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Knowledge is power...
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Good things are coming...
Knowledge is power...
Data-backed ranking of the safest countries to visit in 2026. Safety scores, crime rates, healthcare quality, and travel tips for each destination.
Harris
Founder of NomadFast
Iceland has held the title of world's most peaceful country for 17 consecutive years according to the Global Peace Index -- yet it does not even crack the top five on Numbeo's crowdsourced safety index, where the United Arab Emirates leads with an 85.4 safety score. The discrepancy tells you something important: "safety" for travelers is not a single number. It is a layered reality of crime rates, healthcare quality, political stability, corruption levels, and how safe you feel walking the streets at night.
We combined three major data sources to build our ranking: the 2025 Global Peace Index (measuring conflict and militarization), Numbeo's Safety Index (measuring everyday crime and personal safety), and Numbeo's Healthcare Index (measuring hospital quality and accessibility). We also cross-referenced 2026 travel safety reports from BHTP and HelloSafe. The result is a list that balances statistical peace with practical, on-the-ground safety for travelers.
| Rank | Country | Safety Score | Crime Index | Healthcare | GPI Rank | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iceland | 74.6 | 25.4 | 68.7 | #1 | Solo travelers, nature |
| 2 | Japan | 77.6 | 22.4 | 80.1 | #12 | Culture, food, transit |
| 3 | Singapore | 77.7 | 22.3 | 71.9 | #6 | City experience, efficiency |
| 4 | Taiwan | 82.9 | 17.1 | 87.1 | -- | Healthcare, affordability |
| 5 | Switzerland | 72.7 | 27.3 | 70.5 | #5 | Hiking, luxury travel |
| 6 | Denmark | 73.8 | 26.3 | 76.3 | #8 | Cycling, design, hygge |
| 7 | Finland | 73.7 | 26.3 | 77.5 | #10 | Nature, clean air |
| 8 | Netherlands | 72.2 | 27.8 | 77.1 | -- | Cycling, culture |
| 9 | Austria | 70.7 | 29.3 | 77.3 | #4 | Alps, classical music |
| 10 | Slovenia | 75.5 | 24.5 | 66.2 | #9 | Budget Europe, outdoors |
| 11 | Czech Republic | 73.3 | 26.8 | 75.5 | #11 | History, beer, value |
| 12 | Estonia | 76.8 | 23.2 | 75.3 | -- | Digital nomads, tech |
| 13 | Portugal | -- | -- | 76.1 | #7 | Climate, digital nomad visas |
| 14 | New Zealand | -- | -- | 68.5 | #3 | Adventure, landscapes |
| 15 | Croatia | 75.7 | 24.3 | 65.1 | -- | Coastline, affordability |
Safety Score and Crime Index from Numbeo (0-100 scale). GPI Rank from the 2025 Global Peace Index. Healthcare from Numbeo Healthcare Index.
Our ranking methodology combines three pillars:
1. Numbeo Safety Index (40% weight): Crowdsourced data from residents and visitors measuring worry about mugging, robbery, physical attack, car theft, and feeling safe walking alone at night. A score above 70 is considered very safe. Above 80 is exceptional.
2. Global Peace Index (30% weight): Published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the GPI evaluates 163 countries across 23 indicators including ongoing conflict, societal safety, and militarization. Iceland has topped this index since 2008.
3. Healthcare Index (30% weight): A country can feel safe on the streets but still be risky if you cannot access quality medical care. We use Numbeo's Healthcare Index which measures skill of medical staff, speed of examinations, equipment quality, and cost satisfaction.
We also factor in secondary indicators like corruption perception, pollution levels (which affect long-term health), and visa accessibility for travelers.
Iceland has been crowned the world's most peaceful nation for 17 consecutive years by the Global Peace Index, and the reality matches the reputation. With a population of roughly 380,000, the country operates with an almost village-like social trust. There is no standing army. Gun violence is virtually nonexistent. The national police force rarely carries firearms. You can leave your car unlocked in downtown Reykjavik, and parents routinely leave strollers with sleeping babies outside cafes.
The country scores 74.6 on Numbeo's safety index with a mugging worry score of just 16.7 -- meaning residents and visitors barely think about street crime. The healthcare system is universal and publicly funded, with a 68.7 healthcare index. For travelers, the biggest risks are weather-related: sudden storms, volcanic activity (recent eruptions near Grindavik in 2024-2025 slightly shifted some safety perceptions), and hypothermia if you underestimate Icelandic winters.
The trade-off is cost. Reykjavik has a cost of living index of 102.7 (NYC = 100), making it one of the most expensive cities in the world. Budget at least $150-200 per day as a tourist.
Best for: Solo travelers, nature lovers, anyone wanting to disconnect from urban anxiety.
Explore Reykjavik on NomadFast.
Japan combines one of the highest safety scores in the world (77.6) with the best healthcare system on this list (80.1 index). The mugging worry score is 18.6, the attack worry is 20.9, and the corruption index sits at a low 27.8. You can walk through Tokyo's Shinjuku district at 3 AM and feel safer than most European capitals at noon.
The cultural emphasis on order, respect, and social harmony makes Japan uniquely comfortable for travelers. Lost wallets are routinely returned -- with the cash still inside. Trains run on time to the second. Convenience stores stock everything from fresh sushi to clean underwear at 2 AM. The healthcare system consistently ranks among the best globally, with Hiroshima alone scoring 91.7 on the healthcare index and Sapporo at 89.8.
Japan also offers remarkable value for a first-world country. Osaka has a cost of living index of just 45.1 (less than half of NYC), and Fukuoka at 50.3 gives you world-class food, fast internet, and coastal living without the Tokyo premium.
Best cities to explore:
Best for: Culture seekers, food lovers, anyone who values punctuality and cleanliness.
Singapore reports one of the lowest intentional homicide rates on the planet: just 0.2 per 100,000 people. The city-state scores 77.7 on the safety index with a crime index of only 22.3. Corruption is nearly nonexistent (24.9 score), and the pollution index of 32.3 is remarkably low for a dense urban center in Southeast Asia.
The reason for this safety is no mystery: strict law enforcement. Drug trafficking carries the death penalty. Vandalism is punishable by caning. Chewing gum is (still) banned for sale. Whether you agree with the approach philosophically, the result is a city where you can leave a laptop at a hawker center table to save your seat and come back to find it untouched.
Singapore is expensive -- COL index 90.1 -- but it compensates with extraordinary efficiency. The MRT system is spotless and covers the entire island. Healthcare (71.9 index) is world-class, with some of Asia's best hospitals. And the food, from $3 hawker center meals to Michelin-starred restaurants, is consistently outstanding.
Best for: Families, business travelers, anyone transiting through Southeast Asia.
Taiwan is the dark horse of global safety rankings. With the highest safety score on our entire list (82.9) and a crime index of just 17.1, it outperforms every country in Europe. The mugging worry score is 11.5 -- the lowest of any country in our database outside the Gulf states. And Taiwan's healthcare system is legendary: a healthcare index of 87.1, powered by the National Health Insurance system that covers 99.9% of the population.
Taipei combines safety with genuine affordability. A cost of living index of 55.3 means your money stretches roughly twice as far as in Zurich or Copenhagen. Kaohsiung in the south is even cheaper (45.5 COL index) with an even higher healthcare score (89.5). Night markets stay open until midnight with families, elderly couples, and solo women all walking freely -- a genuine real-world safety test that Taiwan passes effortlessly.
The digital nomad visa, launched in 2024, allows remote workers to stay up to 180 days. English is widely spoken in major cities, and the high-speed rail connects Taipei to Kaohsiung in 90 minutes.
Best cities to explore:
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, healthcare tourists, digital nomads seeking safety and value.
Check out our Taiwan visa guide for entry details.
Switzerland ranks 5th on the Global Peace Index and scores 72.7 on the safety index. The corruption index of 20.7 is among the world's lowest. The mugging worry score is 22.1 -- low, though noticeably higher than Iceland or Taiwan. What sets Switzerland apart is the combination of political neutrality, efficient governance, and pristine infrastructure.
The healthcare system (70.5 index) is insurance-based rather than public, which means quality is high but costs can be steep for the uninsured. Make sure your travel insurance covers Switzerland specifically, as hospital bills can exceed $1,000 per day without coverage.
The cost is the biggest barrier. Zurich has a COL index of 126.0 -- the highest of any city in our database. Geneva follows at 121.6, Basel at 116.9. Even a simple lunch costs $25-35. But for travelers who can afford it, Switzerland offers unparalleled mountain landscapes, a spotless public transit system, and the quiet confidence that comes from being in one of the most stable countries on earth.
Best for: Luxury travelers, hikers, anyone wanting alpine scenery with total security.
Compare Switzerland's cost to other safe options: Zurich vs Taipei
Denmark ranks 8th on the Global Peace Index and scores 73.8 on the safety index. The corruption perception is impressively low at 19.4 -- second only to Finland on this list. The healthcare index hits 76.3, with universal coverage for residents and emergency care accessible to tourists.
Copenhagen is a city built around cycling. Over 60% of residents bike to work, and the extensive bike lane infrastructure means less traffic, less noise, and less pollution (22.5 index). The city consistently ranks among the world's most livable, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and what Danes call "hygge" -- a cultural focus on coziness and well-being.
The cost is high -- Copenhagen has a COL index of 86.9 -- but smaller Danish cities like Odense (77.7) and Aalborg (82.0) offer the same safety at slightly lower prices. Aarhus, Denmark's second city, scores 78.6 on healthcare and is home to a vibrant university scene.
Best cities to explore:
Best for: Cycling enthusiasts, design lovers, families with children.
Finland scores 73.7 on safety and boasts the lowest corruption index on this entire list: 16.3. It also has the lowest pollution index: 10.9 -- making it the cleanest country to visit. The healthcare system (77.5 index) is publicly funded and highly rated, with Turku scoring an exceptional 83.8 and Tampere at 81.0.
Finland's education system produces a well-informed, multilingual population, and English is spoken widely. Helsinki's public transit, including a modern metro and tram system, makes navigating the capital effortless. The country's nature -- over 180,000 lakes, vast forests, and the Northern Lights -- provides adventure without the safety risks of more rugged destinations.
Winter is the trade-off. Temperatures drop to -20C in January, and daylight shrinks to less than six hours in December. But if you time your visit for summer (June-August), Finland offers 20+ hours of daylight, mild temperatures, and access to some of Europe's most pristine wilderness.
Best cities to explore:
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, winter sports enthusiasts, anyone who values clean air.
The Netherlands surged from 14th to 1st place in BHTP's 2026 safety rankings, scoring exceptionally on societal security with very low violent crime rates. Our Numbeo data confirms the trend: a 72.2 safety score, 18.0 corruption index (among the world's lowest), and a strong 77.1 healthcare index.
Amsterdam is the marquee destination, but safety-conscious travelers might prefer Utrecht (COL 79.0, healthcare 79.4), The Hague (COL 76.2, healthcare 82.0), or Leiden (COL 73.3, healthcare 78.7) -- all offering the same Dutch quality of life without the tourist-area petty crime that Amsterdam occasionally sees.
The Dutch cycling infrastructure is the world's best. Nearly every road has a dedicated bike lane, and cities are designed around human-scale transit rather than cars. The healthcare system combines universal access with high-quality hospitals and short wait times.
Best for: Cyclists, art lovers, digital nomads wanting English-friendly Europe.
Austria ranks 4th on the Global Peace Index and scores 70.7 on Numbeo's safety index. Vienna has been named the world's most livable city by The Economist multiple times, and for good reason: excellent public transit, a healthcare index of 79.7, a pollution index of just 15.9, and a cost of living (77.2 COL index) that is high but still cheaper than Zurich or Copenhagen.
Beyond Vienna, Austria offers remarkable variety. Salzburg (COL 78.7) provides alpine scenery and Mozart heritage. Graz (COL 72.8, healthcare 77.1) is a UNESCO-protected old town with a thriving university scene. Linz (COL 70.9, healthcare 77.7) has transformed from an industrial city into a tech and arts hub.
Best for: Classical music lovers, skiers, anyone wanting Central European culture with top-tier safety.
Slovenia is Europe's best-kept safety secret. A safety score of 75.5 places it above Austria, Denmark, and Switzerland on Numbeo's crime-adjusted index. The mugging worry score is just 16.9 and the attack worry 18.0 -- numbers that rival Japan and Singapore. Ranked 9th on the Global Peace Index, this small Alpine-Mediterranean country punches well above its weight.
Ljubljana is one of the most affordable capitals in Western-adjacent Europe, with a COL index of 58.7. The city center is car-free, the Ljubljanica River runs through a pedestrianized old town, and Lake Bled is a 45-minute drive away. The healthcare index of 66.2 is respectable if not exceptional, and the corruption index of 53.5 is the highest on this list -- though still moderate by global standards.
Best for: Budget travelers wanting European safety, outdoor enthusiasts, couples.
The Czech Republic ranks 11th on the GPI and scores 73.3 on safety. Prague is among Europe's most visited capitals, but crime remains remarkably low for a major tourist hub. The healthcare system is strong (75.5 nationally), with Ostrava scoring an impressive 81.5 and Brno at 76.1.
What makes the Czech Republic stand out for budget-conscious travelers is cost. Olomouc has a COL index of just 48.9 with 75.7 healthcare -- that is world-class medical access at roughly half the cost of Copenhagen. Even Prague (COL 61.2) is a fraction of Western European capitals.
Best for: History buffs, beer lovers, budget travelers wanting safety without premium prices.
Estonia is the most digitally advanced country on this list. The world's first e-Residency program, universal digital ID, and a tech-forward government have made Tallinn a magnet for digital nomads. The safety score of 76.8 is higher than Denmark, Finland, or Switzerland. Healthcare (75.3) is solid, and the corruption index of 26.9 is low.
Tallinn (COL 66.9) offers a medieval UNESCO old town combined with one of Europe's most dynamic startup ecosystems. Tartu (COL 58.5, healthcare 85.8) -- the university city -- is even cheaper and has an extraordinary healthcare score for its size.
Best for: Digital nomads, tech enthusiasts, anyone wanting safe and affordable Baltic Europe.
Check out our Estonia digital nomad visa guide.
Portugal ranks 7th on the Global Peace Index and has become one of the most popular destinations for both tourists and remote workers. Lisbon offers a COL index of 55.4 -- remarkably affordable for a Western European capital -- with a healthcare index of 72.4. Porto (COL 51.1, healthcare 78.8) is even cheaper with better healthcare scores.
Portugal's D8 digital nomad visa allows remote workers to stay for one year with renewal options. The climate is Europe's best: Lisbon gets over 2,800 hours of sunshine per year, and Algarve winters rarely drop below 15C. The country's drug decriminalization policy (in effect since 2001) has been credited with reducing both drug-related crime and incarceration rates.
Best cities to explore:
Best for: Sun seekers, digital nomads, retirees wanting affordable European living.
Learn more: complete guide to digital nomad visas.
New Zealand ranks 3rd on the Global Peace Index with a violent crime rate of just 0.7 incidents per 100,000 people. The country's geographic isolation, progressive governance, and outdoor culture make it one of the most reliably safe destinations on earth.
Auckland (COL 67.3, healthcare 69.0) is the largest city and main gateway. Wellington (COL 66.4, healthcare 64.1) is the compact, walkable capital. Christchurch (COL 62.7, healthcare 70.2) offers rebuilt post-earthquake infrastructure and easy access to the Southern Alps.
New Zealand's main draw is nature: fjords, volcanoes, glaciers, and pristine coastline. Adventure tourism is world-class but well-regulated, with strong safety standards for bungee jumping, skydiving, and glacier hiking. The healthcare system is publicly funded and accessible to tourists for emergency care.
Best for: Adventure travelers, nature photographers, Lord of the Rings fans (seriously -- tourism to filming locations remains a major draw).
Croatia scores 75.7 on safety with a mugging worry of just 16.1 -- lower than Denmark or Finland. The Adriatic coastline is one of Europe's most stunning, and cities like Dubrovnik (COL 59.7) and Split (COL 60.0) offer Mediterranean beauty without Mediterranean crime.
Zagreb (COL 54.7, healthcare 64.9) is an underrated capital with excellent cafe culture, walkable streets, and a thriving food scene. Rijeka (COL 55.2, healthcare 67.2) was the 2020 European Capital of Culture and offers a quieter alternative to the coastal tourist crowds.
Croatia adopted the euro in 2023 and joined the Schengen Area, making travel seamless from other EU countries. The healthcare system (65.1 nationally) is adequate for tourists, though comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.
Best for: Coastal holiday seekers, Game of Thrones fans, sailors.
Europe dominates global safety rankings. Eight of the top 10 countries on the 2025 Global Peace Index are European. Our top picks by sub-region:
Explore more: Best cities for safety
Asia's safest countries rival or exceed Europe in street-level safety scores:
Browse all cities in Asia.
See our cheapest cities guides for budget-safe options.
Regardless of which safe country you visit, these practical habits will further reduce your risk:
Register with your embassy. Most countries offer a traveler registration service (like the US STEP program) that sends security alerts to your email.
Use hotel safes for passports. Carry a photocopy or a digital scan on your phone. The original stays locked up.
Get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. Even in countries with excellent healthcare, medical evacuation can cost $50,000+ if you need to be flown home.
Avoid displaying expensive electronics. This applies even in the safest countries. A visible laptop bag in a crowded tourist area is a target in any city.
Learn basic local phrases. "Help," "police," "hospital," and "thank you" in the local language go further than you think.
Download offline maps before you arrive. Google Maps and Maps.me both offer offline mode. This ensures you can navigate even without cell service.
Keep a separate emergency fund. A second debit card with $500 in a separate account, stored in a different bag from your main wallet.
Check your country's travel advisories. The US State Department, UK FCDO, and Australian DFAT all publish regularly updated travel advisories with specific safety concerns.
Based on our combined analysis of the Global Peace Index, Numbeo Safety Index, and healthcare quality, Iceland remains the safest country to visit in 2026. It has held the #1 GPI position for 17 consecutive years. However, if you weight street-level safety and healthcare equally, Taiwan scores higher with an 82.9 safety index and 87.1 healthcare index at roughly half the cost.
Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and the Nordic countries (Iceland, Denmark, Finland, Norway) consistently rank as the safest destinations for solo female travelers. Japan's safety walking at night score is particularly strong, and Taiwan's night markets are frequented by women of all ages late into the evening. Read our dedicated guide: safest countries for solo female travelers.
No. Taiwan (COL index 45-55), Czech Republic (COL 49-61), Estonia (COL 59-67), Slovenia (COL 59), and Croatia (COL 55-60) all score above 73 on safety while costing less than half of Switzerland or Iceland. Portugal's smaller cities like Coimbra (COL 48.3) and Braga (COL 48.9) offer excellent safety at developing-world prices. See our full analysis: safe and cheap cities under $1,500/month.
Crime statistics measure reported crimes among residents, which may not perfectly reflect tourist experience. Tourist-specific crimes (pickpocketing, scams) are often underreported in official data. That is why we use Numbeo's crowdsourced data alongside government statistics -- it captures the feeling of safety as well as the hard numbers. Tourist areas in otherwise safe countries can have higher petty crime rates, so always stay alert regardless of national statistics.
The United Arab Emirates scores an remarkable 85.4 on Numbeo's safety index -- the highest of any country in our database. The crime index is just 14.6, and mugging worry is 12.6. However, the UAE does not rank as highly on the Global Peace Index due to its involvement in regional conflicts, and travelers should be aware of strict local laws around alcohol, public behavior, and dress codes that may not align with Western norms. For travelers who respect local customs, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are genuinely among the safest cities in the world.
Data sources: Global Peace Index 2025, Numbeo Quality of Life Indexes, BHTP Safest Countries 2026, HelloSafe Global Safety Index. City-level data from NomadFast database, updated February 2026.