The 15 Safest Countries to Visit in 2025 for Stress-Free Travel
While we all dream of seeing as much of the world as possible, traveling comes with certain risks. Although some adrenaline junkies pay little attention to yellow, orange, or red travel advisories, safety is a top priority for many travelers—and rightfully so. On these fifteen destinations, however, you can rest easy in 2025!
In a time when many countries are facing heightened tensions, safety while traveling is more important than ever. But where can you still travel safely? The answer comes from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, which has ranked the world’s safest countries for the tenth consecutive year. If you want a worry-free journey, these are the destinations to consider
The World’s Safest Countries for Travelers in 2025
15. Sweden
Last year, Sweden ranked 20th, but the Scandinavian nation climbs to 15th place this year, thanks to improvements in safety and quality of life. Sweden has a lower homicide rate than New Zealand (ranked 6th) and boasts some of Europe’s safest cities according to GeoSure Global. Cities like Orebro, Vasteras, and Uppsala ranked 4th, 5th, and 7th respectively on GeoSure’s list of safest cities. Additionally, female respondents in BHTP’s survey consider Sweden among the safest countries worldwide.
14. The Netherlands
Ranking 14th, the Netherlands sees a drop from last year’s 5th position due to rising urban crime rates. However, the homicide rate remains “microscopically low,” and the Netherlands is ranked 18th on the Global Peace Index. Its multilingual population is another asset: almost anyone can hold a basic conversation in English, making it easier for travelers to navigate.
13. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom drops from 6th to 13th place. According to the World Population Review, crime rates in the UK are among the lowest globally. However, travel safety can vary greatly by neighborhood. For instance, in London, GeoSure safety ratings range from 86 in Ladbroke Grove to 70 in Queensway.
12. Spain
Spain climbs from 14th to 12th place. The country excels in managing heavy tourist traffic, keeping busy areas safe and orderly. However, tourism in major cities faces pressure; for instance, Barcelona is phasing out vacation rentals. This could disperse tourists to less-visited regions, posing potential safety challenges due to limited infrastructure.
11. Portugal
Portugal drops from 7th to 11th place. While similar to Spain in safety and charm, it has fewer tourists, resulting in less tourist-targeted crime. Travelers should beware of wildfires in summer and ensure windows are locked to prevent break-ins.
10. Denmark
Denmark falls from 8th to 10th place due to a slight increase in petty crimes in urban areas. However, the country remains a safe destination with a strong social safety net and excellent healthcare. The Danish concept of hygge—togetherness, relaxation, and simple pleasures—is a cornerstone of society, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for travelers.
9. Japan
Japan rises from 12th to 9th place, making it the safest country in Asia. It defies the notion that only sparsely populated nations are safe. Japan ranks in the top 50 for population density yet boasts the 12th lowest homicide rate globally. An increasing number of English speakers also helps travelers who may need assistance or directions.
8. Norway
Norway drops from 3rd to 8th place but remains firmly in the top 10 due to its quality of life, safe transportation systems, and low crime rates. Large parts of the country are sparsely populated, and Oslo is considered one of Europe’s safest capitals.
7. Germany
Germany makes an impressive leap from 18th to 7th place. The country is described as "orderly and well-managed," effectively handling large numbers of tourists. Cities score high in traveler safety, and the countryside is even safer, making it an ideal destination for urban and rural exploration alike.
6. New Zealand
New Zealand stages a major comeback, climbing from 11th to 6th place. The country’s requirement for thorough trip planning minimizes random visitors, reducing opportunistic crime. However, travelers should be cautious about bringing undeclared items like honey, fresh fruits, or plants, as fines can reach up to 400 New Zealand dollars.
5. Switzerland
Switzerland drops from 2nd to 5th place this year. The country is renowned for its political stability, efficient public services, and top-notch healthcare. Major cities—Basel, Bern, Geneva, and Zurich—score 85% to 90% on GeoSure Global’s safety index, particularly excelling in categories like personal security, although petty theft remains an occasional issue.
4. Ireland
Ireland holds steady at 4th place, thanks to its excellent healthcare system and a strong emphasis on tourist safety. The warm Irish hospitality and tranquil countryside make it a popular and secure destination for city lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. However, visitors should be mindful of left-hand driving and narrow roads in rural areas.
3. Canada
Canada slips from 1st to 3rd place. The country remains beloved for its safe cities, stunning natural landscapes, and well-organized healthcare system. With one of the lowest population densities globally, crime rates are naturally low. The biggest risks for travelers come from wildlife encounters—including bears, moose, and wolves.
2. Australia
Australia makes an impressive leap from 10th to 2nd place. This surge is due to its robust healthcare system and comprehensive safety measures in popular tourist areas. While crime rates are low, travelers should still exercise caution around Australia’s infamous wildlife—from box jellyfish and crocodiles to venomous snakes and spiders.
1. Iceland
Iceland climbs from 9th to claim the top spot as the safest country in the world for 2025. This accolade is attributed to its exceptionally low crime rates, political stability, and reliable healthcare system. With only one main road and minimal traffic, vehicle accidents are rare. However, the occasional volcanic eruption poses a unique risk—albeit one that rarely results in casualties. Iceland’s breathtaking natural beauty continues to attract increasing numbers of visitors while maintaining its reputation as a secure and peaceful destination.
Major Changes
While safety might seem like a stable factor, this year has seen some notable shifts. Iceland overtook Norway for the top spot, while New Zealand reclaimed its 6th position. Both the United Kingdom and the Netherlands fell out of the top ten. Brazil, which made a significant leap from 42nd to 15th last year, dropped back to 36th this year. Western nations, particularly in Northern Europe, Canada, and Oceania, are consistently viewed as the safest regions.
Hall of Fame
For the first time, Berkshire analyzed which countries have consistently ranked in the top ten since 2018, recognizing them for their sustained efforts in travel safety and stability. The Hall of Fame includes Switzerland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Iceland, Norway, Ireland, and Japan.
Safety Across Different Categories
Berkshire also surveyed respondents on what they consider the safest countries across various dimensions, including violent crime, terrorism, transportation, healthcare, and conditions for women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of color. The survey relied on personal experiences, as respondents only evaluated destinations they had visited. This resulted in several interesting lists, with some countries consistently ranking high. Surprisingly, the Netherlands was absent from all these lists.
- Norway, Canada, and Australia rank highest for lack of violent crime. However, the United Arab Emirates (7th place) and Italy (9th place) also made the top ten.
- The United Arab Emirates tops the list of safest countries for terrorism, followed closely by Canada and Ireland.
- For transportation safety, the top three are Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Notably, Italy is the only country outside the top 15 to make the list, ranking 9th.
- Canada, Norway, and New Zealand excel in healthcare safety, with the United Arab Emirates also appearing at 9th place.
- Women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of color feel safest in New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Costa Rica, Iceland, Norway, Germany, and Italy.
The Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection study combines travelers’ experiences with statistical data. A large group of American travelers was surveyed about their experiences over the past five years. Only countries they had visited were evaluated. These results were supplemented with data from the Global Peace Index, Numbeo, and GeoSure Global city safety scores. This ranking provides a nuanced overview of safe destinations based on both objective data and travelers’ perceptions.
