Frequently Asked Questions: Safest Countries to Visit in 2026
What is the safest country to visit in 2026?
According to Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s 2026 rankings, The Netherlands is the safest country to visit, based on traveler surveys and global safety data.
How are the safest countries in the world ranked?
The rankings combine American traveler surveys with data from sources like the Global Peace Index, Numbeo, and GeoSure. These factors assess crime rates, political stability, healthcare access, and how safe travelers feel while navigating a destination.
Are these countries safe for solo travelers?
Yes. All countries on this list are widely considered safe for solo travelers, including women and first-time international visitors. Strong infrastructure, low violent crime, and reliable public transportation contribute to that sense of safety.
Is Europe safer for travel than other regions in 2026?
Europe dominates the top of the list, with countries like the Netherlands, Austria, Iceland, Switzerland, and Ireland ranking highly. However, destinations outside Europe—such as Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, and the UAE—also perform exceptionally well.
Why isn’t the United States on the list?
The Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection report focuses on international destinations for American travelers. Separately, the United States ranks much lower on the Global Peace Index compared to many countries featured here.
Does “safe” mean there is no crime at all?
No destination is completely crime-free. These rankings reflect low violent crime, strong public services, and environments where travelers generally feel secure, especially when following basic travel precautions.
Are these destinations safe for families traveling with children?
Yes. Many countries on this list, including Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, Austria, and New Zealand, are especially popular with families due to healthcare access, walkable cities, and family-friendly infrastructure.
Can safety rankings change year to year?
Yes. Rankings can shift based on global events, political stability, natural disasters, and traveler sentiment. That’s why the list is updated annually.