The 10 safest countries to visit

When deciding on a country to visit, you might be thinking about scenery, culture and historical significance. One arguably more important measure you may not think of first, though, is safety. While you may not pick where to go based on what's the safest place on Earth, you should have a destination's general level of security in mind before you decide where to go next.

There are many ways to measure security at the country level, but one of the most comprehensive assessments is the annual Global Peace Index (GPI). The GPI crunches data on violent crime rates, perceptions of crime, violent demonstrations, terrorist attacks and more.

Here are the 10 safest countries according to the GPI 2026 list. Western European countries often top lists for safest countries, but several countries in the Asia-Pacific region also made the cut, including New Zealand and Singapore.

Top 10 safest countries according to GPI 2026

1. Iceland
2. New Zealand
3. Switzerland
4. Slovenia
5. Ireland
6. Austria
7. Portugal
8. Singapore
9. Finland
10. Japan

Both Iceland and New Zealand, at the top of the list, are known for breathtaking natural settings, often immortalized as filming locations. Switzerland and Singapore feature both beautiful vistas and exciting cities, although they tend to be more expensive destinations.

Of the lesser-traveled European countries on the list, Slovenia offers ski resorts, castles and outdoor adventures such as exploring a warren of caves or hiking in the mountains, while Austria has both the Alps and plenty for classical music lovers to dig into.

Ireland and Portugal are renowned for beautiful scenery and historic architecture — and are also known as great places for travelers to get deals on less expensive flights and stays. Finally, Finland and Japan, with their own unique geographies, delight visitors with everything from chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland to tracking down the best ramen in Tokyo.

How to check if your destination is safe

Before you avoid a destination because it scores poorly on the Global Peace Index, know that for most travelers, you're likelier to experience petty theft, traffic accidents or gastrointestinal problems than a terrorist attack. Instead of writing off certain places because of bad press, use these strategies to judge a destination.

Check government advisories. To review the U.S. Department of State's advice for travelers, go to the Travel Advisories page and search for the country you wish to visit. Each country is rated one of four levels, with Level 1 advising travelers to "exercise normal precautions" and Level 4 indicating "do not travel."

Read the full advisory and the Safety and Security section, because these write-ups describe the severity of the dangers you could face and drill down into regions or cities that carry higher — or lower — risks than elsewhere in the country.

The State Department also offers the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), where you can sign up for safety alerts and register with the local embassy. Enrolling in STEP is a good idea if you are visiting a riskier country.

Balance government reports with guidebooks and other objective resources. Fodor's also offers tips for women traveling abroad, such as packing portable door locks and personal alarms.

LGBTQ+ travelers should take extra precautions. The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association provides up-to-date safety advice. It also tracks global trends that may affect travelers' comfort and security.

Political risk can change quickly. If a hotel you booked is in the thick of alarming news reports, call and ask what precautions the staff recommends for guests, rather than simply asking if it's safe.

Avoid illness. For older adults or patients with weakened immune systems, consider avoiding countries, especially rural areas, with poor public health systems and active outbreaks of diseases like dengue or COVID. You can check the CDC Destinations website for travel advisories, outbreaks, required immunizations and other information for each country.

Keep in mind that malaria is endemic in much of the world and may require prophylactics. You also might consider getting travel medical insurance.

Use a travel agent. For an extra layer of security, organize your trip through a travel agent or tour operator in lieu of online booking sites. Travel agents can give you real-time information from local contacts, distinguish secure tourist zones in the midst of sketchier regions, and help you adjust your itinerary.

A reputable tour operator will have on-the-ground partners to help assess the safety of upcoming trips and reroute you as necessary. Travel agents can ensure your bookings are secure, reducing the risk of scams or last-minute cancellations. Having a professional advocate in your corner can make all the difference when navigating unfamiliar destinations.

Before you go

Travel insurance may help you recoup the costs of canceling your trip or cutting it short, depending on the circumstances. Most insurers exclude countries under U.S. sanctions for national security or other reasons; some insurers also impose higher premiums and certain restrictions on "high-risk" countries.

Before you leave, carefully review the policy details, including coverage limits, exclusions, and whether trip interruptions due to civil unrest, natural disasters, or health emergencies are included. Purchasing a "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) policy can offer even broader protection, though it typically comes with higher premiums.

Finally, if an outbreak of violence, disease or a natural disaster is standing in the way of your trip, try to negotiate a refund or credit directly with your airline or hotel.

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