SAFEST PLACES TO TRAVEL 2024
What makes a safe place to travel?
It sounds like an easy question, but the definition of a safe destination has changed over time.
According to our research, a safe place was originally a place that’s largely free from terrorist activity. Then it became a place that was safe from disease outbreaks. Now it’s a place where all types of people can move about freely without discrimination or harassment.
As definitions of a safe destination have evolved, so too have the world’s safest places. Are there places where people can move about freely, stay disease-free, and be sheltered from severe weather events?
There are, and we’ve found them. Averaging all measures from our State of Travel Insurance research, here are the safest countries for travelers for 2023-24:
THE SAFEST PLACES TO TRAVEL
- Canada
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- United Kingdom
- Portugal
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- France
- Spain
- Brazil
Just for comparison, here is last year’s list (which we’ll talk about in more detail shortly):
- Netherlands
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Australia
- Norway
- Canada
- Germany
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- New Zealand
- Spain
- Ireland
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Belgium
Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WORLD’S SAFEST COUNTRIES
Changes
After years of doing this, it’s clear that travelers think that Canada, Northern Europe, Australia and New Zealand are pretty safe places.
This track record can also help you make assumptions about countries that aren’t listed in our rankings (because not all countries are). Knowing that Norway and Denmark are very safe, you can assume with a high level of confidence that Finland is safe, and probably Estonia, too.
Since Switzerland is a perennial top-10 finisher, what does that say about Austria? Probably more of the same.
While it seems that the world’s safest countries don’t and shouldn’t change, there’s actually been significant movement in our rankings year over year. For instance, over the last year:
- Japan rebounded from 19th to 12th, while Denmark fell to eighth from second.
- Brazil made the biggest leap, jumping to 15th from 42nd.
History and methodology
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has a long history of asking travelers where they’re going, why they’re traveling, and what they consider a safe destination. We conducted our first traveler research in 2016 and have been doing studies ever since.
In our survey, we ask people where they’ve traveled in the last five years, and only the people who have visited specific countries are allowed to rate those countries on safety.
We then augment those ratings with other indices and information, including the Global Peace Index and the State Department’s own travel safety ratings. We also average the GeoSure Global scores of the major cities in each country.
From there, we calculate a weighted score that reflects each country’s overall safety.
The beauty of this approach is its balance. No one score tips in balance in favor of one country over another, and each score contributes to the overall score.
Photo by Tsunami Green on Unsplash
Caveat
These ratings aren’t predictive – that is, just because we say Canada is safe that doesn’t mean it will rank in the Top 10 in the future. Also, it doesn’t account for the possibility of natural disasters, like the Canadian wildfires.
It also doesn’t mean that any given country is safe right this moment, or that every part of the country is as safe as any other – so it doesn’t account for the difference between being in Toronto or in northern Quebec where wildfires are raging.
Like any other measurement, you need to balance our rankings with what’s going on in the world as you’re booking your travel. And you need to take additional steps to stay ahead of travel-safety issues, like signing up for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and buying travel insurance to protect your investment.
THE TOP 15 SAFEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD
Photo by Eugene Aikimov on Unsplash
1. Canada
Rank Last Year: 6
Why It’s Ranked Highly
Cold weather and low population density make for safe travels.
What You Need To Watch Out For
Wildfires. Canada’s plethora of forests were seemingly all burning, which has reduced air quality in most major Canadian cities. This made travel to Canada difficult for people with respiratory conditions.
What They’re Saying
“As traveling destinations go it really doesn’t get much safer than Canada … Violent crime is comparatively low and there is a low incidence of gun-related crime.”
Photo by Andreas M on Unsplash
2. Switzerland
Rank Last Year: 9
Why It’s Ranked Highly
Switzerland has been synonymous with security forever – or at least, for as long as there’s been a Switzerland.
What You Need To Watch Out For
Alpine hazards. The State Department notes that avalanches, rockslides, blizzards and other hazards are common throughout the year and can strand skiers and hikers without warning. A warming climate has exacerbated some of the risks. To stay safe, have a contact system in place before setting out.
What They're Saying
"Violent crime is rare but petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft of vehicles (including bikes) does occasionally happen in the bigger cities."
Photo by Tobias Tullius on Unsplash
3. Norway
Rank Last Year: 5
Why It’s Ranked Highly
The crime rate in Oslo – which most foreign tourists visit – was 39 in 2021 per 1,000 residents, according to Statistics Norway. That actually makes it Norway’s safest area.
What You Need To Watch Out For
Pickpockets. The State Department has singled out the Oslo Central train station as a hotbed for pickpocket activity.
What They’re Saying
“Although there is fantastic public transport in Norway, we are certain that without a car, we wouldn't have seen as many areas of outstanding natural beauty. Besides, the Norwegian countryside is a joy to marvel at.”
Photo by Andrew Ridley on Unsplash
4. Ireland
Rank Last Year: 12
Why It’s Ranked Highly
The country’s 69 homicides in 2022 puts it behind 16 U.S. cities.
What You Need To Watch Out For
There’s been an uptick in petty thefts, usually of bags or backpacks in major cities. The level of crime is nothing compared even to a country like the Netherlands, but it’s something to watch for, especially if you plan on visiting numerous pubs.
What They’re Saying
“The coastal roads are quite windy and narrow, so you have to go slow. What looks to be an hour on the map can actually take 3-4 hours if you make time for photos. If you’re traveling with young kids, like we did, it’s best to limit your drive times.”
Photo by Gaurav Jain on Unsplash
5. Netherlands
Rank Last Year: 1
Why It’s Ranked Highly
Amsterdam is one of the world’s safest cities, according to the American travelers we surveyed, and last year those same travelers rated the Netherlands as the world’s safest country. No wonder the Netherlands finished less than a point out of fourth in our rankings.
What You Need To Watch Out For
Tag-teams. According to the State Department, “Thieves often work in pairs: one distracts you, often by asking for directions, while the other moves in on your unguarded property. Use your hotel safe, and keep baggage locked or secured when you are away.”
What They’re Saying
“If you need to do an errand, try to do it between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.-6 p.m. You’ll find some shops open until midnight for shopping after the grocery stores close. However, this is not Spain and most normal businesses are closed by 6 p.m.”
Photo by Jack Anstey on Unsplash
6. United Kingdom
Rank Last Year: 14
Why It’s Ranked Highly
Outside of the cities, the country is remarkably calm and pastoral. And even the cities are remarkably safe, with low murder and theft rates. In fact, crime in the country fell 15% in 2022.
What You Need To Watch Out For
Drinking and driving. As the State Department notes, “Scotland’s ‘drink drive limit’ law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that driving after even one drink can result in a charge of driving under the influence.”
What They’re Saying
“In specific areas … you may come across individuals posing as homeless people or elderly women wearing headscarves, soliciting money. Exercise caution and avoid falling into their trap. However, if someone asks you to buy a Big Issue Magazine, it indicates that they are genuinely homeless and trying to earn a living.”
7. Portugal
Rank Last Year: 18
Why It’s Ranked Highly
Large parts of the country are not heavily touristed, but even the cities have a high degree of orderliness and safety.
What You Need To Watch Out For
Mass transit. According to the State Department, “Pickpockets take advantage of crowds getting on and off all forms of public transportation. Avoid standing near the doors on public transportation, as thieves will often strike just as the train/bus doors open and then dash onto the platform and disappear into the crowd.”
What They’re Saying
“The hot weather can be actually dangerous. Not only for stuff like sunstroke, but forest fires in the summer are a real threat.”
Photo by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash
8. Denmark
Rank Last Year: 2
Why It’s Ranked Highly
According to Statista, with its “roughly 473,000 criminal offenses were reported in 2022 … Denmark is ranked as the second most peaceful country in the world, only behind its Nordic neighbor Iceland.”
What You Need To Watch Out For
Taking pictures. The Freetown Christiana section of Copenhagen, in addition to being the center of the country’s illicit drug activity, has a strictly enforced no-photography policy, as the State Department explains.
What They’re Saying
“Since the world’s happiest country report came out in 2012, Denmark has consistently topped the report. Danes have a stable government, low levels of public corruption, and access to high-quality education and health care.”
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
9. Iceland
Rank Last Year: 3
Why It’s Ranked Highly
The country averages 82 criminal incidents per day, according to Your Friend in Reykjavik. That’s less than most major U.S. cities experience in an hour.
What You Need To Watch Out For
Driving can be treacherous. Less than one-third of Iceland’s roads are paved, and many roads outside the capital are impassable from October through April. High winds can also add to driving difficulty.
Check road.is for road conditions before you set off on an Icelandic road trip, and get gas when you can.
What They’re Saying
“Iceland’s weather is so unpredictable. You’ll need to rent a car that can handle extreme weather and potholes and plenty of gravel roads.”
Photo by Ondrej Machart on Unsplash
10. Australia
Rank Last Year: 4
Why It’s Ranked Highly
Australia recorded 377 homicides in 2022. By comparison, Chicago had 692 homicides that same year.
What You Need To Watch Out For
Wildlife. The State Department states, “Australian fauna can be dangerous. From jellyfish to crocodiles, sharks, poisonous insects, and snakes, the continent and its waters host wildlife that merit awe and respect in equal doses.”
What They’re Saying
“Wear lots of sunscreen and apply regularly. The part of the ozone layer that sits above Australia has a giant hole in it, and since the weather is prime for sunbathing, you can burn easily. If you have a hat, use it.”
Photo by Aneta Foubíková on Unsplash
11. New Zealand
Rank Last Year: 10
Why It’s Ranked Highly
New Zealand has a homicide rate of 0.7 per 100,000 people, according to Prospero Health & Social Care. By comparison, the U.S. has a homicide rate of 7.8 per 100,000.
What You Need To Watch Out For
Sheep.
Also, be careful about what you bring into the country. New Zealand is very particular about what agricultural products it will allow. Also, if you bring in dirty hiking boots you’ll have to clean them before being allowed to leave Customs.
What They’re Saying
“You need to pack for all seasons, even if you’re visiting in peak summer (December to February).”
12. Japan
Rank Last Year: 19
Why It’s Ranked Highly
Japan is built on order and regimentation. That allows little room for crime or any other form of untoward behavior. It helps explain why its rates of murder and theft are miniscule.
What You Need To Watch Out For
Nightlife districts. The State Department has reports of harassment of American tourists, drink-spiking, and extortion in the entertainment districts of Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro.
What They’re Saying
“Japan doesn't have any bins because people are expected to carry their own rubbish with them, back home. So be mindful of that when you travel around Japan. Bring a day bag with you.”
13. France
Rank Last Year: 16
Why It’s Ranked Highly
France gets good marks for transportation safety (driving in Paris is the exception) and safety from disease epidemics. Safety from terrorism? Not so much.
What You Need To Watch Out For
Demonstrations occur frequently, and for many different reasons – political or economic issues, international events, labor unrest, holidays, and international events. Demonstrations are unpredictable and can turn violent, so check local media for updates, be flexible about travel around demonstrations, and keep your distance, since authorities are not above using water cannon or chemicals to disperse crowds.
What They’re Saying
“Watch out for … American fast-food outlets where tourists may gravitate because of their familiarity, places like McDonald's or Subway. The issue here isn't crowds but beware of other ‘friendly tourists’ who might approach you.”
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash
14. Spain
Rank Last Year: 11
Why It’s Ranked Highly
Its cities traditionally rank high for safety, and any place not named Ibiza has a laid-back Mediterranean attitude. Also, a crime rate of 48.8 per 100,000 people is remarkable for any country, much less one as heavily touristed as Spain.
What You Need To Watch Out For
Passport safety. Passports have been stolen on planes heading to Spain, and passport thefts are also frequent in the major cities. Make sure you have a copy of your passport in a secure place when you travel to Spain, and know the contact information for the nearest embassy or consulate.
What They’re Saying
“As with any major city, when you’re visiting places like Barcelona and Madrid, keep an eye on your purse and pockets. Be wary of anyone approaching you to ask a question, or someone bumping into you. Don’t be paranoid, but be aware.”
15. Brazil
Rank Last Year: 42
Why It’s Ranked Highly
An unexpected entry into the top 15, Brazil gets high marks from survey respondents for women/people-of-color/LGBTQ+ travel safety, and reasonable marks for safety from terrorism.
What You Need To Watch Out For
The borders. According to the State Department, traveling to the regions where Brazil borders its neighbors – including Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay – is not recommended because of the high levels of crime and gang activity in these regions.
What They’re Saying
“Here is my recommendation for anyone who would worry about their safety while travelling in Brazil solo: get yourself out there. Book that flight and do not hesitate one second. The wonders of Brazil are definitely open to anyone who wants to discover them and if you take care of yourself, Brazil will take care of you.”
– NomadHer
TRAVEL SAFETY HAS MULTIPLE DIMENSIONS
Because people who had actually visited specific countries do our safety ratings, we felt comfortable asking them about multiple aspects of travel safety, including safety from crime, terrorism, and disease, and safety for groups such as travelers of color and LGBTQ+ travelers.
We used an average of six sub-category scores as the basis for the Safest Places calculation employed above. Here are the top-10 lists for the sub-categories.
Safest Places To Travel – Safety From Violent Crime
- Canada
- Norway
- Denmark
- Ireland
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Japan
- Portugal
- Belgium
- United Kingdom
Belgium and Portugal are newcomers to the top 10 in this category.
Photo by Alex Knight on Unsplash
Safest Places To Travel – Safety From Terrorism
- Canada
- Switzerland
- Norway
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Australia
- Denmark
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Germany
Once again Portugal is the newcomer.
Safest Places To Travel – Transportation Safety
- Canada
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Iceland
- Norway
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Belgium
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
These are countries with either well-developed road and transportation systems (everywhere but Iceland) or a limited need to travel far (Iceland).
Photo by Atoms on Unsplash
Safest Places To Travel – Health Measures
- Canada
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Netherlands
- Ireland
- Belgium
- United Kingdom
- Brazil
- Portugal
- France
Brazil is a surprise newcomer to the top 10. (And just for the record, the United States is included in all our rankings.)
Safest Places To Travel – Women’s/LGBTQ/People of Color Safety
- Canada
- Norway
- Switzerland
- Denmark
- Ireland
- Portugal
- Iceland
- Japan
- Australia
- United Kingdom
Japan makes it back into the top 10 after a year away.
Photo by Jordan Opel on Unsplash
RANKINGS BY AGE AND INCOME
Unlike past years, survey respondents had wildly different perceptions of the world’s safest countries depending on their age and income. After we broke apart the responses, here are some of the categories with the biggest deviation from the overall scores:
Millennial Survey Respondents
- Norway
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- New Zealand
- Portugal
- China
This marks the second consecutive year Millennials have named China one of their safest places to travel.
Gen Z Survey Respondents
- Canada
- United States
- Italy
- Belgium
- Jamaica
- Bahamas
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- Dominican Republic
- Morocco
Gen Z was the one of the few groups to name the U.S. as a top-10 safest country, in addition to outliers like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Morocco.
Respondents With A Household Income Of More Than $200,000
- Portugal
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Bahamas
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- Ireland
- Sweden
- Netherlands
The highest-income travelers favor Portugal – though they think the U.S. is pretty safe, too.
Photo by John T on Unsplash
Respondents Spending More Than $25,000/Year On Travel
- Netherlands
- Hungary
- United Kingdom
- Bahamas
- Portugal
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United States
- Philippines
- Jamaica
Big travel spenders go further afield – hence, the inclusion of Hungary and the Philippines in the rankings.
Mature Survey Respondents
- Iceland
- South Korea
- Sweden
- Japan
- Denmark
- Norway
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- Canada
- Australia
Mature travelers were the only major group to list South Korea among their 10 safest countries – but they think South Korea is really safe.
Parents
- Canada
- Belgium
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Switzerland
- Portugal
- France
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Spain
Once again, much love for Belgium as a family travel destination.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
- Belgium
- Ireland
- China
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Norway
- Australia
- Denmark
- United Kingdom
- New Zealand
A distinctive list for a distinctive group of world travelers.
Final Notes
As a reminder, survey results can be variable.
Regardless of when you feel able to visit the World’s Safest Countries, be sure to choose travel insurance from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection to cover all your travels. Discover what makes our coverage special.
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