The Safest Countries in the World for Your Worry-Free Vacation
For many years, the perfect trip was defined by stunning weather, luxurious accommodation, or exciting tourist attractions. Today, one factor increasingly outweighs them all when choosing a destination: security.
With relentless news about global conflicts, rising crime rates, and political instability, travelers are prioritizing destinations where they can feel tranquil and enjoy their trip without sudden worries. Knowing a country is safe brings a profound sense of calm, allowing you to plan your vacation with confidence and truly relax and enjoy every moment.
Understanding the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025
This essential list of safe travel destinations is sourced from the latest Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025, an annual report produced by the authoritative Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP).
The GPI ranks 163 independent states and territories using 23 different indicators that measure the state of peace across three main domains: Societal Safety and Security, the extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, and the level of Militarisation. This rigorous approach makes the GPI the definitive metric for global safety.
The Top 5 Safest Countries in the World
According to the 2025 report, these five countries stand out as the safest places to travel, scoring exceptionally high due to their solid institutions, low corruption, and efficient infrastructure:
| Rank | Country | Core Safety Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iceland | Consistently the world’s most peaceful nation; renowned for negligible crime and high social trust. |
| 2 | Ireland | A high degree of political stability combined with famously welcoming communities. |
| 3 | New Zealand | The highest-ranked country in the Asia-Pacific region, known for its isolation and strong governance. |
| 4 | Austria | Excellent scores in social welfare, internal stability, and low violent crime rates. |
| 5 | Switzerland | Backed by a tradition of neutrality, highly efficient infrastructure, and strong rule of law. |
The Extended List: Ranks 6 through 20
While the top five offer unparalleled peace of mind, the following fifteen countries also score exceptionally high on the GPI, offering a wide array of safe, stable, and highly rewarding travel experiences across the globe.
| GPI Rank | Country | Key Travel Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Singapore | Asia’s urban sanctuary, known for order, efficiency, and strict law enforcement. |
| 7 | Portugal | A top-tier European choice, offering a relaxed environment and consistent stability. |
| 8 | Denmark | Famous for high public trust, social welfare, and a peaceful, hygge-focused culture. |
| 9 | Slovenia | A stable, green gem of Central Europe, ideal for safe nature and mountain adventures. |
| 10 | Finland | One of the world’s happiest countries, characterized by safety, cleanliness, and low social inequality. |
| 11 | Czechia | A stable, landlocked European hub with low levels of political conflict. |
| 12 | Canada | North America's safest nation, highly regarded for tolerance and peaceful internal relations. |
| 13 | Germany | Strong governance and infrastructure, making major cities reliably safe and orderly. |
| 14 | Belgium | A highly developed nation with effective safety measures and a central European location. |
| 15 | Norway | High social cohesion and low crime, perfect for exploring the serene fjords and northern landscapes. |
| 16 | Japan | Asia’s second safest country; known for politeness, order, and minimal violent crime. |
| 17 | Australia | Stable politics and a safe, accessible environment for travelers exploring vast nature. |
| 18 | Sweden | Excellent scores in safety and security, despite its proximity to global conflict areas. |
| 19 | Slovak Republic | A stable, lesser-known European destination offering a safe environment for cultural discovery. |
| 20 | Qatar | One of the safest nations in the Middle East, with extremely low crime rates, particularly for visitors. |
Conclusion: Investing in Tranquility
The search for the perfect holiday shouldn't require trading excitement for safety. By choosing a destination from this list, you are investing in a worry-free experience that allows you to fully connect with the local culture and create lasting memories. These nations prove that stability and peace are the foundations of great travel.