deeply embedded in the culture.

Japan is known for citizens having limited access to firearms, as the Japanese do not view carrying a firearm as an individual's right. According to the Safe Cities Index from the Economist Intelligence Unit, Tokyo was the safest city in the world in 2019, ranking first in cybersecurity, second for health security, and fourth for infrastructure security and personal security.

Norway: The Nordic Safety Excellence

Norway is frequently mentioned as a favorite solo travel destination among seasoned tourists, but all types of travelers can enjoy this safety-minded destination and it boasts friendly locals, many of whom speak English, along with a robust public transportation system (even in remote areas) and low crime rates in cities. Norway and Canada are two of the world's safest places statistically when it comes to violent crime.

Norway's approach to safety is like its approach to everything else - thoughtful, inclusive, and effective. The country's vast northern territories have 225,000 reindeer and nowhere near that many people.

This low population density contributes to the country's safety, but it's really the Norwegian social system and cultural values that make the difference.

Portugal: The Iberian Safety Surprise

Portugal is ranked 7th in the 2024 Global Peace Index and is the fifth most peaceful country in Europe. Portugal has much of the allure and safety of Spain but with significantly fewer tourists, and fewer tourists mean fewer tourist-directed crimes.

In 2014, Portugal was ranked 18th globally and has since made significant strides, and unlike Iceland and New Zealand, Portugal has armed police; however, an increased police presence has resulted in a decreased crime rate in the country. Portugal's safety success story is particularly impressive because it shows how a country can dramatically improve its security situation.

In recent years, Portugal has experienced an economic resurgence, decreasing its unemployment rate from over 17% to under 7%, and Portugal consistently ranks among the best countries for retirement, due in no small part to its high level of safety.

Yemen: The World's Most Dangerous Destination

Now we shift to the dark side of the travel safety spectrum, and unfortunately, Yemen tops every dangerous country list with alarming consistency. In 2025, Yemen is the most deadly and dangerous nation on earth, since 2015, a civil war has been raging in the nation, and things have only gotten worse, with the conflict claiming the lives of tens of thousands of people and forcing millions more to flee their homes.

According to the United Nations, Yemen is still immersed in the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with more than six years of ongoing military conflict forcing 4.3 million people to leave their homes and putting 14 million people at risk of starvation and deadly disease, and about 80% of the Yemen population (24 million people) is in desperate need of humanitarian assistance. According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, peacefulness in Yemen has deteriorated due to increased political instability, violent demonstrations, and heightened tensions in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Houthi missile and drone attacks in late 2023 intensifying, threatening Red Sea and Gulf of Aden routes.

Afghanistan: The Persistent Danger Zone

With a 2024 score of 3.294, Afghanistan is the fourth most dangerous country in the world, after having been the most dangerous one for six years in a row, and as a war-torn country that has been mired in war, revolution, and civil strife for decades, Afghanistan experienced a significant decrease in conflict-related deaths in 2022, with the number falling by 90.6%, from almost 43,000 to just over 4,000. Afghanistan has topped the list of the most dangerous countries in the world for several years in a row and it ticks all the boxes regarding travel security risks.

Ongoing violence and political turmoil make Afghanistan the most unsafe country in the world, and as a result of more than two decades of war, the country now has one of the lowest human development indices in the world. Despite some improvements in recent years, the fundamental security challenges remain overwhelming for any traveler.

Syria: The Ongoing Conflict Catastrophe

Since 2011, Syria has been entangled in a catastrophic civil war, resulting in a tragic death toll exceeding 250,000 lives lost and over 7.6 million people internally displaced, with the conflict's devastating impact reverberating through Syria's crumbling infrastructure and the collapse of essential systems such as healthcare and education. The rise of terrorist groups like ISIS has further compounded the turmoil, manifesting in brutal attacks on innocent civilians, and Syria's geographical proximity to Europe has spawned an unparalleled refugee crisis, making Syria emerge as the third most dangerous country in 2024 and a challenging destination for US citizens due to these grave challenges.

The situation in Syria represents one of the most complex and dangerous conflict zones in the modern world.

Venezuela: The South American Crisis

Venezuela was rated the world's most dangerous country, with a dismal safety score of 19.3, and the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Venezuela, citing risks including homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

Political demonstrations often turn violent, and law enforcement responses can be brutal and unpredictable. Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela are among the most dangerous Latin American countries, with high homicide rates, militarization, and internally displaced persons among the causes that justify this poor ranking for these countries, despite their undeniable tourist potential.

With looming Western sanctions on the Maduro government for its handling of the 2024 elections, Western travelers, especially Americans, also face the threat of arbitrary detention, and we do not recommend for Americans to travel to Venezuela.

Colombia: The Beautiful Yet Dangerous Paradox

Colombia appears among the 3 least safe countries in the world in 2025, with the Philippines ranking first with an index of 82.32 out of 100, followed by Colombia at 79.21 points and Mexico at 78.42 points, three countries that experience high levels of violence within society. This is particularly heartbreaking because Colombia has so much to offer - from stunning Caribbean coastlines to the vibrant culture of cities like Cartagena and Medellín.

The country's tourism industry has been working hard to change this narrative, and there are certainly safe areas and experiences to be had. However, the overall security situation remains challenging, with drug-related violence, kidnapping risks, and areas controlled by armed groups creating significant safety concerns for travelers.

It's a reminder that some of the world's most beautiful destinations can also be among the most dangerous.

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