Quick answer: The safest countries to travel in 2026 — led by Iceland, Singapore, Switzerland, Japan, New Zealand and Norway — combine very low crime, political stability and excellent healthcare. They’re ideal for solo travellers, families and nervous first-timers. Here are 15 of the safest, why they rank, and how to stay safe anywhere.
The 15 safest countries to travel
| Country | Why it’s so safe |
|---|---|
| Iceland | Lowest crime on earth; tiny, calm society |
| Singapore | Spotless, strict laws, minimal crime |
| Switzerland | Stable, orderly, superb infrastructure |
| Japan | Very low crime, lost wallets returned |
| New Zealand | Peaceful, friendly, easy to travel |
| Norway | Stable, trusting, excellent services |
| Denmark | Low crime, high trust, walkable cities |
| Ireland | Welcoming, low violent crime |
| Austria | Safe cities, efficient, central |
| Portugal | Safest in Western Europe, great value |
| Slovenia | Calm, clean, scenic and safe |
| Canada | Stable, friendly, safe cities |
| Finland | High trust, very low crime |
| Czechia | Safe and affordable |
| UAE | Very low crime, strict laws |
Safest for solo and female travellers
Japan, Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore and the Nordics are especially reassuring for solo and female travellers — reliable transport, low harassment and helpful locals. See our solo travel guide for practical tips that apply anywhere.
Safest regions overall
Northern and Western Europe, East Asia (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore) and Oceania consistently top global safety indexes. They combine low crime with strong rule of law and healthcare.
Stay safe anywhere
Even in the safest places: watch for petty theft at tourist hotspots, keep digital and paper copies of documents, use registered taxis or apps, avoid flashing valuables, and get travel insurance. Safety is as much about habits as destination.
FAQ
What is the safest country to travel to? Iceland consistently ranks #1, followed by Singapore, Switzerland and Japan.
Which is safest for solo female travel? Japan, Iceland and New Zealand are top picks.
Is Europe safe to travel? Northern and Western Europe are among the safest regions in the world.
See our best time to visit guides and travel comparisons.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.