In an increasingly unpredictable world, the desire to explore new destinations remains strong. Despite global uncertainties ranging from geopolitical tensions to concerns about safety and security, international travel is experiencing a significant rebound. The UN World Tourism Organization reports an 11% increase in international arrivals in 2024 compared to the previous year, signaling a robust appetite for global exploration. However, this eagerness to travel is now coupled with a heightened awareness of safety. For discerning travelers, understanding which countries offer the most secure environments is paramount when planning their next adventure.
To address this need for reliable safety information, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) has released its seventh annual “Safest Countries in the World” report for 2025. This comprehensive ranking serves as an invaluable resource for travelers seeking destinations where safety and well-being are prioritized. By analyzing a combination of traveler sentiment and data from reputable sources, the BHTP report offers a data-driven perspective on global safety, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
This report evaluates 42 of the world’s most popular travel destinations, drawing upon insights from American travelers’ experiences and leveraging data from respected global indices like the Global Peace Index, Numbeo, and GeoSure Global. This multi-faceted approach allows BHTP to rank countries based on critical safety factors, including crime rates, terrorism risks, and the robustness of healthcare systems. Carol Mueller, Vice President at BHTP, explains, “We combine this data with survey results to calculate a weighted score that reflects each country’s overall safety. The rankings shown reflect the weighted scores.”
It’s important to note that while the BHTP list is meticulously compiled, it serves as a guide and not an absolute guarantee of safety. Unforeseen events like isolated acts of terrorism or natural disasters are inherently unpredictable and not factored into the rankings. The report itself advises caution, stating, “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.” Current events, such as regional conflicts, can significantly impact the immediate safety of a destination.
Iceland: Crowned the Safest Country for 2025
Iceland has emerged as the safest country to travel to in 2025, climbing from ninth place in the previous year’s rankings. This ascent to the top spot highlights Iceland’s consistent commitment to safety and security. Despite recent geological activity, including volcanic eruptions and concerns about ice cave collapses, Iceland maintains an exceptionally low crime rate and a peaceful societal structure. The BHTP report even points to Iceland’s unique geography and infrastructure as contributing factors to its safety. The country’s primary ring road, Route 1, which encircles the island, minimizes traffic congestion and related accidents. As the report humorously notes, “Logic dictates that it’s hard to have traffic accidents if you don’t have traffic.” Furthermore, the Icelandic people’s calm and collected approach to natural events contributes to a sense of overall security.
While survey respondents ranked Iceland highly across various safety attributes, including low violent crime, transportation safety, healthcare quality, and safety for women and people of color, its overall top ranking is attributed to the incorporation of broader safety measures. GeoSure Global, for example, consistently rates Icelandic cities as exceptionally safe across all measured dimensions. Numbeo recognizes Iceland’s remarkably low crime rates, and the Global Peace Index consistently places Iceland at the top for its minimal levels of militarization and incarceration. This consistent performance across multiple safety metrics solidifies Iceland’s position as the safest country for travelers in 2025.
The Top 15 Safest Countries for Travel in 2025
The complete list of the top 15 safest countries for 2025, according to the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection report, provides a valuable guide for planning secure international trips:
- Iceland
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- Switzerland
- New Zealand
- Germany
- Norway
- Japan
- Denmark
- Portugal
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- Netherlands
- Sweden
This list showcases a strong representation from European nations, alongside countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Japan, all renowned for their high standards of living and safety.
Australia secures the second position in the rankings, recognized for its geographical isolation and low crime rates. However, the report advises travelers to exercise caution regarding Australia’s unique wildlife, which includes potentially dangerous creatures like venomous jellyfish and crocodiles.
Canada, which held the top spot in the previous year’s report, now ranks third. Its vast wilderness and low population density contribute to its low crime rates. However, similar to Australia, travelers in Canada should be mindful of potential wildlife encounters, particularly in national parks and along major roadways.
Ireland and Switzerland round out the top five, claiming the fourth and fifth positions respectively. Ireland is celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere and overall safety, while Switzerland is known for its efficient infrastructure and orderly cities. However, the report notes the increasing risk of avalanches and landslides in the Swiss Alps due to climate change.
New Zealand makes a notable return to the top 10, climbing to sixth place. Its remote location and stringent biosecurity measures contribute to its low crime rates. Germany also demonstrates a significant improvement, moving up to seventh place from 18th, reflecting the continued safety of its cities and the even greater security of its rural areas.
Conversely, some countries experienced a slight dip in the rankings. The United Kingdom fell from sixth to 13th place, and the Netherlands dropped from fifth to 14th, partly attributed to concerns about drug policies in urban centers.
Notably, the United States does not appear in the top 15 safest countries. Carol Mueller from BHTP explains that while the U.S. performs better in survey-based rankings, its overall position is lower when broader safety measures are considered.
Category-Specific Safety Rankings
The BHTP report goes beyond overall rankings, providing valuable insights into specific safety categories, allowing travelers to prioritize their particular concerns.
Safest Countries for Violent Crime
For travelers particularly concerned about violent crime, the following countries rank highest:
- Norway
- Canada
- Australia
- Ireland
- Iceland
- New Zealand
- United Arab Emirates
- Germany
- Italy
- Portugal
Norway leads in this category, followed closely by Canada and Australia, highlighting the safety and security of these nations in terms of violent crime.
Safest Countries from Terrorism
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) tops the list as the safest country from terrorism, marking the first time the UAE has led in any safety category in the BHTP report. The rankings for safety from terrorism are:
- United Arab Emirates
- Canada
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Norway
- Iceland
- Japan
- Switzerland
- Portugal
The UAE’s top ranking reflects its significant efforts in maintaining security and stability, making it a safe destination in terms of terrorism risks.
Safest Countries for Transportation Safety
Canada and Australia are recognized as the safest countries for transportation, sharing a common characteristic of vast road networks traversing sparsely populated areas. The safest countries for transportation are:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- Denmark
- Germany
- Japan
- Iceland
- Italy
- Portugal
These rankings emphasize the importance of infrastructure and road safety in these countries, contributing to a secure travel experience.
Safest Countries for Health Measures
Canada also leads as the safest country for health measures, reflecting its well-developed and efficient healthcare system. The top countries for health measures are:
- Canada
- Norway
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- Italy
- Australia
- Iceland
- Germany
- United Arab Emirates
- Portugal
This category highlights countries with robust healthcare infrastructure, crucial for traveler well-being and peace of mind.
Safest Countries for Women, LGBTQIA+ Travelers, and People of Color
New Zealand is recognized as the safest country for women, LGBTQIA+ travelers, and people of color, indicating a welcoming and inclusive environment for diverse travelers. The rankings for this category are:
- New Zealand
- Canada
- Ireland
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- Costa Rica
- Iceland
- Norway
- Germany
- Italy
This category emphasizes countries committed to inclusivity and safety for all travelers, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.
Safe Travel Hall of Fame
To acknowledge countries with a consistent track record of safety, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has established a Safe Travel Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes countries that have consistently ranked within the top 10 safest countries since 2018. The inductees, listed in no particular order, are:
- Switzerland
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Iceland
- Norway
- Ireland
- Japan
These countries have demonstrated a sustained commitment to safety, making them reliable choices for travelers seeking secure destinations year after year.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety in Your Travel Plans
As you plan your travels for 2025, the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection “Safest Countries” report offers valuable insights to help you prioritize safety and security. Whether you prioritize overall safety, low crime rates, or specific concerns like health measures or inclusivity, this report provides data-driven rankings to guide your decisions. While Iceland takes the top spot overall, numerous countries across the globe offer secure and welcoming environments for travelers. By consulting resources like the BHTP report and staying informed about current events, you can confidently embark on your next adventure with peace of mind, knowing you’ve chosen one of the Safest Countries To Travel To.
