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These are the 15 safest countries in the world to travel to in 2026 (and Spain misses out)
Safety is not the most exotic destination, but it is the most sought-after.
In uncertain times, the new ranking by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) reveals which countries offer something money cannot always buy: peace of mind. And this year’s big surprise is that the Netherlands has been crowned the safest country in the world to travel to in 2026, displacing Iceland, which had dominated the podium for almost a decade.
The leap is historic: in 2024, the Dutch did not even feature in the top ten. According to the report, their rise is due to a stable social climate, excellent public healthcare and an inclusive culture that makes all travellers feel welcome, especially women and LGBTQ+ people. “It is a peace-loving country,” the study concludes.
Australia retains second place thanks to its blend of order and wild beauty: a place where kangaroos roam free and crime statistics remain at low levels. Austria, making its debut in the ranking, takes bronze with its reputation for Alpine calm, political stability and European efficiency.
Iceland, the perennial number one, drops to fourth place, followed by Canada and New Zealand, two classics of safe tourism. The top 10 is rounded off by the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Japan and Ireland, where hospitality remains a matter of national pride.
The report combines the perceptions of thousands of travellers with data from the Global Peace Index and other safety metrics. And the result leaves no room for doubt: Europe remains the calmest continent on the planet, although with one striking exception — Spain does not appear on the list.
The complete ranking of the safest countries to travel to in 2026 is:
Netherlands
Australia
Austria
Iceland
Canada
New Zealand
United Arab Emirates
Switzerland
Japan
Ireland
Belgium
Portugal
France
United Kingdom
Denmark
The conclusion is clear: if what you are looking for on your next trip is to sleep with the hotel door open, pack your bags and head north. There, calm remains a national value.