Safest Countries to Travel in 2026: Global Peace Index Rankings

What makes a country "safe" for travelers? We combined data from the Global Peace Index, crime statistics, natural disaster risk assessments, healthcare quality rankings, and traveler feedback to create the definitive list of the safest countries to visit in 2026.

Our Methodology

We ranked countries based on:

Top 20 Safest Countries for 2026

1. Iceland

Global Peace Index Rank: #1 (since 2008)

Travel safety tips:

2. New Zealand

**Tips:** Drive on the left. Roads can be narrow and winding. Earthquake-prone.

3. Denmark

4. Austria

**Tips:** Mountain rescue can be expensive — carry insurance.

5. Singapore

**Tips:** Extremely strict drug laws. Death penalty for drug trafficking.

6. Finland

7. Canada

8. Japan

9. Switzerland

10. Czech Republic

11-20: Honorable Mentions

|------|---------|-------------|----------|

Safest Countries by Region

Europe

Iceland, Denmark, Austria, Finland, Switzerland, Portugal, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Norway, Ireland

Asia

Singapore, Japan, Bhutan, Malaysia (main cities), Taiwan, South Korea, UAE

Americas

Canada, Costa Rica, Chile, Uruguay, Panama

Oceania

New Zealand, Australia, Fiji

Africa

Mauritius, Botswana, Rwanda, Namibia, Morocco

What Makes These Countries Safe?

Low Crime Rates

All top 20 countries have:

Political Stability

Excellent Healthcare

Low Terrorism Risk

All ranked countries score low on the Global Terrorism Index (GTI).

Traveling Safely in "Safe" Countries

Even in the safest countries, risks exist. Here's how to stay safe:

Always Carry Insurance

Even in countries with excellent healthcare, treatment can be expensive for non-residents. See our [insurance guide](/travel-insurance-guide).

Be Aware of Natural Disasters

Practice Normal Precautions

Respect Local Laws

Singapore: Chewing gum banned, drug offenses carry death penalty

Japan: Strict drug laws, no tipping

UAE: Alcohol restrictions, modest dress code

Essential Travel Safety Gear

Countries to Avoid in 2026

Based on current travel advisories from multiple governments:

Level 4: Do Not Travel

Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Always check your government's latest travel advisories before booking.

Conclusion

The safest countries for travel in 2026 are primarily in Northern Europe, East Asia, and Oceania. However, safety is relative — even "safe" countries have risks. The key is preparation: research your destination, carry insurance, know emergency numbers, and practice common-sense precautions.

Sources