The safest countries in the world to travel to in 2026
When it comes to choosing a holiday destination, there are a lot of things to consider - and one of the most important is how safe it is.
Travel insurance provider Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) has released its annual Safest Destinations Report, ranking the world's safest countries and cities for travellers.
It is compiled based on a mix of traveller feedback along with official indices and information like the Global Peace Index.
Read through to see the top 15.
15. Denmark
Denmark comes in at number 15 on the list of world's safest countries. Thanks to its income equality and strong social cohesion, it also is often cited as one of the world's happiest places.
It's capital city, Copenhagen, is also ranked as the second-safest city in the world.
14. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom, comprising England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, made it onto the list at number 14 - one spot lower than last year.
13. France
Despite occasional public demonstrations, France maintains a high safety ranking, thanks to its well-funded public services, strong legal framework, and low risk of political instability.
12. Portugal
Portugal is noted for its low rates of violent crime and a high perception of community safety.
It is often cited as one of the most tranquil places to live or visit in Europe.
11. Belgium
Belgium has a stable political system, and well-developed social security, and is home to many major international organisations.
10. Ireland
Ranked number four last year, Ireland has dropped to tenth on the list.
With low crime levels, the country is particularly known for being welcoming and safe for visitors.
9. Japan
A hugely popular travel spot at the moment, Japan is also a relatively safe place to visit and live.
Renowned for its exceptionally low crime rate, Japan's cultural norms also place a lot of value on order and respect for the law.
8. Switzerland
The beautiful country of Switzerland is known for its political neutrality and stability, with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.
7. United Arab Emirates
Even though it didn't even make the top 15 on last year's list, the UAE is ranked seventh for 2026.
Its jump can be credited to its modern infrastructure, robust security measures, and strictly enforced laws.
