Global Peace Index data was updated on July 5, 2024.
Planning international travel? Make sure you know the safest countries to visit based on solid data, not just sensational news reports. And when in doubt, check some of the travel advisory sites provided here for a full picture of a country's safety profile.
The 10 safest countries may surprise you
There are many ways to measure security at the country level, but one of the most comprehensive assessments is the annual Global Peace Index (GPI). The GPI crunches data on violent crime rates, perceptions of crime, violent demonstrations, terrorist attacks and more.
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Here are the 10 safest countries according to the GPI 2024 list. Western European countries often top lists for safest countries, but several countries in the Asia-Pacific region also made the cut, including Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore. New Zealand is known for breathtaking natural settings that served as backdrops when filming The Lord of the Rings. While Singapore tends to be expensive, Malaysia has a strong tourist industry and is more affordable. One lesser-traveled European country on the list, Slovenia, offers ski resorts, castles and outdoor adventures such as exploring a warren of caves or hiking in the mountains.
Portugal is also on Kiplinger's list of the 10 cheapest countries to visit.
Although Japan has fallen out of the top ten safest countries, it now ranks a respectable 17th place and is also on Kiplinger's list of the best places to visit where the dollar is strong.
Top 10 safest countries according to GPI 2024
- Iceland*
- Ireland
- Austria
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- Portugal
- Denmark
- Slovenia
- Malaysia
*Iceland continues to be a very safe destination, but travelers should be aware of volcanic and seismic activity in the Reykjanes peninsula that started in November 2023. Some attractions, such as the famous Blue Lagoon Resort, may be closed. For updates, see reports from Iceland's SafeTravel website, or download the app. You may also wish to check the Icelandic Met Office. Although the Keflavik International Airport is near the potential volcanic eruption, The New York Times reports that flights are unlikely to be grounded by ash clouds, as in 2010 when an Icelandic volcano erupted. Nevertheless, travelers should monitor their flights, on-ground reservations and volcanic forecasts as the situation evolves.
How to check if your destination is safe
Before you avoid a destination because it scores poorly on the Global Peace Index, know that for most travelers “the actual risks are more mundane,” says Matthew Bradley, formerly of International SOS, a medical and travel security services company.
In most places, you’re likelier to experience petty theft, traffic accidents or gastrointestinal problems than a terrorist attack. Instead of writing off certain places because of bad press, use these strategies to judge a destination.
Check government advisories. To review the U.S. Department of State’s advice for travelers, go to the Travel Advisories page and search for the country you wish to visit. Each country is rated one of four levels, with Level 1 advising travelers to “exercise normal precautions” and Level 4 indicating “do not travel.”
Read the full advisory and the Safety and Security section, because these write-ups describe the severity of the dangers you could face and drill down into regions or cities that carry higher — or lower — risks than elsewhere in the country. The State Department also offers the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), where you can sign up for safety alerts and register with the local embassy. Enrolling in STEP is a good idea if you are visiting a riskier country.
Sometimes advisories issue alarming warnings, such as “terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks” or “pickpockets and purse-snatchers operate aggressively,” even in seemingly benign countries. But be aware that the advisories “err on the side of caution,” says Bradley. Ted Blank, a travel agent in Stillwater, Minnesota, recommends cross-checking the State Department’s perspective with travel advisories written by other governments, such as the United Kingdom’s page on Foreign Travel Advice.
Balance government reports with guidebooks and other objective resources. GeoSure is a smartphone app that scores cities and neighborhoods worldwide on risk factors, such as the risk from theft or physical assault, women’s safety and LGBTQ+ safety. Scores range from 1 to 100, with higher numbers indicating a greater degree of safety. Fodor's also offers tips for women traveling abroad, such as packing portable door locks and personal alarms.
Those planning to attend LGBTGQ+ events, especially Pride parades and events, should take extra caution this year. The U.S. State Department issued a global security alert on May 18, 2024, saying it is aware of the "increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events and advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution." The State Department offers travel advice for LGBTQ+ travelers. For more tips on how to stay safe when traveling, visit the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association's website.
Political risk can change quickly. If a hotel you booked is in the thick of alarming news reports, call and ask what precautions the staff recommends for guests, rather than simply asking, “Is it safe?” says Michael McCall, professor of hospitality marketing at Michigan State University.
Avoid illness. For older adults or patients with weakened immune systems, consider avoiding countries, especially rural areas, with poor public health systems and active outbreaks of diseases like dengue or COVID. You can check the CDC Destinations website for travel advisories, outbreaks, required immunizations and other information for each country. Keep in mind that malaria is endemic in much of the world and may require prophylactics. You also might consider getting travel medical insurance.
Use a travel agent. For an extra layer of security, organize your trip through a travel agent or tour operator. Travel agents can give you real-time information from local contacts, distinguish secure tourist zones in the midst of sketchier regions, and help you adjust your itinerary. A reputable tour operator (start your search at www.ustoa.com) will have on-the-ground partners to help assess the safety of upcoming trips and reroute you as necessary.
Before you go
Travel insurance may help you recoup the costs of canceling your trip or cutting it short, depending on the circumstances. Most insurers exclude countries under U.S. sanctions for national security or other reasons; some insurers also impose higher premiums and certain restrictions on “high-risk” countries.
Finally, if an outbreak of violence, disease or a natural disaster is standing in the way of your trip, try to negotiate a refund or credit directly with your airline or hotel. “Companies often evaluate these situations on a case-by-case basis,” says Misty Belles, managing director of global public relations for Virtuoso, a luxury-focused network of travel agencies.
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