Introduction to Safest Countries for Travel
The holiday travel season is approaching, and with it comes the concern for safety while traveling. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has released its list of the safest countries for 2026, with the Netherlands taking the top spot.
Methodology Behind the Rankings
To compile the list, Berkshire Hathaway surveyed 1,800 American travelers, asking them to rank the countries they visit based on safety. The company then combined the survey results with data from the Global Peace Index, Numbeo, and other sources, considering factors such as terrorism, weather emergencies, health concerns, and the safety of underrepresented groups.
What Constitutes Safety
Interestingly, the survey found that safety is not just about the absence of crime. Travelers are also considering access to healthcare, climate stability, and inclusivity when evaluating the safety of a country. This shift in perspective is reflected in the rankings, with countries that excel in these areas scoring higher.
The Safest Countries
The Netherlands took first place, having jumped 13 places since 2024. Travelers praised the country for its health measures, overall safety, and security for female travelers, LGBTQIA+ travelers, and travelers of color. The main danger in the Netherlands comes from fast-moving bicycles, which have their own lanes in cities like Amsterdam.
Top 5 Safest Countries
The top 5 safest countries are:
- Netherlands
- Australia, which received high marks for health measures and security from terrorism
- Austria, which previously did not make the rankings
- Iceland, which slipped from its previous top spot due to the risk of volcanic eruptions
- Canada, which rounded out the top 5
Other Safest Countries
The rest of the top 15 safest countries are:
- New Zealand
- United Arab Emirates
- Switzerland
- Japan
- Ireland
- Belgium
- Portugal
- France
- United Kingdom
- Denmark
Staying Safe While Traveling
To ensure safety while traveling abroad, Berkshire Hathaway recommends registering with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Registration Program (STEP), which allows the department to issue warnings and locate American travelers in the event of an emergency.
