Global Peace Index data was updated on July 1, 2025.
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.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Here are the 10 safest countries according to the GPI 2025 list. Western European countries often top lists for safest countries, but several countries in the Asia-Pacific region also made the cut, including 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. 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 12th place in 2025, up from the 17th spot in 2024. Japan also made Kiplinger's list of the best places to visit where the dollar is strong.
Top 10 safest countries according to GPI 2025
- Iceland*
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Austria
- Switzerland
- Singapore
- Portugal
- Denmark
- Slovenia
- Finland
*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. Although a similar statement was not issued in 2025, it's still a good idea to follow the previous year's precautions. For more tips on how to stay safe when traveling, visit the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association's website.
Political risk can change quickly. On June 22, 2025, the Department of State issued a Worldwide Caution Security Alert advising U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution, due to the conflicts between Israel and Iran.
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.
Medication Tip: To avoid having medications confiscated at the border, follow our guide if you plan to bring medications along with you on international travel.
Use a travel agent. For an extra layer of security, organize your trip through a travel agent or tour operator in lieu of online booking sites like Expedia. 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. Travel agents can ensure your bookings are secure, reducing the risk of scams or last-minute cancellations. Having a professional advocate in your corner can make all the difference when navigating unfamiliar destinations.
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.
Before you leave, carefully review the policy details, including coverage limits, exclusions, and whether trip interruptions due to civil unrest, natural disasters, or health emergencies are included. Purchasing a "Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) policy can offer even broader protection, though it typically comes with higher premiums.
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.
Read More
-
3 Ways High-Income Earners Can Maximize Their Charitable Donations in 2025Tax Deductions New charitable giving tax rules will soon lower your deduction for donations to charity — here’s what you should do now.
-
Another State Quietly Bans Capital Gains Taxes: Will Others Follow?Capital Gains A constitutional amendment blocking future taxes on realized and unrealized capital could raise interesting questions for other states.
-
Protect Your Family From Costly Festive Fails With These Holiday TipsHaving people over this holiday season? Before opening the door to guests, here are some perils to prepare for in advance.
-
What's Next for the Fed — as an Institution?The U.S. central bank was already contending with economic challenges. Now comes a political one.
-
When an Extended Car Warranty is Worth It — and When it's NotGot the "we're trying to reach you about your car's extended warranty" call? Here's what you need to know before buying.
-
No-Penalty CD or High-Yield Savings? What Works Best NowDiscover which option can help you reach your savings goals quickly.
-
Seven Practical Steps to Kick Off Your 2026 Financial PlanningIt's time to stop chasing net worth and start chasing real worth. Here's how to craft a plan that supports your well-being today and in the future.
-
Are You Saving Too Much for Retirement? Know These Surprising DownsidesYour money may be better served outside of a retirement account.
-
Dental Cost Advice for New Retirees, From a New RetireeWhat I faced in my first dental bill after retiring.
-
Fish and Chips? More Like Fish and a Side of Customer Confusion and AngerYou expect chips — French fries, actually — to come with your order of fish and chips? Think again. This restaurant could be violating the truth-in-menu laws.
