These are the 15 safest countries and cities to visit in 2026

A recent report from Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection named the world’s safest travel destinations for 2026.
The rankings are based on multiple data sources and surveys of American travelers who have visited the locations.

For many travelers, safety plays a deciding role in whether or not they should visit a destination.

In the 2024 State of Travel Survey by McKinsey, 81% of respondents said safety and security at a destination is their most important factor in making travel decisions, ranking it as the top concern.

To help travelers figure out where to go, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) released its 2026 State of Travel Insurance Safest Destinations report on Oct. 15. Since 2016, the travel insurance company has created this rating, basing it off data from the Global Peace Index, Numbeo and GeoSure Global scores. BHTP also used input from 1,838 surveyed American travelers who visited the ranked countries in the last five years.

“Today’s travelers are prioritizing their safety more than ever,” Carol Mueller, head of marketing at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, told USA TODAY in a statement. “The 2026 State of Travel Insurance Safest Destinations report not only highlights locations where travelers feel most secure, but also serves as a trusted resource for making informed choices about where to explore next.”

This year’s top 10 saw some notable changes compared to last, including some newcomers like Austria and the United Arab Emirates. Iceland lost its title as the world’s safest destination, replaced by the Netherlands, which climbed from last year’s spot as 14th thanks to its high level of safety, especially for travelers of color, women and LGBTQ+ people.

However, travelers should keep in mind that a place’s safety is always in flux, and the list only captures a snapshot in time. Major events that impact safety and security can happen after the list has been determined, according to BHTP. No matter where they go, people should always travel smartly.

Here’s what the report said.