Safety is now one of the first things travelers check before booking, and searches for the safest places to go have climbed sharply this year. The safest countries to travel in 2026 combine very low crime, stable conditions and good healthcare, so you can focus on the trip instead of watching your back. This guide ranks the safest destinations worldwide, highlights the safest pick in each region, and shows you exactly how to check any country’s safety before you commit.
To make this practical, GlobeDude now gives every country a safety index from 0 to 100, where higher means safer, informed by widely used measures like the Global Peace Index and public crime data. Open the Explorer, click any country, and you will see its safety score alongside cost and visa access, all relative to your home.
Compare safety, cost and visas live
Set your home country below to compare destinations at a glance before you plan.
The safest countries in the world right now
These consistently rank at the very top for peace, low crime and reliable infrastructure, scoring 88 and above on the safety index.
Iceland
Iceland is regularly named the most peaceful country on earth. Violent crime is almost unheard of, the roads are quiet, and even remote areas feel secure, which makes it ideal for solo travelers and road trips. The main risks here are weather and nature, not people, so plan for conditions rather than crime.
Japan
Japan pairs a very high safety score with flawless public transport and spotless cities. Lost wallets are famously handed in, late-night trains feel calm, and solo dining and travel are completely normal. It is one of the easiest places anywhere to relax and explore without worry.
Switzerland and Austria
Switzerland and Austria top Europe for safety, cleanliness and order. Public transport is punctual and secure, cities feel calm even after dark, and healthcare is excellent. Both are pricey, but for peace of mind and easy travel they are hard to beat.
Singapore
Singapore is the safest hub in Asia, with extremely low crime, world-class infrastructure and effortless transport. It works beautifully as a secure, easy first stop before exploring the rest of Southeast Asia.
New Zealand
New Zealand offers big adventure with genuine safety. Crime is low, locals are friendly and helpful, and the outdoors is well managed, making it a favourite for solo and first-time long-haul travelers alike.
The safest country in each region
Not everyone wants to visit the usual safe-and-expensive suspects. Here is the standout safe choice in each part of the world, so you can travel further while keeping risk low.
Safest in Asia: Japan, Taiwan and Singapore
Beyond Japan and Singapore, Taiwan deserves a mention: crime is very low, the transport is excellent, and it is more affordable than its safe neighbours, which makes it a superb value-for-safety pick.
Safest in Europe: Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia
For value, Slovenia is the quiet winner. It is one of the safest countries in Europe, greener and cheaper than the alpine giants, and easy to explore from its compact capital Ljubljana.
Safest in Latin America: Uruguay, Chile and Costa Rica
Uruguay and Chile are the calmest, most orderly countries in South America, while Costa Rica leads Central America for stability and easy nature-based travel. All three are far lower risk than the regional average and make a relaxed introduction to the Americas.
Safest in Africa: Rwanda, Botswana and Mauritius
Africa is huge and varied, and a few countries stand out for safety. Rwanda is famously clean, orderly and welcoming, Botswana is stable and excellent for safaris, and the island of Mauritius is calm and easy for beach travel. These are strong choices if you want the continent without the caution flags.
Destinations to approach with more care
Some popular destinations are wonderful but need extra planning. Parts of Latin America, southern Africa and a handful of Asian cities have higher crime in specific areas, and a few countries carry active government travel warnings. The point is not to avoid them entirely, but to research the exact region, favour well-reviewed neighbourhoods, and check your own government’s current travel advice. The safety index in the Explorer is a quick first filter, not a substitute for that official advice.
How to travel safely wherever you go
Check the score first: open the Explorer, turn on the safety layer, and compare your shortlist before booking anything.
Stay reachable: a working phone is your fastest safety tool for maps, rides and emergency calls. A travel eSIM gets you online the moment you land, with no airport SIM hunt.
Book tours and tickets: lock in skip-the-line entry, day trips and guided experiences before you go, so you spend your time exploring rather than queuing. Browse tours and activities on GetYourGuide.
Insure the trip: good cover turns a serious problem into an inconvenience. SafetyWing is built for travelers and covers you across countries on a simple monthly plan.
Carry money smartly: a Wise account lets you keep less cash on you and spend at the real exchange rate, which is both safer and cheaper.
Book flexible flights: if plans change, you want to move easily. Compare flight deals here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the safest country to travel to in 2026?
Iceland, Japan, Switzerland, Singapore and New Zealand are consistently the safest, with very low crime, stable conditions and excellent infrastructure. All score at the very top of the GlobeDude safety index.
What is the safest country in Africa?
Rwanda, Botswana and Mauritius are among the safest in Africa. Rwanda in particular is known for being clean, orderly and welcoming to visitors. As always, safety varies by region, so check current advice for the specific area you plan to visit.
What is the safest country in South America?
Uruguay and Chile are the safest, calmest countries in South America, with modern cities and good transport. Costa Rica leads Central America. They make an easy, low-stress introduction to the continent.
How is the safety index calculated?
It is a curated score from 0 to 100 where higher means safer, informed by well-known measures such as the Global Peace Index and public crime and safety indices. It is quick general guidance to compare destinations, not a travel advisory, so always check your government’s current advice for your specific destination.
Is it safe to travel solo in these countries?
Yes. The top-scoring countries here, including Japan, Iceland, Portugal, Slovenia and New Zealand, are among the best in the world for solo travelers. Still favour well-reviewed accommodation and share your plans with someone at home wherever you go.
How do I check if a country is safe before I book?
Open the GlobeDude Explorer, click the destination, and read its safety index alongside cost and visa access. Then confirm with your own government’s official travel advisory for the exact region, since conditions can change quickly.
The safety index is approximate general guidance, not a travel advisory. Conditions vary within countries and can change quickly, so always confirm current requirements and your government’s travel advice before booking. Some links above are affiliate links that support GlobeDude at no extra cost to you.
Keep reading on GlobeDude
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