Safest Countries In The World: Safest Place In The World To Travel To

Safety concerns are one of the most important things for travelling, especially in times of turbulence. You won’t have to worry about such things when you visit the safest countries in the world. A wonderful trip is fully enjoyed when you don’t have to take a look over your shoulder every now and then for fear of mugging or terrorism.

Unsurprisingly, the United States is not on the list. Most places featured here are in the European continent. Thanks to political stability, excellent healthcare, low populations, and not-so-high crime rates, you will have no major concerns about travelling to Europe.

But that doesn’t mean that Asia and other regions don’t have secure places for tourists. Overall, planning is important if you want to travel worry-free. To find a safe and breathtaking destination for your next trip, scroll down to learn more!

Tips: Some countries like the US and the UK have issued travel advisories for foreign travel. Please consult them before departing on any overseas trip.

Top Safest Countries In The World

1. Iceland

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For more than a decade, this small population country has been consistently taking the top spot on the Global Peace Index. If you wonder where is the safest place to live in the world, Iceland is likely the best candidate. Therefore, rest assured you can explore the picturesque landscapes or chase after the Northern Lights generally harm-free.

Rather, it’s the weather and nature that you have to worry about when visiting the land of Fire and Ice. Always check the local news as the weather is unpredictable. Floods, earthquakes, storms, and eruptions happen. It’s not that bad but it’s a good idea to be well-prepared.

Pay attention to the warning signs when you explore the great outdoors. You don’t want to risk harming yourself or others for that one shot of the cliff or waterfalls. Going off the beaten path is not advisable here. Stick to fences and marked paths for your own safety.

Fun fact: Some believe Iceland is the safest place to be if there’s a nuclear war. As the North Atlantic Ocean separates this Nordic land from the rest of the world, some people say that nuclear missiles will have a hard time reaching this land (likely to be detected before impact).

2. Switzerland

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For a sovereign state, the crime and violence rate is significantly lower than in other parts of the world. Even in the middle of the night, travellers can feel safe walking the street. The Alpine nation is the country with the Highest Human Freedom Indexes (2021).

Neutrality is a part of Switzerland’s identity, so the nation actively tries to stay out of wars and conflict. It is truly one of the safest places in the world! Furthermore, the strong economy and high quality of life make Switzerland a highly liveable nation. 

Known for its mountains, resorts, and lakes, the Playground of Europe is a wonderful place to make unforgettable memories with your close and beloved ones. Anyone will have a time of their life experiencing all the foods, scenery, flora and fauna of Switzerland.

The natural beauty of this beautiful country is worth exploring but beware of alpine hazards such as avalanches. You should never go anywhere alone, always know the emergency numbers beforehand, and monitor the weather news closely.

3. New Zealand

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When the question of what is the safest country in the world pops up, New Zealand would likely be one of the most prominent answers. The country is also well known for its democratic government. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index 2021, New Zealand was the world's second most democratic country.

Boasting a diverse range of natural beauty, it’s no wonder the land of Kiwis is chosen to be the setting for the Lord of the Rings trilogy and its prequel the Hobbit. However, there are many active volcanoes and earthquakes around this part of the world. Be sure to read and follow the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office’s guidelines for safety in case of earthquakes and other emergencies.

Most New Zealanders are extremely friendly and sociable. Nonetheless, don’t accept drinks from strangers and leave your drinks unattended either. Similarly, don’t hitchhike or accept rides from people you don’t know easily.

4. Denmark

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Along with Finland and Iceland, Denmark is known as one of the happiest countries in the world. There’s no shortage of ways to get happy in the Scandinavian nation. The Danish concept of “hygge” lifestyle has now become a worldwide phenomenon.

Public transport is generally of a very high standard. Travelling by bike is perhaps the most wonderful way to explore Scandinavia's smallest kingdom. There are many cycling infrastructures such as designated bike lanes and highways all over the place.

Denmark is often considered among the safest places to live. Having said that, it’s not 100% crime-free. Gang violence may happen in some main immigrant enclaves, especially Copenhagen. Avoid venturing into these neighbourhoods without being well-prepared: Nørrebro, Christiania, Brønshøj, etc.

5. Austria

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What sets Austria apart from other safest countries is how even the remote places like small towns and uninhabited areas are almost harm-free at any given time. You can explore the country with ease.

Similar to anywhere else, small crimes like bag snatching and pickpocketing are also present. Bike theft is also another problem. Therefore, remember to lock your bikes to any immovable objects. Generally, scammers and thieves tend to gather around the major public transport hubs and centre parks, so be on guard around these parts.

Skiing is a popular sport. However, you should consult the Austrian Tourist Agency for weather updates and safety instructions issued by them. Take extra caution if you partake in off-piste skiing.

6. Portugal

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Portugal, one of Southwestern Europe’s safest countries with a long history, draws more than 500,000 foreigners from all over the world, regardless of hair skin, gender and age. Affordable living costs, breathtaking scenery and gracious people are just a few reasons why people are crazy about it.

As of 2022, the Global Peace Index rates Portugal sixth place in terms of global peacefulness. It is based on factors such as the state of militarisation, ongoing internal and external conflicts, political scene, etc. Overall, it’s a safe place to be for visitors!

Personal attacks and sexual assault are rare, but they can still happen. So drink responsibly and make sure your drinks aren’t spiked. The country is safe for even solo female travellers. What’s more, it’s also very LGBT-friendly, especially in the big cities.

>> May be you also like: Best Places To Travel Alone 

7. Sweden

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Being one of the richest and safest places to live in, safety issues will be of no concern when you spend your days discovering the unspoiled nature and vibrant cities and towns in Sweden. From science to arts, the country makes itself known to the world through its spectacular creations. Sweden’s citizenship is also among the best around the globe.

That being said, violent crimes and robbing, albeit rarely happen, are not unheard of. Young people, when intoxicated, may cause street fights. If you happen to run into one, keep your distance and don’t get involved. This does not negate the fact that Sweden is still very safe, but it’s not perfect.

One major problem tourists would complain about the most when visiting Sweden is taxi scams. An unfortunate and uninformed person may have to pay an absurd amount of taxi fare for a short distance. Be sure to learn the flat price, tell the driver to turn on the speedometer and cross-check with google maps. 

8. Canada 

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Compared to its neighbour to the South, the United States, Canada’s crime rate is significantly lower. It’s all thanks to effective law enforcement that burglary or assaults rarely happen. The strong presence of the police force makes the country one of the safest places to live in the world.

There are small scams like street petitions or phone scammers trying to trick you into giving them your personal information. They can be easily avoided if you are on guard. It’s best to avoid public commotion and keep your ID and valuables somewhere safe.

The weather is the bigger concern for travellers, however. Contrary to popular belief, the country isn’t freezing all year round. During the winter, the temperature can drop below -20°C (-4°F) while in the summer, it can rise to somewhere between 30°C (86°F) and 40°C (104°F).

Wildfires are another danger tourists need to be aware of. Stay away from and be aware of any active wildfires that may be on your route. Always check the weather conditions and advisories before going anywhere.

9. Czech Republic

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The Czech Republic is well-known for being one of the lowest criminal rate countries, even lower than that of Sweden and Denmark. Considered an advanced country with high living standards, the Czech Republic is a perfect place to live or travel in. Anyone travelling to this nation will have a field day exploring its rich culture.

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is the largest tourist spot. So it’s no surprise that petty theft and street crime tend to happen here. Unsuspecting tourists would likely be the potential targets for fake police officers, taxi drivers and scammers.

Nonetheless, with basic measurements, you can ward them off easily. Keep your bags and belongings close to yourself. Don’t wander into dark alleys and unlit streets. If asked to present your ID or metro ticket, ask the questioner (a possible con artist) to call the police or call them yourself.

10. Finland

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Finland has been crowned the Happiest Nation in 2022, with good reasons. After all, this land is supposed to be where everyone’s favourite grandpa, Santa, hails from. There’s even a saying “Being born in Finland is like winning the jackpot.”

Despite having a cold climate and six months of darkness, Finns are blessed with clean air, pure water and breathtaking scenery. Coming to Finland, tourists can enjoy the simple things in life, things that matter - taking a stroll in the woods, interacting with the wildlife, taking a sauna bath, etc.

If you are from the UK, you can use the necessary cards and documents to be reimbursed for the cost of medically necessary treatment while travelling in Finland. Refer to this article for more information.

Pretty much like most of the world's safest countries, the crime rate is exceptionally low, even almost non-existence in rural areas. However, petty crimes may happen in larger cities and tourist attractions. Be aware of common tricks like “friendly” bar friends or “bird poo scam.”

11. Singapore

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If you are a solo female traveller, there are hardly any safer options than Singapore, the safest country to live in. Law enforcement is very strict, to the point that you can be punished severely just for throwing chewing gum to the ground. 

Everywhere, from public places to toilets, is squeaky clean. Drinkable water is also widely available. The locals are very friendly and approachable. Most of them can speak English, as it is the main language used in education.

However, street crimes like bag snatching are an issue in Singapore. So be sure to keep your passports and valuables secure. Be alert if some strangers approach and say that you’ve dropped money or they want to clean some dirt/stains on your clothes. It’s a popular method of getting your attention elsewhere so they can pickpocket you.

12. Japan

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Japan, along with South Korea, can be considered one of the safest countries to visit in the Northeast Asia region. As of 2022, the Land of the Rising Sun has been among the top 10 safest countries in the world for 14 years. Living in Japan, the overall worries about being attacked are significantly lower.

Worldpopulationreview.com stated that with more than 38 million residents, Tokyo is the largest among major population centres in the world. Being as populous as it is, the city is perhaps the safest among large metropolitan cities.

The island nation has banned all gun ownership since 1946. Thanks to strict gun control, gun violence is super rare in Japan, to the point that the number of deaths by gun per year rarely exceeds 10.

Unfortunately, where there are tourists, there are scammers. For instance, there are dishonest restaurants, recommended by “friendly” individuals you meet on the street, that will overcharge you with some (made-up) fees like “added taxes”, “seating charges” or “weekend charges.”

13. Slovenia

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Slovenia is right up there with all the world's safest countries. The Global Peace 2022 report ranked the Nordic nation 7th on their list. Slovenia prioritises a health-focus approach to improve overall hygiene standards.

As the country has countless majestic mountains, it’s a safe haven for skiers and hikers in summertime and winter alike. If you don’t know what you are in the mood for, the locals are more than happy to introduce you to their cuisine, traditions and wonders.

In large towns or cities, you may encounter panhandlers: homeless people asking for money. But overall they don’t pose any risk. You also need to look out for vehicle break-ins and theft. Secure your rental car in a hotel, if that’s not possible, park them at a well-lit place and use anti-theft devices.

14. Hungary

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A-listers like Angelina Jolie or Tom Hanks used to praise Budapest for its quality of life and safety. The whole country is no exception. Being in one of the safest countries in East Europe, travellers can freely learn about the country’s fascinating history worry-free.

Serious violent crimes like assault or robbing are no issue at all. Sadly, small-time criminals, on the other hand, are active. Take care of your belongings as well as documents when in crowded streets or metro stations.

But don’t let that stop you from going on an adventure hunting for unforgettable moments alone or with your loved ones. Similar to others featured on the list, there are small issues here and there, but generally, the country is safer than other places in the region, or even on the globe.

Numerous thermal baths, picturesque landscapes and hot springs are just a few of the reasons why you should put Hungary on your bucket travel list. Over 1,000 hot springs, along with historic establishments, can be found all over the country. Such a great destination for relaxation and travel!

15. Bhutan

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Sri Lanka used to be up there on the list of the world’s safest countries. But now due to the current state of unrest (risks of terrorism, supplies shortage, etc.), it is no longer the case. Bhutan is now a safer place to visit in South Asia.

Thanks to Buddhism, the state religion which is a peaceful tradition, Bhutan is also well known for having one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The country's cultural heritage is well-preserved. There’s nothing quite like discovering a secluded place hidden in the high peaks of the Himalayas.

Altitude sickness is a real thing, it can affect even physically fit individuals. Since the average elevation of Bhutan is about 3,200 metres (10,499 feet) above sea level, consult your doctor and travel insurance counsellors before departing on a mountain trip.

Hassle-Free And No-Worry Travel With The World's Safest Countries

Reading thus far, we believe now you not only know the safest countries for travel but also where is the safest place to live in the world. In these safest countries in the world, you won’t encounter any troubles unless you are looking for one.

All in all, no place is genuinely crime-free. Even though all of the featured countries are very safe compared to the rest of the world, some situations you encounter may leave a bad taste in your mouth. It’s best to use common sense and some precautions, and you will have a genuinely hassle-free trip of your life! 

If you find this post helpful, be sure to spread the word so more people get the chance to learn about these beautiful and secure destinations for their next travels. How many places on the list have you visited? Leave a comment below and tell us all about it!

>> Read more:

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