Top 10 Safest Travel Countries

Iceland: The Unbeatable Nordic Paradise

Picture this: you're walking through Reykjavik at midnight, and you feel completely safe. That's Iceland for you.

With the lowest crime rates in the world, Iceland lands at the top spot in the 2025 ranking of safest countries to visit. This volcanic island nation has been dominating safety rankings for years, and Iceland remains the most peaceful and safest country in the world, a position it has held since 2008.

The country basically runs on trust - people leave their cars unlocked and babies sleep in strollers outside cafes.

What makes Iceland so remarkably safe? Iceland has no military, which saves massive amounts of money that can be invested in education, healthcare, and social services.

The country also has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, with a homicide rate of only 0.25 per 100,000 people. Plus, Iceland has only "one major road" and is "never crowded," and "Logic dictates that it's hard to have traffic accidents if you don't have traffic." Just watch out for those occasional volcanic eruptions - but even the locals are pretty chill about those.

Australia: Where Danger Meets Safety

Australia and Canada, now in second and third place respectively, have been climbing in the rankings over the past several years and have regularly made the top ten list. Sure, Australia has some of the world's most dangerous wildlife, but don't let that scare you away.

Whether you dream of snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef or catching an evening show at the Sydney Opera House, Australia boasts adventures on many travelers' bucket lists. The cities are incredibly safe, and Sydney and Melbourne are no doubt worthwhile, but also consider visiting the capital city of Canberra, which has the country's lowest suburban crime rates.

What's fascinating about Australia is how they've managed to create such safe urban environments despite their reputation for deadly creatures.

Australia is home to dangerous wildlife, so use caution and follow local guidance while partaking in outdoor pursuits such as snorkeling, swimming, hiking, or camping. The key is that Australia has excellent infrastructure, world-class healthcare, and strong emergency services.

It's like having a safety net while you're chasing adventure.

Canada: The Great Safe North

Low crime rates, strict gun laws, and political stability make Canada a safe haven for residents and tourists alike. Canada consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, and there's a good reason for that.

Respondents' picks line up with the data – Norway and Canada are two of the world's safest places statistically when it comes to violent crime. From the bustling cities of Toronto and Vancouver to the wilderness of the Rockies, Canada offers safety across diverse landscapes.

The country's massive size actually works in its favor for safety.

Canada ranked highly because its cold weather and low population density make for safe travel. With universal healthcare and a culture that values politeness and respect, Canada creates an environment where travelers feel secure.

There's plenty to entice visitors to the Great White North, starting with its stunning national parks — Banff, Jasper, and Yoho, to name a few. Just be aware of seasonal wildfires in some regions.

Ireland: The Emerald Isle's Golden Safety Record

The Emerald Isle's spot on this ranking isn't just the luck of the Irish — the nation ranks No. 4 on the list of safest countries for travelers in 2025. Ireland has been climbing the safety rankings steadily, and Ireland became notably more peaceful in 2021 and, after vaulting from 11th place to 3rd in 2022, has retained the third spot in 2023.

The country combines stunning natural beauty with genuine hospitality and low crime rates.

Most of Ireland's cities, towns, and even small villages are safe for travel, but due to the uptick in tourism, pickpockets and bag snatchers are unfortunately something to be aware of. The biggest safety concern?

While traversing the countryside, also be mindful of the extremely narrow roads and blind turns, as fender benders are frequent here. But honestly, driving those winding roads through the countryside is part of the Irish adventure - just take it slow and enjoy the scenery.

Switzerland: The Precision of Safety

Switzerland is basically the gold standard when it comes to safety and efficiency. Switzerland ranked so highly because the country "has been synonymous with security forever – or at least, for as long as there's been a Switzerland." This Alpine nation has perfected the art of being safe, organized, and beautiful all at once.

As the country is consistently ranked among the safest countries by the annual Global Peace Index, visitors to Switzerland can rest assured that their safety is a priority here.

The Swiss approach to safety is methodical and thorough. Switzerland makes travel a breeze with easy-to-navigate — not to mention incredibly scenic — train routes throughout the country, many boasting world-famous views of the Alps.

"Just like a house with good bones, a destination has a good support structure when it comes to safety. The things that make Switzerland a safe destination for travelers are going to continue to make it safe for travelers a decade from now." Their combination of political stability, economic prosperity, and social cohesion creates an environment where safety is almost taken for granted.

New Zealand: Adventure Without the Anxiety

New Zealand proves that you can have both adventure and safety in one incredible package. Unlike its neighbor Australia, which is known for its dangerous wildlife, New Zealand has no deadly animals.

New Zealanders are generally open-minded and have laws in place to prevent the violation of anyone's freedom of speech or expression. The country has been steadily climbing the safety rankings, and New Zealand rebounded from 11th to sixth in recent travel safety assessments.

From relaxing at a world-class vineyard to spotting dolphins during a dinner cruise, New Zealand offers a myriad of appealing activities for travelers.

Its cities are just as beautiful as its natural wonders, and they're very safe for travelers to explore. The Kiwi culture of friendliness and environmental consciousness creates a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

As in Iceland, police in New Zealand do not carry personal firearms. This contributes to the overall peaceful vibe of the country.

Germany: Efficient Safety in Action

Germany is one of the most-visited countries in the world, and for good reason. Its stunning alpine castles, historic World War II sites, world-class museums, and lively beer gardens are just a few of its most famous highlights.

What many travelers don't realize is just how safe Germany actually is. Germany's cities are also known to be relatively low on crime and boast a peaceful and orderly atmosphere.

The country has mastered the balance between being a major tourist destination and maintaining safety.

The country is orderly and well-run. It gets lots of tourist traffic and knows how to handle it.

The cities traditionally rank highly for safety among travelers and the countryside is safer still. German efficiency isn't just about trains running on time - it extends to their approach to public safety and security.

Travelers can easily hop from city to city via the extensive public train system to enjoy the sights of Berlin, explore the Bavarian Alps, and marvel at the Gothic architecture of the Cologne Cathedral, all in one trip.

Norway: The Solo Traveler's Paradise

Norway is frequently mentioned as a favorite solo travel destination among seasoned tourists, but all types of travelers can enjoy this safety-minded destination. 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 consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world, and that happiness translates into a safe, welcoming environment for travelers.

Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland are not only among Europe's safest countries, but they are among the top 25 safest countries anywhere on Earth. This region is thus considered the safest in the world, with a homicide rate of 0.8 incidents per 100,000 inhabitants.

The combination of natural beauty, social stability, and excellent infrastructure makes Norway an ideal destination for anyone prioritizing safety. Outside of Oslo the country is largely rural, and the northern part of the country has 225,000 reindeer and nowhere near that many people.

Japan: Where Tradition Meets Modern Safety

Japan 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. This island nation has created a unique culture where safety and respect are deeply ingrained values.

Japan offers diverse travel experiences — from exploring classical Buddhist temples in Kyoto to hopping on a bullet train en route to the world's largest city, Tokyo — but safety is a constant throughout. 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.

What makes Japan particularly impressive is how they've maintained such low crime rates despite having some of the world's largest cities. 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.

Japan is known for citizens having limited access to firearms, as the Japanese do not view carrying a firearm as an individual's right. This cultural approach to safety creates an environment where visitors can explore with confidence.

Denmark: The Hygge Haven

Denmark is another one of the safest and happiest countries in the world. Denmark is one of the few countries where people report feeling safe at any time of day or night, even children.

This Scandinavian nation has perfected the art of creating a society where safety and happiness go hand in hand. This essentially Danish spirit means taking time to be with the people you care about enjoying life's simpler pleasures.

This concept drives much of Danish society and results in a warm, welcoming place for visitors.

Denmark has a high level of equality and a strong sense of common responsibility for social welfare — two qualities that contribute to its citizens' feelings of safety and happiness. Corruption is rare in Danish business or politics, as honesty and trust are top priorities.

The most significant safety concern in Denmark? No right turns on red.

It's almost silly to mention, but it's about all Denmark has for safety concerns. When your biggest worry is traffic rules, you know you're in a safe place.

Singapore: The City-State Success Story

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 transformed itself into a model of safety and efficiency.

In 2019, Singapore ranked first for infrastructure security and personal security, second for digital security, and eighth for health security. Singapore proves that size doesn't matter when it comes to creating a safe environment.

Singapore has virtually no street crime, ultra-efficient systems, and high disaster preparedness.

The country's approach to safety is comprehensive and technologically advanced. Outside Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan are considered the perfect destinations for a carefree and relaxed trip.

What's remarkable about Singapore is how they've managed to create such a safe urban environment in such a densely populated space. Their success comes from strong governance, excellent infrastructure, and a culture that values order and respect.

Conclusion: Safety as Your Travel Companion

Choosing a safe destination doesn't mean sacrificing adventure or excitement. The safest countries in the world offer a unique blend of low crime rates, strong and stable economies, and high levels of social cohesion.

By considering these factors, individuals can make informed decisions that enhance their travel experiences and ensure their well-being. These ten countries prove that you can have incredible experiences while maintaining peace of mind.

Whether you're drawn to Iceland's dramatic landscapes, Japan's cultural richness, or Switzerland's Alpine perfection, these destinations offer the perfect combination of safety and adventure.

Whether you're a solo traveler, a family, or a business professional, choosing a safe and welcoming destination allows you to focus on exploring new cultures, meeting new people, and creating lasting memories. Prioritizing safety not only ensures a positive experience but also provides peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy your journey.

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